Does anyone have experience with autogenic training?

I don't know about everyone else, but I can tolerate someone having incredibly backward views, as long as they aren't trying to push them on me.

Honestly, I really don't give a damn about how other people live their lives or what they think, so in that sense, I’m actually pretty tolerant. I’d even say I’m quite open-minded, but only up to a certain point...

From what I can remember, I didn't drag my feet nearly as much when it came to practicing the techniques while I was learning. Everyone is wired differently—some people need two weeks, some just need two days, and others could spend two months straight and still feel behind. You really can't make blanket statements about how the mind works. Just stick to your own rhythm and go at your own pace...

Homophobic? Well, thank God, lady! Seriously!!
The more they bash this guy, the more I actually like him..
..but you're talking nonsense. This man literally saved psychiatry. It’s just that other people don't have the guts, the strength, or the brains to even wrap their heads around his ideas... but whatever, that's not even the point.
anyway the wind blows
..and hey, you don't even need to bother with autogenic training, Alex Foster6. Just shoot yourself in the head and all your worries, anxiety, indecision, fears, and doubts vanish. You die and let everyone else live their lives... hehehe
People go looking for help, then spend every waking second making sure they never get it.
They try to understand, yet do everything in their power to stay ignorant... you put that perfectly, one of those endless stupid phrases spat out by human history and the psyche itself..
I honestly don't know why the hell I'm still posting here. I'm an idiot. I truly believe there's someone out there who actually wants to understand and help, but ugh, forget all of you! 🙂
..if you want some "intensive cleaning," just take a trip. No need to mess around with mantras or autosuggestions... you'll have way more time for all those little things that actually make life worth living... cool, except for all the questions and dilemmas... then you just end up heading to see some strong, wise female therapist... aaaaaaaa
peace out!

Brian Martin9 said:I actually went to see Dr. Gruden myself... total waste of time—and honestly, just a closeted sexist. I really regret spending the money and the time on that appointment...

Back then, I had already finished level two of Reiki, so this autogenic training stuff felt a bit like kindergarten to me...
That said, I’m sure it’ll do the trick for you if you stay committed to using it to tackle whatever's bothering you. I'm a big believer in alternative methods and how they tap into the subconscious—it still works for me. At the end of the day, everyone has to find what works for them... not every antibiotic hits the mark for every patient, right?
Good luck.👋

I knew you were into that kind of thing. You'll figure it out. 😉 👍

If you actually want someone to pick up when you call Alex Foster6, try calling a few minutes before the hour—like 10:55, for example.

And why the hate for Gruden? If he actually had a conscience about his work, he'd realize those books are based on flawed methods.

Besides, the way you're describing his teachings isn't even what I was taught, but hey, maybe he knows best.

Especially during those intense "cleansing" sessions.

Exactly.

One wrong move and you've got enough psychiatrists working on you for years. You don't mess around with psychosis.

I recognize that at an advanced level, things can get risky since you’re essentially digging into the subconscious... but I fail to see what dangers could possibly stem from basic exercises. To me, they just seem like simple relaxation techniques rather than something mystical or, I don't know, anything else...🙄
😕Could someone please clarify this for me?

Alex Foster6 said:I get that at an advanced level things can get sketchy since you're digging into the subconscious... but I don't see the risk with the basic stuff—to me, it just feels like relaxation exercises, not some mystical ritual or whatever.🙄
😕Can someone walk me through this?

I’ve never seen the book you're talking about, but the first stage of autogenic training is all about clearing out the mental clutter. Those little drills—heavy limbs, warmth, steady heartbeat, soft stomach—are really just one tiny slice of what you cover in an introductory course.

Think of it like calling a single magic wand "the entire wizarding world." It's just one tool in the kit.

It feels like you've already decided you have all the answers, and anything else I say is just me trying to push my agenda on you—which doesn't make much sense.

The info is right there. You'll have to make up your own mind.

