Where sophrology comes from
Sophrology was developed by Alfonso Caycedo, a neuropsychiatrist who was born in Colombia and worked in Spain. He began working on it in the 1960s and, after settling in Barcelona in 1968, set out the first levels of what he called Dynamic Relaxation.
He drew on Western methods such as hypnosis, progressive relaxation and autogenic training, and on Eastern practices including yoga and Zen. The name comes from Greek words meaning harmony, mind and study.
Sophrology is best known in France, Spain and Switzerland. It is newer in the UK, where it is mostly taught and practised by independent practitioners.
How it works
A sophrology exercise usually follows the same pattern. You start with a few slow breaths, move through simple gentle movements while paying attention to how your body feels, and finish with a short visualisation. Afterwards you take a moment to notice what has changed.
Most exercises are done standing or sitting, usually with your eyes closed, and you stay awake and aware throughout. The movements are small and you can adapt them if you have limited mobility.
The aim is not to empty your mind. It is to give you a few simple, repeatable tools for slowing down and settling your body when you need to.
How it differs from meditation and hypnosis
Sophrology shares ideas with mindfulness and relaxation methods, but it uses more movement and follows a set sequence of exercises. It is not hypnosis: you are not put into a trance, and you can stop at any point.
What the research says
The evidence for sophrology is still limited. A small randomised trial in Spain, published in 2020, looked at about 70 people with moderate to high anxiety in primary care. Those who followed a four-week sophrology programme reported lower anxiety and depression scores.
That is one small study, so it is not enough to say how well sophrology works. More and larger independent studies are needed. Many people find it helpful, but treat it as a relaxation and coping method rather than a proven treatment. For a comparison, read sophrology vs meditation.
Is sophrology regulated in the UK?
Sophrology is not a regulated profession in the UK in the way that nursing or physiotherapy is. Practitioners usually show their training through a recognised school and a professional body. Our guide on how to become a sophrologist explains what to look for.