For everyone – all ages and outlooks
An introductory lesson with a follow up is a great place to find out more, and taste what the Technique brings to help you. There is plenty to be discovered in one session. If you like it, book another one, or a series at the discounted rate (see Costs page). If you don’t – there is no obligation to continue. But as with any skill, the more you look into it, the more you will get from it.
So go on, be bold and book your first lesson!
How do I learn the Alexander Technique?
There is no single pathway to learn the Alexander Technique, although the most effective and easiest way to develop your skills is to have a series of one to one lessons. However other routes can give you a starting point so I offer various ways to find out more about the Technique in action.
One to one lessons
I provide individual Alexander Technique lessons from my practice in the Cotswolds.
Workshops and Group lessons
You can gain the benefits of Alexander Technique skills in group classes too, and I offer a series of group lessons from time to time. If you would like something specific, get in touch and I would be happy to discuss your particular circumstances and needs. I offer workshops on request, as well as intensive workshops that can be tailored to a specific area – for example musicians, horse riders, gardeners as well as illnesses that limit mobility such as Parkinsons diesease, firbromyaligia and arthritis.
Lessons at the Cheltenham Ladies College
I offer individual lessons to pupils at the College. Please contact the Music department.
Alexander lessons in the Workplace
I also offer a group lesson at workplaces to give practical guidance to avoid office based stresses, and to establish a comfortable work space that promotes good posture. This lesson can be followed by a weekly series of individual lessons if required. Please get in touch to disuss your needs.
Riding and the Alexander Technique
Having had years of experience of teaching riding, I add Alexander principles in teaching riders, on and off their horse, helping them become aware of habits that impedes free movement of their horse, enhancing performance or both horse and rider.
What happens in a lesson?
Generally the Technique is most effectively and efficiently learnt in a series of individual lessons. Each lesson is tailored to each person every time.
By using gentle guidance with my hands (not manipulation) on your head, neck, back and limbs, I enable you to recognise and release any unnecessary tension and to redirect your energy. I explain the principles of the Technique and how they can be applied to your daily activities
The difference between the Alexander Technique and other therapies is that you are an active participant. This is why sessions are called ‘lessons’ and you are a ‘pupil’.
You explore how you can move with greater balance and poise and how to prevent tension. I explain basic anatomy and help you pay particular attention to the release of unwanted head, neck, and spinal muscle tension, which helps coordination throughout your body.
My aim is not just to help you alleviate your current problem but to teach you the skill to prevent a further recurrence.
Initially, playing with simple movements can illustrate where unnecessary tension is being employed. Once you’ve explored the basic principles, you can look at specific activities you carry out at work, at home, and for fun. This can include any particular problems that you have difficulty with, which can also be a good starting point to look at what might be interfering with this.
We also look at a particular way of lying down to aid relaxation and release of long standing muscle tightness – ideal to do at home for 10 minutes per day.
How much do I need to do at home?
As the Technique can apply to everything we do throughout the day, there are no time absorbing exercises. Learning and enjoying the benefits of the Technique is simply bringing in your new knowledge into your daily life.
You can use your new awareness even loading the dishwasher, putting your socks on, cleaning your teeth, driving to work, reading to your kids, giving a presentation ….. enjoy yourself in exploring new ways of connecting to what we do all the time.
How long are lessons and how many will I need?
Sessions are around 40 minutes long, and an introductory lesson is 1 hour long. They are relaxing and calming yet energising and informative, and usually good fun.
Learning the Alexander Technique is similar to learning any skill, such playing an instrument. The number of lessons you take depend on how deeply you would like to develop your skill in using yourself with coordination and grace.
It is helpful to start with two lessons a week if possible, then continuing with weekly lessons to embed the skills of thinking and moving in a new pattern.
A short course of sessions will help enhance your self awareness and enable you to begin using the Alexander Technique for yourself. As your overall coordination improves many specific symptoms such as aches and pains start to disappear. I recommend 6 – 10 lessons to give you a grounding in the Technique, and often people continue to have regular lessons thereafter because they enjoy discovering more about themselves and things they didn’t know was possible for them in their previous pattern of use.
What do I wear?
No special clothing is needed, as long as movement is not restricted – loose fitting, comfortable clothing is ideal. Ladies will find trousers are more convenient than a skirt. You will only be asked to remove your shoes.