Frequently asked questions

Why study the Alexander Technique?

1. •Pain relief
   

2. •Improved posture
   

3. •Effective breathing
   

4. •Improved coordination
   

5. •Poise and ease of movement
   

6. •Stress relief and ease of mind
   

How do you learn the Alexander Technique?

Most people have no experience of the Alexander Technique, so the first step is often to call and make an appointment for an initial session/evaluation.  If a student chooses to continue after an initial session, they usually come once a week for ten initial sessions.  At that point we do an assessment and determine if further lessons are desired.  Thirty lessons is considered a full course of lessons.

Often people come to the AT because they are seeking help with problems with their bodies that they have been unable to figure out on their own.  Many people want to uncover the problem causing pain rather than masking pain with drugs.   Because the Alexander Technique is a process of movement re-education, a private session is called a lesson, the practitioner a teacher and the client a student.

Do I need to be a performing artist to study the AT?

No.  Anyone can benefit from Alexander lessons.  The nature of the work is very basic.  A teacher would work the same way with a ballet dancer as with a cement layer.  The underlying psycho-physical principles can be applied to any activity and the person performing it.

What is the studio like?

A teaching studio is a low-tech environment with a chair, a bodywork table, and a mirror. You — the student — wear loose, comfortable clothing that allows free movement of the arms and legs. The teacher asks what problem or goal brings you there. You might discuss your medical history and what your life demands of you.

What is an Alexander Technique lesson like?

Everyday movements like standing, sitting, walking are used to illustrate and improve movement habits. The teacher uses verbal cues and hands on help to help the student become aware of movement habits which interfere with good balance and ease.  Usually the student is at first unaware of their habits.  When the teacher guides the student to move without the habit this allows the student to notice the habit by contrast.  Once we discover or become aware of what we are doing we can then use conscious awareness to change it.  The Alexander touch is delicate and light.  The student wears loose comfortable clothing.  Often the equipment used in a lesson is a dining room chair, a stool, a skeleton and a table to lie down on.  “Body learning” requires experience like learning to ride a bike.  Once you get the hang of it you always have the hang of  it.  When we are refining our balance and coordination we can choose to do this to a very fine level. 

How many lessons do I need?

This is dependent upon your needs and goals.  I you are new to the Alexander Technique I recommend a series of ten lessons once a week and evaluating after that.  If the student has pain or a severe problem I usually work with them two times a week initially.  A full course of lessons is thirty lessons. 

Where Can I Learn More?

1. •Call a teacher and set up an initial lesson.
   

2. •Read a book about the Alexander Technique.
   

    Body Learning by Michael Gelb

1. •This is a thorough introduction to the seven operational ideas of the Technique and also a personal account of the changes that can take place as a result of practicing the Technique.
   

   Back Trouble by Deborah Caplan

1. •The author was both a teacher of the Alexander Technique and a physical therapist, and she specialized in using the Technique to help people with back problems. Many photographs and drawings illustrate the preventative positions and gentle exercises which are recommended for people with pain or discomfort in any part of their spine.  She had lessons from F.M. Alexander when she was a child.