As for wanting someone to explain it to you here—you won't find those answers in a random internet thread. It's not that simple to explain via text; you actually need to take a class.

I'm not going to keep trying to convince you—it wouldn't be responsible of me. Not toward you, anyway.

Everything is fine, placidjackal97
Thank you...

It is just that... hearing you describe it that way makes me a bit apprehensive. It starts making me wonder if I actually want to dive into autogenic training if it truly is something "dangerous."

If that were the case, why on earth would people bother writing entire books on autogenic training, detailing every single exercise step-by-step?😕 😕 😕

And we aren't just talking about random hobbyists; these books are written by doctors and psychiatrists!😕 😲 😲 Surely they understand the potential risks... I mean, they possess a much deeper understanding of the human psyche than a layperson ever could...

I simply don't follow the logic...

My husband would probably tell me it’s risky enough working in a lab without safety gear—but with it? It’s actually kind of a blast 😉

If the human psyche were some simple, foolproof thing, half the people walking around wouldn't be dealing with their own set of traumas or issues.

Well, yes... that is precisely my point...

The doctors who actually understand these mechanisms aren't just keeping it to themselves; they are busy publishing books on the subject, providing far more than mere information by detailing the specific exercises required...😕

Richard Murphy6 said:Homophobic... well, thank God, lady!! Truly awful..
The more they drag this guy through the mud, the more I respect him..
..but you're talking nonsense. He's the damn man who saved psychiatry. It's just that everyone else lacks the guts, the strength, or the brains to actually wrap their heads around his ideas... but that’s beside the point.

His ideas?! Does he even have any?
Saved psychiatry? How exactly? By being lazy, I assume. In any civilized country, for that matter, Gruden would be at an unemployment office rather than a medical school.

From Gruden's book:

"Autogenic training is a method used to achieve deep relaxation. It originated in psychotherapy clinics, where practitioners utilized the technique to treat patients suffering from various neurotic and psychosomatic disorders. Eventually, the practice moved beyond the doctor's office and was adopted by the general public—those who are considered 'healthy' but wish to preemptively manage neurotic symptoms. Essentially, it serves as a tool to alleviate the tension of daily life and prevent the onset of mental health issues like neuroses or psychosomatic ailments. Autogenic training is divided into two categories: basic exercises and advanced stages. Typically, when people discuss autogenic training, they are referring to the foundational exercises. This series of movements allows one to experience psychological relaxation through induced physical changes. At its core, the application of autogenic training relies on autosuggestion."

Oh, please, Alex Foster6, don't even bother asking those lunatics anything... just stick to your autogenic training and trust your gut. Seriously, go talk to a few different experts, but at the end of the day, you've gotta test it out for yourself. You’ll realize it’s basically the same thing—doing autogenic training versus just lying in bed in that half-awake state during the morning. Honestly, you might be tapping into your subconscious way more than you actually think you are. Just learn to trust your intuition! And hey, even if something crazy happens to your psyche (which is total nonsense and honestly just idiotic), so what? It didn't happen to me, and I was practicing this while dealing with the most intense anxiety one single body can handle without literally splitting in two. Just read up, get some advice, and see how it goes.
And regarding shadowfalcon33... "a civilized country"? Give me a break, man. Seriously, my dear friend, please, enlighten me—what exactly defines a "civilized country" to you? Ugh.

I attempted to practice making my arm feel heavy... I have tried this a few times now for about two minutes at a time... it seemed fine enough...
However, I intend to look into this further and see what I can find out...🙄

I don't know, I just can't see eye to eye with placidjackal97 on this being some super dangerous technique. It's not like our minds are nuclear reactors that are going to meltdown in sixty seconds if we mess up a little...
In my opinion, autogenic training is actually pretty harmless as long as you're using common sense.

As for Gruden, I don't know much about him other than the fact that he's homophobic and tends to drop some really idiotic comments. Personally, I'm not a fan, but you can't deny he's the one who brought this method over to America.
Maybe shadowfalcon33 could weigh in with some actual arguments to back up those claims?

