Quick Overview: Psychotherapy can include relaxation techniques, including mindfulness, meditation, and breathing exercises, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Guided imagery and autogenic training are two distinct relaxation practices: guided imagery involves picturing calming objects, scenes, or events, while autogenic training uses mental exercises and self-suggestions focused on bodily relaxation. Whether either belongs in your care is an individual question to explore with a therapist.
How Relaxation Techniques Can Fit Within Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy is a broad term, and the National Institute of Mental Health notes that it can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises. That statement describes what psychotherapy can include; it does not mean every therapist, therapy service, or appointment includes relaxation practices.
For a person considering psychotherapy relaxation techniques, it can be useful to separate a general description from a personal decision. A description can clarify what a practice involves. A conversation with a therapist can help you ask whether it is relevant to your goals, preferences, and circumstances.
A practice is an option, not an assumption
Relaxation practices do not need to be treated as a requirement or a test of whether someone is “doing therapy correctly.” You can ask what a therapist means by a particular technique, why it is being raised in the conversation, and whether there are choices about how to proceed.
It is also reasonable to say that you are uncertain, prefer more information first, or would like to discuss something else. These are useful parts of an informed conversation, not barriers to having one.
Practice Note: Choice can include asking questions, requesting a clear explanation, and considering pace before deciding whether to explore a relaxation practice.
Guided Imagery and Autogenic Training: A Clear Distinction
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes both guided imagery and autogenic training as relaxation techniques, but their basic focus differs. Knowing that difference may help you put more precise words to what you are curious about.
Guided imagery uses imagined calming content
Guided imagery involves picturing calming objects, scenes, or events. The focus is on mental images: a person may be invited to bring a calming scene or object to mind.
That definition does not establish what a specific guided-imagery experience will be like for any one person. If the term comes up in therapy, you can ask how the therapist is using it and what participation would involve before deciding whether it feels like something you want to explore.
Autogenic training focuses on self-suggestions and bodily relaxation
Autogenic training uses mental exercises and self-suggestions focused on bodily relaxation. Its description places attention on internally directed words or ideas connected with the body.
This is different from picturing a calming scene or event, which is the defining feature of guided imagery. The two terms should not be used interchangeably simply because both fall under the broad heading of relaxation practices.
Reflection Questions for Considering Relaxation Practices
You do not need to decide in advance whether guided imagery or autogenic training is a fit. A few focused questions can help you prepare for a conversation without making assumptions about what any technique will mean for you.
| Reflection question | Decision factor to discuss with a therapist |
|---|---|
| What am I hoping to understand about this practice? | Whether the conversation is mainly educational, exploratory, or connected to a current therapy goal. |
| Am I more curious about mental images or about mental exercises and self-suggestions? | Whether the description of guided imagery or autogenic training matches the kind of practice you are asking about. |
| What would help me feel informed before trying anything? | The explanation, context, and choices you would like before participating. |
| Are there parts of the practice I want clarified? | What the therapist means by the technique and what it may involve in that setting. |
| What pace would feel workable for me to consider this topic? | How to keep the discussion aligned with your own readiness and questions. |
What the Available Information Does—and Does Not—Tell Us
The NIMH information establishes that psychotherapy can include relaxation techniques; it does not determine which techniques a particular therapist will use or whether a practice is suitable for a particular person. Similarly, the NCCIH descriptions explain the basic distinction between guided imagery and autogenic training, rather than predicting an individual's experience or outcome.
This boundary matters because clear information is different from a recommendation. An article can help define terms and support better questions. It cannot replace the conversation needed to consider personal circumstances, goals, and preferences.
Keeping the conversation specific
If relaxation practices are raised in an individual therapy conversation, a helpful next step may be to ask for plain language rather than assume you already understand the term. For example, you might ask whether “guided imagery” means picturing calming scenes, objects, or events, or whether “autogenic training” refers to mental exercises and self-suggestions focused on bodily relaxation.
You may also ask what information a therapist would want you to consider before deciding. The purpose is not to force a quick answer; it is to make room for clarity and choice.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- When you mention relaxation practices, what do you mean in this context?
- Is guided imagery something that involves picturing calming objects, scenes, or events?
- When you use the term autogenic training, what mental exercises or self-suggestions are you referring to?
- What questions would you encourage me to consider before exploring either practice?
- How can I let you know if I want more explanation or a different pace?
FAQs
Can psychotherapy use relaxation techniques?
Yes. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can include mindfulness and relaxation techniques, such as meditation and breathing exercises. That general information does not establish what a particular therapy service or session includes.
What is guided imagery?
The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health describes guided imagery as picturing calming objects, scenes, or events. Ask a therapist how they use the term in their work before assuming what it would involve for you.
What is autogenic training?
Autogenic training uses mental exercises and self-suggestions focused on bodily relaxation, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health. A therapist can clarify how they understand or discuss this practice in a particular setting.
Are guided imagery and autogenic training the same thing?
No. Guided imagery centers on picturing calming objects, scenes, or events, while autogenic training centers on mental exercises and self-suggestions focused on bodily relaxation.
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:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- nccih.nih.gov: Relaxation Techniques What You Need To Know
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like to discuss individual therapy or ask questions about psychotherapy relaxation techniques, Rooted Integrative Therapy offers a place to begin the conversation. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, provides in-person therapy near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy available across Utah.
A consultation call is described as a first step for asking questions and considering fit. You can request a consultation through the Rooted Integrative Therapy Connect page. Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.