Does anyone have experience with autogenic training?

I am curious if anyone could provide a detailed explanation of what autogenic training actually entails. Specifically, I would like to know how one goes about learning it, what the actual benefits are, and whether there are any common criticisms of the practice. Is this considered a legitimate medical technique utilized within psychoanalysis, or is it something else entirely?

I would appreciate any insights you can offer, though I would be particularly interested to hear from those who have firsthand experience practicing autogenic training.

Wishing you all a pleasant day.🙂

There are plenty of people talking about this on Reddit—not that everyone wants to jump in, since it usually just triggers endless arguments with people who don't really get autogenic training.

Look, autogenic training is a self-help method. It’s nearly impossible to explain the whole thing in a single post.

I would never, ever recommend trying to learn this through books. You really need a proper course led by a professional—and I don't mean some amateur yogi, but ideally a psychiatrist leading small groups.

The danger with books is just too high—it’s so easy to misinterpret something and practice it all wrong.

In Germany, they actually restrict practicing autogenic training to medical professionals who are well-versed in potential psychological conditions.

Later on, you might have regular folks leading group exercises, but only after the basics are set.😉

I’m not one to criticize it—honestly, it’s been a massive help to me throughout my life.

Everything started clicking for me at that moment; it was like all the pieces of the puzzle finally fell into place. 🙂

I'm not sure where you are located, but if I remember correctly, there was a course in Washington, D.C., back then that cost maybe $300—easily the best money I've ever spent.

Autogenic training is built on meditation and inner work—basically cleaning the grime off those old, dusty windows of the soul. It takes you deep, because you can't really clean the rest of the house until the foundation is spotless.🙂

Pricey!... Uh... 😢 🙄

I happened to spot a book by Dr. Gruden regarding autogenic training at a booth and flipped through it for a moment... everything seems quite clearly laid out there... Why shouldn't I just attempt to learn it from the text itself? 😢

Is it worth a shot? I mean... what's the worst that could happen? 😕 🙂

From what I gathered while skimming, they seem to be relaxation exercises... and apparently, autogenic training is related to psychoanalysis, which helps resolve various internal conflicts... (at least, that’s what I managed to note down). Are you still practicing AT yourself? What does that actually entail? How frequently do you do it?

I actually taught myself using just books, without any formal training, about ten years ago. Later on, I even practiced it as part of my psychiatry studies.

Nothing bad can happen if you're giving yourself clear, unambiguous instructions. If you really feel like you can figure it out on your own through reading, go for it.

I don't have anything against taking a course, but for just basic use, it’s really not necessary. Especially since I wouldn't dream of attending a session led by someone homophobic. There's a course over in Brooklyn run by a doctor, but honestly, you'll probably learn more from someone else...

I had a session with Gruden. Honestly, never again. He clearly knows his stuff—I won’t deny that—but you need heart to do this work, and he just doesn't have it. In the end, I actually learned more from someone else.

It’s a big investment if you're just treating it like a hobby you might drop halfway through. That was my mistake starting out. 😁

If you view this as one of those major life shifts, then the price tag starts to make sense. Personally, I used to spend a fortune on designer boots—didn't solve a single one of my life problems, though.

My take remains the same: don't just follow the textbook. Don't do it to line someone's pockets; do it for yourself.

As for frequency? The more, the better. During one really rough patch in my life, I was doing it every waking minute for a while.

Since there are several different techniques within autogenic training, I can't really give a specific recommendation on frequency—not unless I know which exact method you're talking about.

Casey Palmer5, I think we're talking about the same doctor. 😉

Who exactly is this doctor and where is she located?

My own physician mentioned there is a psychiatrist over at the Kruge Community Health Center who specializes in this area, so I am considering making an appointment. On a separate note, I have been seeing a psychiatrist for anxiety, and I intend to ask for his professional opinion on autogenic training during our next session.

I really think this technique could be incredibly helpful for you if you're dealing with anxiety.

Yes, I am quite certain that would be the case. 🙂

That is precisely why I am interested in gathering every scrap of information available. So, you taught yourself... well, I suppose I shall attempt to do the same. 🙂

Give it a shot! If you honestly think taking a course would make a difference, some people have spoken really highly of that doctor... I could probably send her name and where she practices over to the Prime Minister via DM if you want. I'm just guessing, though...

