Quick Overview: Therapy can include relaxation techniques, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Autogenic training is described by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health as a relaxation technique involving mental exercises, relaxation-focused ideas, and autosuggestion. However, the available information does not establish that autogenic training is included in psychotherapy generally or in any particular service. If you are considering a service, you can ask whether autogenic training is discussed or offered and how the provider uses that term.
Understanding Autogenic Training
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes autogenic training as a series of mental exercises involving relaxation and ideas a person suggests to themselves, also called autosuggestion. In this description, the mind focuses on the body’s experience of relaxation.
The same source includes autogenic training among relaxation techniques. It describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to bring about the body’s “relaxation response,” characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. This description explains the category used by the source; it does not establish what any person will experience with autogenic training.
Autosuggestion is part of the description
Autosuggestion is specifically part of the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health’s description of autogenic training. The source describes mental exercises that use relaxation-focused ideas to direct attention toward bodily relaxation.
This information can clarify what the term means in a general-education context. It does not establish a required sequence of exercises, a particular setting, or whether a therapist uses autogenic training in their work.
Relaxation techniques are not all the same practice
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes several relaxation techniques. Progressive relaxation involves tensing different muscles and then releasing the tension. Guided imagery involves picturing objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness and attempting to produce a similar feeling in the body. Breathing exercises may involve focusing on slow, deep breaths.
These descriptions distinguish the techniques from autogenic training. A broad reference to relaxation techniques does not identify which technique, if any, is being discussed.
What the Available Information Says About Therapy
The National Institute of Mental Health describes psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It states that therapists may use a primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches, depending on their training, the condition being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment.
The National Institute of Mental Health lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques among possible elements of psychotherapy. Meditation and breathing exercises are examples in its description. This supports the statement that relaxation techniques can be included in psychotherapy.
Relaxation techniques may be elements of psychotherapy
The available information supports a general connection between psychotherapy and relaxation techniques. It does not specifically list autogenic training as an element of psychotherapy.
That distinction is important. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health identifies autogenic training as a relaxation technique, while the National Institute of Mental Health says psychotherapy may include relaxation techniques. Neither statement confirms that autogenic training itself is included in therapy in every setting.
General education cannot confirm a specific service
A general description of autogenic training cannot confirm whether it is discussed, offered, or used by a particular therapist or practice. It also cannot establish how a provider would describe the role of relaxation techniques in an individual service.
A preliminary conversation can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with a therapist, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Questions about a provider’s approach, the rationale for that approach, and its evidence base are among the questions the organization lists for prospective therapists.
Reflection Questions for Learning More
The table below lists questions that may clarify the information you want to request about autogenic training in therapy.
| Reflection question | Information to clarify |
|---|---|
| What do I understand autogenic training to mean? | Whether the discussion concerns mental exercises, autosuggestion, and attention to the body’s experience of relaxation. |
| Am I asking about autogenic training or relaxation techniques more broadly? | Whether the question concerns a named technique or the wider category of relaxation practices. |
| What terms would I like explained in plain language? | How a provider uses terms such as relaxation technique, mindfulness, meditation, breathing exercise, or autogenic training. |
| What do I want to know about the service? | Whether autogenic training is discussed or offered within that service. |
| What would I like to know about the provider’s approach? | How the provider describes the role of relaxation techniques, if any, in their work. |
Questions can distinguish categories from services
Autogenic training and psychotherapy are connected in the available information through the broader category of relaxation techniques. That connection does not confirm that every relaxation technique is part of every psychotherapy service.
Questions can keep that boundary visible. For example, a person can ask whether autogenic training is part of the service they are considering, whether another relaxation technique is discussed, and how the provider defines the approach.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. Questions may include:
- Do you discuss or use autogenic training in individual therapy?
- How do you define autogenic training?
- Do you use relaxation techniques in your work?
- What relaxation techniques, if any, do you discuss?
- How would you describe the approach used in individual therapy?
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives among its services. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy. Its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through the contact details or form on that page.
The available practice facts do not confirm that Rooted Integrative Therapy offers autogenic training. A consultation call provides an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
FAQs
Can therapy include autogenic training as a relaxation technique?
Therapy can include relaxation techniques, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Autogenic training is described as a relaxation technique by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. The available information does not establish that autogenic training is specifically included in psychotherapy.
Is autogenic training the same as mindfulness?
The supplied information does not define autogenic training as mindfulness. The National Institute of Mental Health lists mindfulness and relaxation techniques as possible elements of psychotherapy. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes autogenic training as mental exercises involving relaxation and autosuggestion.
Does Rooted Integrative Therapy offer autogenic training?
The verified practice facts do not confirm that autogenic training is offered. The practice’s FAQs describe a consultation call as an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
What can I ask about relaxation techniques in therapy?
You can ask whether autogenic training is discussed or offered, how the provider defines it, and what relaxation techniques, if any, are part of the service you are considering.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to ask about services at Rooted Integrative Therapy, its Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests. Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person services near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.