Counselling and
stress management
in Southampton
Autogenic Therapy
Learn to relax with AT
Developed in the 1930s, AT combines mindful body awareness and self-hypnosis that, with regular practice, could help to reduce stress and promote balance and wellbeing. The term ‘Autogenic' is a bit of a mouthful but it's actually a helpful description of the process. As Auto means self and genic means produced or created, Autogenic Therapy literally means 'self created therapy.' So with AT, you really are your own therapist!
This method is officially called Autogenic Training as there are other methods in the Autogenic family, such as Autogenic Psychotherapy. However, Autogenic Training can be highly therapeutic in it's own right and is often the only Autogenic method that people learn. In light of this, I just call it Autogenic Therapy to acknowledge its healing potential.
'Mindfulness is not complicated,
we just have to remember to do it.'
Sharon Salzberg
Learning AT
What you do
You'd learn four main self-help practices. They build on and support each other to create a comprehensive toolbox of practical and flexible AT exercises. You do the first three mindfulness practices while sitting or lying down with eyes closed.
1 Standard Exercises: There are six of these core, foundation practices which systematically build on each other. Each one takes 10 to 15 minutes and can include an optional body scan.
2 Balancing Exercises: These take between about about 30 seconds and three minutes and often help to calm acute distress.
3 Personal Formulae: Building on the final Standard Exercise, you learn to apply the healing potential of AT to specific issues in your life.
4 Partial Exercises: Done sitting or standing with eyes open, you can use them any time you need a relaxing moment while on the go. Can be used discreetly when with others.
5 Optional Extras: These additional stress-management ideas and activities have helped many of my counselling clients over the years and sit well with AT principles and practices.
If you'd like to try a Standard Exercise taster, please get in touch as this can be offered as part of your initial assessment appointment.
How you learn
If Autogenic Therapy seems right for you:
Either focus on AT as a specific course over two months or take more time and integrate AT with your counselling. Find out more about AT fees and options.
You can learn it on your own or in a small group.
We can adapt sessions to meet your specific needs.
After learning AT, you develop a practice that works for you.
You need to initially commit up to 30/45 minutes every day to really benefit from learning AT.
Find out more
Try a body scan
This is the optional body scan you can do before each Standard Exercise. Why not try it now? It may help you feel more grounded and calm. Go to the body scan page.
Research
Autogenic Dynamics
Dr Ian Ross describes the extensive research and neuroscience that underpins AT and related mindfulness practices.
Online resources
Once we agree that now is a good time for you to learn AT, I'll give you access to the secure site below. This has extensive resources to support your initial and ongoing practice. You need to complete all steps of the AT process, including your follow up review, to gain lifetime access. If you do not do this:
Counselling option: You have one month of access, timed from our last day of contact.
Course option: You have one year of access, timed from the day you started the course.
