British Autogenic Society

I trained in ‘77/’78 in psychotherapy and therapeutic hypnosis (with a now-defunct association) in London, and left for the Scottish Highlands to set up in practice. Eighteen months later I came across AT while attending a conference and understood its potential immediately, so trained (one of the first dozen or so therapists to train in the UK) and eventually moved to London to work at a clinic in Harley Street. My interest in hypnosis dissipated. I was on the steering committee for the British Association for Autogenic Training and Therapy (pre-British Autogenic Society) and was a lecturer and tutor on the first training courses from 1982-6. I learnt a lot during those ten years in London, teaching AT to a wide variety of people of all ages and backgrounds. I’ve taught 8 yr. olds with learning difficulties to 80 yr. olds needing heart by-passes, with everyone in between.

I now work from home on a one-to-one basis. Although I’m a purist in my teaching of AT, I like a relaxed, informal approach, so my clients are nearly always greeted by my grinning retriever holding his squeaky "mobile phone" in his mouth, ready for everyone’s approval, while I put the kettle on!

In January next year I shall have taught AT for 20 years and my respect and affection for this potent technique remains undimmed. I have seen people grow and discover their true potential in so many different ways that I still feel a frisson of anticipation when I begin a new course with a new person.

The Heimler Counselling supports the Autogenic process if needed and, after my AT course finishes, has proven invaluable in helping people to answer the questions about their lives which AT might have raised. It must be the fastest problem solver in the West! They should make both techniques part of the National Curriculum!

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