Q: What is Autogenic Therapy?
A: Autogenic Therapy is a simple self-help Mind/Body relaxation technique that allows you to put yourself into a state of very profound relaxation
Q: Isn’t that like meditation?
A: Yes it is similar to meditation in many ways. One major difference between Autogenic Therapy (AT) and meditation is that AT is completely non-religious and is not related to any religion or religious belief
Q: So how does it work?
A: It’s very simple. We know what physical sensations people experience when in a state of deep relaxation. AT allows people to get comfortable and then suggest to their bodies that they are experiencing the same type of sensations felt by people in deep meditative relaxation. You establish mental contact with different parts of your body and achieve a peaceful state of passive awareness and acceptance, which effectively turns off your body’s “fight or flight” response and switches on its “relaxation response” and puts you into a very profound relaxed state
Q: If it’s that simple, can’t I just teach it to myself from a book?
A: Well it is simple, but that doesn’t mean it’s easy to learn and that you won’t have a lot of questions to ask while you are learning. The British Autogenic Society (BAS) firmly encourages you to learn from a qualified teacher but after completing the course you will have a toolkit that you can use for the rest of your life that will help you to help yourself, maintain a healthy balance and deal with stress
Q: How many lessons do I need to have to learn AT?
A: An AT Course comprises 9 lessons plus a Pre-Course Assessment and a Post-Course Review session. Each lesson lasts between 45 – 60 minutes
Q: What do I have to do?
A: You will be taught a series of brief, simple mental exercises which you will ideally practice for no more than 10-15 minutes every day and you will be able to do your AT exercises almost anywhere – at home, in bed, on the train or at the office
Q: Can I learn it in a group?
A: Yes, groups are a good and economical way to learn AT and you can benefit from the shared experience of your fellow group members. The length of each group session tends to be around 2 hours and the ideal size of a group is 8 or less
Q: How long has Autogenic Therapy been around?
A: AT was developed in Germany during the 1920’s by a neurologist and psychiatrist Dr Johannes Schultz. But of course the physical, mental and even spiritual benefits of meditation have been known for thousands of years
Q: What does the medical profession think of Autogenic Therapy?
A: Unlike most forms of complementary medicine, many leading doctors have recommended Autogenic Therapy
Q: Can I get Autogenic Therapy on the NHS?
A: Yes you can, but unfortunately the provision of Autogenic Therapy on the NHS is not widespread. It’s available at the Royal London Homeopathic Hospital. All you need is a referral letter from your GP
Q: If it’s simple and effective why isn’t it more available?
A: That’s hard to answer given how effective AT has proved in terms of alleviating stress and its associated symptoms. There are now around 80 BAS trained and qualified teachers of AT practicing throughout the UK
Q: Can I speak to you before making an appointment?
A: You are welcome to phone me on my mobile (07812 057753) and I will be more than happy to answer all your questions. Please email me at grevillewaterman@gmail.com or consult my website at www.howtobeatstress.co.uk