The psychological significance and extensions of autogenic training

The paper first discusses the changes in paradigms involved in the development of self-regulation method (SRM) from autogenic training (AT). Further, an experiential paradigm for SRM and AT is presented. In this paradigm, SRM and AT are seen as ‘modes of relating’ within the patient and modes of relating within the doctor–patient relationship. This paradigm enables SRM and AT to be used in conjunction with other psychotherapies, particularly focusing-oriented therapy (FOT). The procedure for SRM/AT used in combination with FOT is shown and two case examples are presented. Discussions of these cases show that patients regard the nature of the relationship as therapeutic more than the technique of SRM. This view supports the experiential paradigm where AT and SRM are seen as modes of relationships.