Autogenic training: course, training, continuing education, further training, overview of providers, information and tips

In most cases, course participants are not expected to have any previous knowledge. This means that anyone can learn autogenic training. However, training in autogenic training is often aimed at educational, medical or psychological professionals as well as people who work in the health or sports sector in general and would like to support their patients with this method in the future. To be on the safe side, find out about the applicable admission requirements from the training institutes in question.

Once you have completed a thorough autogenic training course, you will be able to use this method in your practice or professional work. There are numerous reputable providers in the field of relaxation medicine who offer courses that train you as a qualified expert in autogenic training. Such training courses not only impart theoretical knowledge, but also practical exercises that you can use directly with clients. They are often offered in combination with other relaxation methods such as progressive muscle relaxation, meditation, mindfulness training, yoga, visualization or hypnosis. Before you decide on a course, you should check whether the content and the qualification match your professional goals. Once you have completed a recognized autogenic training course, you can offer it both for your own use and as a professional service. Regular continuing education, further training and practice are recommended to ensure the quality of your offers.

Depending on the type of course you choose, you can either gain a brief insight into autogenic training or be fully trained as a teacher or trainer. The content of the individual courses also varies depending on the school, so it is not possible to give a general answer to the knowledge taught. However, here is an example of the skills that a one-year course can teach you:

• Explain stress, factors and effects
• Introduction to autogenic training (AT)
• Conduct initial interviews
• Instruct basic exercises according to Schultz
• Accompany AT short version
• Conducting targeted client meetings
• Developing individual AT therapy
• Explaining and creating autosuggestion
• Use the Anti-Phobia Program (APP)
• Implementation of mental training (such as smoking cessation or weight reduction)
• Promote self-knowledge and self-realization
• Apply exercises from the upper level according to Schultz
• Design and instruct your own exercises for the upper school
• Concept development of own courses
• Paths to self-employment (practice development, marketing)

An educational survey shows whether autogenic training online is currently the most desired form of instruction:

• 32 percent want face-to-face teaching (down 5 percent on the previous year)
• 26 percent want hybrid teaching (combination of face-to-face and online, up 3 percent on the previous year)
• 25 percent prefer autogenic training online (plus one percent more)
• 17 percent are undecided (plus one percent more)

An autogenic trainer can carry out the following activities after the autogenic training course:

• to accompany people into an optimal state of relaxation using the autogenic training method (in groups or individually) and to use it effectively on their own
• Perform exercises where the focus is on heaviness in the body and warmth
  Instruct resting exercises
• Help patients to regulate themselves on the 3 levels - i.e. to calm their thoughts, control their emotions or reduce tension in parts or regions of the body
• Supporting patients individually and effectively in all life situations
• Helping patients to master life's challenges, break new ground and recognize potential
• Instruction Autogenic training as a tool for everyday life

Autogenic training used to be known as "concentrative self-relaxation" and includes various techniques for light self-hypnosis. It is one of the best-known and most successful relaxation methods in the world. The aim is to regulate breathing and calm down. During autogenic training exercises, the subconscious is told to relax, which requires some practice. Over time, however, practitioners are able to recall this state at any time and induce relaxation in a targeted manner, whether before a job interview or an exam, a first date or in hectic family situations, in stressful situations at work or with children. Autogenic training exercises alleviate ailments such as headaches or depression, help you to stop smoking and improve your ability to concentrate. It is best practised with an experienced trainer who explains this method from the ground up and practices it with you until you have mastered it independently and can use it individually at any time.

Autogenic training is a proven and simple method for reducing stress and recharging your batteries. Through targeted autosuggestion - i.e. self-influencing thoughts - the training has an effect on your autonomic nervous system. This controls bodily functions such as breathing, heartbeat and blood pressure that you cannot normally consciously control.

With the "Autogenic Training" exercises, you will learn step by step how to put yourself into a state of deep relaxation - the basis for physical and mental well-being. If you practise regularly, you will become calmer, more relaxed and better able to cope with stressful situations.

The term autogenic training refers to a relaxation method that not only cures emotional and mental exhaustion, anxiety, concentration problems, nervousness and other psychological distress, but can also alleviate physical complaints such as sleep disorders, digestive problems, high blood pressure, headaches, asthma and circulatory disorders. This complementary medical method is divided into three levels, the basic level or lower level, the intermediate level and the upper level. In an autogenic training course, you will learn six basic level exercises for autogenic training instruction, which are:

• Breathing regulation
• Experience heaviness
• Experience warmth
• Heart regulation
• Forehead cooling
• Belly heat

In the intermediate level, preconceptions are formulated, but these are usually preceded by the exercises of the basic level. In the upper level, on the other hand, many different methods are used to tap into the unconscious, which can vary depending on the teacher. With the knowledge gained, graduates can practise the autogenic training instructions.

If you would like to get to know and try out autogenic training for yourself, many schools, medical practices and fitness studios offer you the opportunity to try it out in short seminars lasting around 7 course days. If you would like to attend an autogenic training course to become an AT teacher, you will need a little more time. Each school has its own time periods and course days, but you should reckon with about a year of training, which often takes place in block seminars. Check with the school of your choice to find out how long the courses last.

For many people interested in "Training Autogene", the qualifications and backgrounds of the lecturers play a central role in choosing the right continuing education, further training course. A recent survey shows which information is particularly valued (multiple answers possible):

• 61% are interested in the subjects that are taught.
• 58 % would like to get to know the teaching methodology.
• 53 % pay attention to the professional experience of lecturers.
• 49 % are interested in the current activity and function of the teachers.
• 44% attach importance to information on training and continuing education, further training.
• 31% would like to see a video of a teaching sequence in order to assess the teaching method.
• 28% prefer a portrait picture, 22% an introduction video.
• 20 % are interested in personal assessments, 16 % in previous professional successes.
• Less relevant, but still desired by some, are social media links (7%) and information on hobbies (6%).

The results show that those interested in "Training Autogene" primarily focus on professional qualifications, experience and teaching methods. Additional information such as videos or portraits help to gain a personal impression and make the decision for continuing education, further training easier.

Conclusion:
Providers of autogenic training courses who present their instructors transparently - with clear information about their expertise, methodology and experience - significantly increase the trustworthiness and attractiveness of their courses. Interested parties can then make an informed decision as to which continuing education, further training is best suited to their learning goals.

The Swiss Society for Autogenic Training (SAT), like the Empirical Medicine Register (EMR), has very specific requirements for methods in the field of complementary medicine. In particular, a certain number of hours must be demonstrated in order to be able to apply for registration of the method after the autogenic training course. In the case of the EMR, this is 150 hours for both experiential medicine and conventional medicine. Such registration is often necessary in order to be able to bill the supplementary health insurance companies.

Yes, "Autogenic training to fall asleep" can be very helpful. This relaxation technique has been proven to reduce stress and calm the body and mind, making the transition to sleep easier. Through targeted exercises, such as consciously tensing and relaxing muscles or focusing on calm formulas, the nervous system is calmed. This can not only help you to fall asleep, but also to sleep through the night. "Autogenic training to fall asleep" has a holistic effect on the body, mind and subconscious, which can effectively reduce inner restlessness and sleep disorders. In addition, regular practice can improve the quality of sleep in the long term and increase well-being the next day. Tip: Just a few minutes of daily practice before going to bed can have a noticeable effect.