I honestly feel like most people don't even need a professional instructor to get the basics down with autogenic training. I have nothing against paying for classes if someone feels like they can't do it on their own, though...

Alex Foster6, level 1 autogenic training isn't even dangerous

🙂 Well, I’m inclined to agree that it doesn't look that way either... however...

Level 1? Seriously? That sounds more like a basic German class at a community college than anything else, people... come on! Is the final level 4, 7, or 18? I can't even tell with this setup.
Honestly, some folks need a manual just to figure out how to use a restroom properly.
Okay, so the new thing has a weird name, and it triggers this sense of resistance and a little bit of fear in me—which makes sense if you’re dealing with anxiety symptoms (if I'm reading you right)... I'm honestly just bummed I didn't stumble upon that book way sooner. But hey, it is what it is.
Look, I know I can be a bit blunt, but I really hate it when people talk about stuff they clearly only have a surface-level understanding of. I noticed that placidjackal97 keeps chiming in on every single thread about autogenic training to say you shouldn't "mess with your psyche." There's a tiny grain of truth there, sure, but the way she phrases it drives me absolutely nuts—it actually makes me want to drop everything and go practice my autogenic training immediately! Haha, man...
And one more thing... all those people claiming to be regular autogenic training practitioners were basically tearing each other apart in previous threads, acting like it was some holy ritual. But the whole point is tolerance, detachment, and emotional control... blah, blah, blah. Just enjoy the ride, no offense intended, and PEACE! TOTAL PEACE! 😎

I would genuinely appreciate it if more people who practice autogenic training—or have practiced it in the past—would weigh in... (though I would prefer we skip the arguments 😉 )

Richard Murphy6 said:What do you mean "Level 1"? This isn't some introductory German class at a community college—give me a break. What’s the final level supposed to be? 4, 7, or 18?
People seriously need better leadership training just to use a restroom properly.
Look, everything feels weird when it's new—there's resistance and a bit of fear, which makes sense if you're dealing with anxiety symptoms (if I'm reading you right)... my only regret is not stumbling upon this book much sooner. But hey, it is what it is.
I know I can be a bit blunt, but I won't sit by while people talk about things they barely understand. I've noticed placidjackal97 constantly chiming in on every autogenic training thread, warning everyone not to "mess with your psyche." There's a tiny grain of truth there, but the way she writes it drives me nuts—I end up having to go practice AT immediately just to calm down, haha, damn.
And another thing... the people who claim to be regular AT practitioners were busy tearing each other apart in previous threads, calling it a "blessing." The whole point is tolerance, detachment, and emotional control... blah, blah, blah... enjoy yourselves, no offense intended, and PEACE—TOTAL PEACE.😎

I'm just quoting you here.

damn.

Because that's all I can say about someone who just picked up a few theories from a book and now wants to trash qualified psychiatrists who spent years studying this—stuff I'm still studying today, by the way—calling them "superficial."

As for how successful AT actually is—given your limited perspective—I won't go there. I could be really harsh, but I don't want to ruin the thread because of it.

Alex Foster6, those types stopped showing up once they realized there was nothing left to gain.

Every single thread on this subject ends up exactly like this one.

I honestly think every thread eventually dies out sooner or later. Everything is temporary, you know? But the psyche? That's forever. Just like Dr. Gruden, haha! And don't forget about those Winona PM training sessions... hugs!
peace on earth
And hey, Alex Foster6, keep dreaming big! Just maybe try doing it with a slightly shifted consciousness during an AT session next time. Wishing you tons of happiness and success in life—may you have three healthy kids and a super tolerant husband, hehehe!
If you want to dive deep into anything regarding AT, just hit up the Winona PM. And please, Winona, don't be too harsh, or you'll end up with wrinkles and a hardened heart... you'll turn into someone straight out of hurricane ridge, like that guy... what was his name? Heathcliff or something like that. If anyone happens to remember the name, help a friend out! Thanks in advance!