Our Basic Courses

The Basic Autogenic Training Course

The core of AT is a basic training course during which clients learn simple mental exercises allowing them to enter deep states of relaxation and experience relief from the negative effects of stress.

Many will find that the basic AT course meets their needs for a powerful self-help technique that they can use to manage stress, find a deeper emotional balance and inner well being, and enhance their general health.

Following an initial personal assessment, the AT techniques are learnt over 8 to 10 weekly sessions individually (1 hour) or in small groups (90-120 minutes). The exercises are practised for about 10 minutes three times daily. A brief daily record of experiences is kept so that the therapist can monitor progress.

Standard postures
No special clothing or unusual postures are required. AT is practised in a quiet, comfortable setting in three standard postures: simple sitting posture; reclining armchair posture; horizontal posture.

The exercises consist of the silent repetition of simple formulae, while focusing on different organs of the body. The formulae are designed to focus attention on bodily sensations that are associated with relaxation, and with a ‘rest and digest’ state of the autonomic nervous system: warmth and heaviness in the limbs, warmth in the solar plexus, regularity of heartbeat, and so on.

A state of passive concentration
An essential feature of AT is that the exercises are carried out in a state of passive concentration, in which the conscious self ceases to strive for any particular outcome, and becomes an alert but passive observer, noting all that happens but unconcerned with achievement or results. In this state, natural self-regulatory mechanisms are able to function optimally, leading to a re-balancing of activity between the left- and right-brain hemispheres, and supporting the workings of the immune system.

Passive concentration, with its emphasis on the detached observer, is reminiscent of some systems of meditation and spiritual practice, such as the Buddhist technique of ‘mindfulness’.

However, AT is not a belief system, but a practical tool that each individual will apply in his or her own way.

As the conscious self ceases to become concerned with ‘busyness’, with striving and analysing, and moves into the role of passive observer, it relaxes its role as a censor of unconscious material. Repressed memories and feelings pertaining to disturbing or traumatic life events may begin to surface, as may aches and pains connected with past physical injury. Part of the role of the therapist is to watch closely for signs of such disturbances, and teach the client simple strategies and an attitude of mindful awareness and trust, to allow such disturbing material to be discharged harmlessly.

Enhancing creativity
This enhanced access to unconscious material may explain the contribution AT can make to creativity, and the fact that clients report greater access to imagination and greater ability to remember dreams.

AT as everyday tool
Towards the end of the basic course, clients should be able to practice AT and enter states of relaxation in a variety of everyday situations: while travelling in a train or bus, while having a few minutes free at the office, or while sitting in a dentist’s waiting room, and even in the chair! The regular practice of AT in fairly formal postures and ideal situations allows the benefits to be carried over to a variety of everyday situations, including those which would normally induce stress or alarm. This is when the use of AT as an everyday tool for stress management and for maintaining calm and balance truly comes into its own.

The last training session
During the last training session, the therapist will discuss the way in which additional, personal formulae and exercises can be designed to meet specific needs. This may involve addressing physical problems, such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or migraine, unwanted habits such as smoking or over-eating, or a psychological difficulty such as insomnia or anxiety.
After learning the basic AT techniques, some clients may wish to explore the deep psychotherapeutic or spiritual potential of AT using the advanced techniques of Autogenic Neutralisation or the Meditative Exercises.

 

TOP AT within the NHS

Autogenic Training is one of a wide range of Complementary Therapies available to NHS patients at the Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine (RLHIM). The Autogenic Training Department at the RLHIM was started in 1985. It has since grown and developed, reflecting the increased awareness by both doctors and patients of the delicate balance of Body, Mind and Spirit.

When this balance is disturbed, ill health results. AT is an effective non-drug approach that can be used to help readjust the balance and restore health and well-being.

Most patients attending the hospital have chronic health problems, often responding poorly to conventional medicine. They are referred for AT by other doctors in the hospital when it is clear to both doctor and patient that stress is an important component. They are caught in the ‘Symptom Stress Spiral’:

Stress makes my symptoms worse.
My symptoms stress me out.

 

NEXT COURSE START:

>> Courses run three to four times per year so there is usually one starting within one or two months of any referral.

 

How to be referred for AT by your GP

Patients are also referred for AT by their GPs and by other hospital consultants.

Patients are referred to The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine NHS Trust either by a General Practitioner’s letter or tertiary referral from an NHS hospital consultant to Dr. Ann Bowden, Lead Clinician, Autogenic Therapy, at the hospital.

