Johannes Schultz (1884-1970)

Professional Life   
Johannes Schultz was born in Germany in 1884. He received his doctorate from Gottingen and began practicing at the Medical University Clinic. He moved to Frankfurt to work at the Paul-Ehrlich Institute and later took a position at the Psychiatric University Clinic. Schultz worked in a sanatorium during World War I, and went on to teach Neuropathology and Psychiatry at Jena. He took the position of Chief Doctor at the sanatorium Weisser Hirsch in 1920, and began private practice as a psychiatrist in 1924 in Berlin. Schultz was active in many organizations, including the General Medical Society for Psychotherapy and the German Institute for Psychological Research and Psychotherapy. Schultz published a book describing his experiences while working at the Goring Institute. He discussed the institute’s attitude toward and treatment of homosexuals, citing that they were often sent to concentration camps. Schultz stayed active throughout his long career, eventually founding the German Society for Medical Hypnosis in 1959.

Contribution to Psychology
Schultz is best known for his development of autogenic training, designed to help a client achieve a deep sense of calm and relaxation. This form of therapy was designed to alleviate stress and place a client in a state of calm, thus reducing any psychosomatic symptoms. Usually done three times a day in 15 minute sessions, autogenic training is similar to meditation and yoga. The technique teaches a person how to instruct their body to react to specific verbal cues, all designed to relax and control the body’s systems. Heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature, and breathing are all influenced and affected by this method of relaxation. When done properly, a client will benefit by reduced stress and a decrease of any accompanying symptoms. Visualization is used to enhance the experience and the client is instructed to lie or sit in any comfortable and unrestricted position.

Six basic exercises form the foundation of autogenic training. Within several months, a person can learn these moves effectively enough to be able to practice this type of therapy on their own. It is extremely useful for people who suffer from chronic stress or anxiety. Although it will not be effective if done sporadically, autogenic training requires commitment in order to receive the maximum benefits. When done properly, autogenic training can help alleviate symptoms from many different psychological and physical issues, including gastritis, ulcers, asthma, hyperventilation, cold extremities, headaches, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, and over or underactive thyroid.