Autogenic Training

Autogenic Training and Therapy (AT) was developed by a research psychiatrist, Dr Schultz, over 85 years ago. He designed a simple way to induce deep mental relaxation at will, bringing with it remarkable mental and physical benefits.

The original six volumes on Autogenic Therapy, backed up by international Research, were published in seven languages spreading AT widely in Europe, America and Japan; and to the UK in the 1980's. Today it is used around the world as a valuable form of treatment in the fields of medicine, psychiatry and psychotherapy.

AT is also used to enhance performance in competitive Sports, in Business, in Industry and Education, and the Legal and medical professions to counteract stress. Its use has been researched in Airline Pilots & Cabin Crews, in Olympic Athletes, in American and Russian Space Astronauts, School Children, the Metropolitan Police and the London Ambulance Service to name a few.

Why people come to see Autogenic Training practitioners

In contrast to other methods of therapy, AT's system of deep relaxation affects the whole mind-body organism in a very sophisticated way - restoring balance and self-healing, via the natural self-regulation of the brain.

AT has been shown to be an effective tool in preventative medicine and an antidote to stress related disorders. It can relieve tension and insomnia, lessen anxiety and panic attacks, and enhance performance. It is ideal for people with assertiveness problems and it creates a calm centre from which to cope with the stresses of everyday life. AT complements conventional medicine and has been used successfully in the treatment of various medical conditions including asthma, migraine, mixed headaches, fatigue, arthritis, psoriasis, eczema, colitis, IBS, high blood pressure, recovery from heart attack and diabetes. It often leads to a reduction in the need for therapist intervention and medication. AT has been used to help treat infertility after it was found that women who failed to conceive had high levels of the stress hormone prolactin, a natural contraceptive. Studies have also shown significant benefits for those suffering from chronic pain and chronic illness. AT's practical approach shows lasting benefits, and leads to greater self-reliance and increased self-esteem.

The autogenic process involves a significant shift from 'feeling driven' to regaining the 'driver's seat' in life. The therapist's role is to facilitates safely this journey with the client.

A recent survey of people who learnt AT showed they really value the skill of autogenic relaxation - allowing them to feel in control, and empowered and value themselves more highly.

"This experience has helped me understand my past, deal with my present and look forward to my future'; Focus and resilience, and tools to to deal with stress; Control of anxiety and anger; Clear thinking; Better decision making; Dealing with people and situations more effectively; Empowering; Feeling happy again; Better sleep; Ability to switch off after work; Lower stress levels; Relaxation; Self kindness; Connecting to people with empathy and compassion; Enjoying life more; Improved family relationships; Positive attitude; Peace of mind."

How long a typical session lasts and what one can expect during a session.

A typical Autogenic Training session lasts one hour. Your AT Therapist teaches you how to follow and practice at home the AT practices, and encourages and guides you safely through the process. You will be asked to keep a training diary to deepen and enhance your personal process of transformation. Usually people begin to feel the relaxing effects even within the first few days, and these deepen over time with healing results.

How many sessions are typically needed

A course in Autogenic Training involves attending for 8 weekly sessions of 1 hour - usually with a pre-course interview to flag up any personal issues likely to arise during the course.

Regulation in the industry, the training required and a list of some professional associations.

Therapists who teach courses in Autogenic Training are trained and licensed through the British Autogenic Society (BAS) which was set up as the regulating body for Autogenic Training and Therapy in the UK in 1988. BAS is a member of the International Committee of Autogenic Training & Therapy (ICAT); and the International Society of Autogenic Training & Autogenic Psychotherapy (ISATAP).