Referral letters should be sent to the following address:

Autogenic Training, Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine Great Ormond Street London WC1N 3HR
Telephone 020 3448 2001

The Royal London Hospital for Integrated Medicine is conveniently situated in central London close to Russell Square and Holborn Underground stations, and within easy travelling distance from Euston, St. Pancras and Kings Cross Mainline stations.

Reports and Audits
• Autogenic Training: A non-drug approach to anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia. A report on the introduction of Autogenic Training into a Primary Care Group Harrow East and Kingsbury PCG (now Harrow PCT) A report is available on the introduction of AT into a Primary Care Group – the Harrow East and Kingsbury PCG.

By Dr A Bowden, M.B., Ch.B, D.C.H., MFHom
Click here for details.

• Autogenic Training Patient Audit

An audit of patients who have attended the Autogenic Training Clinic showed positive and interesting results.

By Dr A Bowden, M.B., Ch.B, D.C.H., MFHom
Click here for details.

 

 

TOP Advanced Techniques: Advanced AT

DEVELOPING THE AUTOGENIC PROCESS

with Autogenic Meditation, Creativity Mobilisation Technique, Autogenic Neutralisation

Using natural self-help mechanisms to achieve

deep personal transformation and self actualisation.

Autogenic Meditation

Having mastered Autogenic Training to the point where you can switch readily into and maintain the Autogenic state, it is possible to explore some interesting themes in a new group.

Whilst Autogenic Training is concerned with the physiological functions of the various body systems, Autogenic Meditation addresses the mind/psyche systems. Particular themes are introduced which have visual, sensory, memory or emotional content. These include colours, personal and interpersonal values, objects and memories, as well as unconscious and super conscious themes.

Through increasing physical and psychological harmony and helping to develop self awareness Autogenic Meditation can bring about deep personal transformation and self realisation.

Autogenic Meditation Course

8 sessions on a fortnightly basis.

Each session lasts two hours.

The group is of 6 to 8 people, who have completed the Autogenic Training course.

After in-depth discussion, individual guidance and settling into the autogenic state, individuals contemplate themes and their current significance for them.

Minimum twice weekly practice is required.

A diary of the practice is brought to sessions for review.

Once the process is established, individuals can continue using Autogenic Meditation as a self-help approach.

Creativity Mobilisation Technique (CMT)

CMT involves making a series of no-thought “mess paintings” and is concerned with the process and not the product.

The “no thought” state (which develops through practising Autogenic formulae) is the ideal one for CMT painting. The painter attempts to make as big a mess as possible without controlling colour selection or emerging patterns. After a session of no-thought painting, notes of the experience are made.

CMT allows repressed thoughts, memories and emotions to surface spontaneously and to be worked through safely. As difficulties in real life are dealt with, major changes can take place in the client’s life. Greater physical and psychological harmony is achieved and creative powers freed up. CMT also helps to develop self awareness and to fulfil potential.

CMT is a short term, far reaching therapy technique based on the use of powder paint and newspaper.

CMT Course

6 sessions spread over 7 weeks with a break between the last two.

Each session runs for 2 hours.

The group is of 6 to 8 people, who have completed the Autogenic Training course.

Four painting sessions a week are done at home.

Paintings and diary brought to group for review.

Once the process is established individuals can continue using CMT as a self-help approach.

Autogenic Neutralisation

This simple but powerful therapy is undertaken individually with the therapist, who acts as a guide and a support during the process.

Unlike more conventional therapies, Autogenic Neutralisation allows the client to take immediate charge of the process, greatly increasing their independence and confidence.

It is used both for general self-development and as a therapy for a wide range of conditions such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, M.E. and problems stemming from childhood experiences. It is particularly helpful with psychosomatic problems.

Like in Autogenic Training, Autogenic Neutralisation requires passive observation and acceptance. It involves free flowing verbal expression whilst in the autogenic state, the therapist being present to the needs of the client. In the autogenic state the brain knows exactly what issues need addressing and how to resolve these with the minimum of trauma.

The material is taped and then transcribed and commented on at home by the client. This is brought to the next session. The therapist does not interpret the material.

Sessions last about 90 minutes and are initially undertaken on a weekly basis.

Once the process is well established individuals can continue the therapy on their own, consulting the therapist at intervals.

For further information and to arrange an initial consultation please telephone Nida Ingham on 01483 277333.