Yes, it’s a possibility... though my current budget is somewhat constrained
however, if anyone happens to have any intel, please—send me a PM

Ugh, I was actually spiraling a bit last night thinking about Gruden. Look, I have zero desire to ever meet that guy in person, but man, his books literally saved my life... and I mean that in the most literal sense possible.
I’ve been practicing autogenic training all by myself using his stuff, and I even dug through Lindemann too. I’ll be the first to admit that doing this solo is tough, but hey, that’s just how I roll. I’m positive you can master it on your own and start applying it, too—it's always going to be worth the effort. His book lays everything out so clearly and in such detail that I find myself re-reading it constantly, just taking it slow, sentence by sentence.
By the way, I’m living out in a smaller town outside of Chicago, and I haven't heard of anyone else here even touching autogenic training. Honestly, I probably wouldn't have even looked into it if I wasn't constantly losing it from anxiety. The book does a great job explaining what it is and gives you the general breakdown of how psychopathology works. But if I were you, or if I lived in Washington, D.C., I would definitely scrape the money together for a professional course. There are just so many good reasons to do it...
I remember seeing a comment on some ancient thread once saying that people who practice autogenic training come off as somehow cold. I don't know about everyone else, but emotions have cost me dearly in my messed-up life—a life I'm finally trying to get under control. PEACE. TOTAL PEACE.🙂

No one has sent me a DM yet regarding which instructor is supposedly so wonderful... 😢 However, I have discovered that the physician my doctor mentioned isn't actually at the Kruge Community Health Center—I seem to have conflated a few details there—but rather runs her own private practice. Her name is Dr. Skarica.

Well, I actually received a DM... though I'm not entirely sure what to make of it. 🙂

Interestingly enough, that same doctor was recommended to me by someone on Reddit. 🙂 👍

It’s quite unfortunate that more people aren't aware of just how expensive this course actually is... 🙄

Alex Foster6 said:If only more people actually knew what these courses cost... 🙄

Is it really that hard to just call them up and ask?

I already gave you a ballpark figure—I’ve been there myself. Honestly, I can't recommend them enough. Through every rough patch and stressful life moment, they've been my go-to, including this most recent one. 🙂

I tried calling, but I ended up speaking with the receptionist instead... I'll try my luck again on Monday...

My thanks to everyone...

That said, I am still quite interested in hearing about your actual experiences, yet it seems no one is willing to elaborate much further... I appreciate those who have shared their thoughts—it truly means a lot to me. 👍

I went to see Dr. Gruden too... what a total joke (just a closeted sexist, honestly!)... such a massive waste of my time and money...

By then, I’d already finished level two of Reiki, so this whole autogenic training thing felt like little kid stuff to me...
But look, if you're actually dedicated to using this to fix whatever's eating at you, it might actually work for you... I'm all for alternative stuff and how people tap into the subconscious—it still helps me out—but at the end of the day, everyone’s gotta find their own way... just like how not every antibiotic works the same for everybody, right?
Good luck👋

Why such a harsh critique of Dr. Gruden? I’m personally not very familiar with his work, though I find his books quite decent—specifically the one on autogenic training. I actually picked it up and have already completed the first exercise 😕
Is the protocol really just doing one or two minutes of the right arm heaviness exercise for two weeks straight? Is that truly it? And then, after those two weeks, I'm supposed to add the next step and continue that way until I've finished the entire sequence?😕

Yes, precisely... according to the literature, those who practice autogenic training tend to become more tolerant and avoid negative "transference" toward others—a concept well-documented in psychotherapy. This supposedly makes one remarkably open to people... 😉 😉 khm...

Regardless of how many books you can find on autogenic training, I wouldn't recommend trying it alone without a therapist. If you mess up, you might end up doing more harm than good. Especially during those intense "cleansing" phases.
Go ahead and read the books if you want, but actually go to a session. That’s the only way to get real support and actual answers when things get complicated.
Everything in those books is just general theory. We aren't robots; we're individuals with specific issues that are much easier—and less painful—to tackle with a professional by your side.
So, I'll say it again: call that doctor (the one from the Prime Minister's office). She’s flexible with payment arrangements, and she can tell you exactly what she thinks about you attempting these exercises solo. She’ll be able to explain the risks far better than any of us ever could.
Then again, do whatever you want. It's your health, both mental and physical. Personally, I wouldn't play games with it. 👋