Yes. Autogenic training and guided imagery can both be described as relaxation techniques. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health identifies autogenic training as mental exercises involving relaxation and autosuggestion. It describes guided imagery, also called visualization, as picturing objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness and attempting to produce a similar feeling in the body.
Quick Overview: Both practices fit within the broad category of relaxation techniques, but they use different kinds of mental focus. Autogenic training centers on mental exercises and autosuggestion related to relaxation. Guided imagery centers on picturing calming objects, scenes, or events. Sharing a category does not mean the practices are the same, that they must be used together, or that either will fit every person or situation.
Understanding Relaxation Techniques
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes relaxation techniques as practices intended to help bring about the body’s “relaxation response.” That response is characterized by slower breathing, lower blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. The source contrasts the relaxation response with the stress response.
The same source lists several types of relaxation techniques. These include progressive relaxation, autogenic training, guided imagery, biofeedback-assisted relaxation, self-hypnosis, and breathing exercises. Being listed in the same category does not make these practices interchangeable. The source gives separate descriptions for each one.
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques. It names meditation and breathing exercises as examples. This general description does not establish that relaxation techniques will be part of every psychotherapy experience or that a particular technique will be used in individual therapy.
Autogenic Training Uses Mental Exercises
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, called autosuggestion. In this description, the mind focuses on the body’s experience of relaxation.
This definition provides a boundary around the term. It does not specify which mental exercises a person should use, how long a practice should last, how it should be taught, or what a particular person’s experience will be. It also does not establish that autogenic training is appropriate for every concern or setting.
Autogenic training can therefore be discussed accurately as a relaxation technique without adding assumptions about a person’s response, a therapy plan, or expected results.
Guided Imagery Uses Calming Images
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes guided imagery, or visualization, as picturing objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness. The description also states that the person attempts to produce a similar feeling in the body.
The supplied definition does not establish whether guided imagery is delivered by another person, through a recording, in a therapy appointment, or in another format. It also does not establish that everyone finds the same images calming. The source’s description is limited to the use of imagined objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness.
Guided imagery is therefore different from autogenic training in the kind of mental activity described. Guided imagery involves picturing calming material, while autogenic training involves mental exercises and autosuggestion focused on the body’s experience of relaxation.
What It Means for Both Practices to Be Relaxation Techniques
Calling both practices relaxation techniques is a classification supported by the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. It does not mean they are identical. It also does not answer whether a person should choose one practice, use both, or use neither.
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health discusses several relaxation techniques and notes that relaxation techniques are studied in different contexts. The information provided does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader. It also does not establish a preferred order for learning techniques or a standard way to combine them.
The National Institute of Mental Health explains that psychotherapy includes a variety of treatments intended to help people identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. It states that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment. That information does not predict the approach of a particular therapist or describe a particular appointment.
Practice Note: Asking About Services and Fit
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.
The practice’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as the first step, with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form. These practice facts do not establish what a consultation will cover beyond that opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Questions for Reflection
| Question | Source-bounded point to keep in view |
|---|---|
| Am I asking about mental exercises involving relaxation and autosuggestion? | This describes autogenic training in the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health material. |
| Am I asking about picturing calming objects, scenes, or events? | This describes guided imagery in the same material. |
| Am I asking whether both practices belong to the category of relaxation techniques? | The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health identifies both as relaxation techniques. |
| Am I assuming that sharing a category makes two practices the same? | The supplied definitions describe different kinds of mental activity. |
| Am I assuming a specific therapy service includes these practices? | The National Institute of Mental Health says psychotherapy can include relaxation techniques, not that every therapy experience does. |
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- How do you describe the services offered at Rooted Integrative Therapy?
- What questions can I ask to consider fit with the practice’s services?
- Do you discuss relaxation techniques in the service I am considering?
- How would you distinguish autogenic training from guided imagery?
- What does a consultation call involve at this practice?
Frequently Asked Questions
Are autogenic training and guided imagery both relaxation techniques?
Yes. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health identifies both as relaxation techniques.
Are autogenic training and guided imagery the same practice?
No. Autogenic training is described as mental exercises involving relaxation and autosuggestion. Guided imagery is described as picturing objects, scenes, or events associated with relaxation or calmness.
Can relaxation techniques be part of psychotherapy?
The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, including meditation and breathing exercises. This does not establish what a particular therapy service will include.
Does this information show which technique is right for me?
No. The supplied source information does not determine personal fit or outcomes for an individual reader.
How can I contact Rooted Integrative Therapy?
The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests using its contact details or form.
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
Rooted Integrative Therapy offers in-person services near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. If you want to ask questions and consider fit, you can request a consultation.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
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.