What's Involved

Changing our habits is a subtle art. We can easily get on the wrong track, usually by thinking we have to make additional mental and muscular effort rather than reducing the excessive and misdirected effort that we are already making.

The Alexander Technique teaches us to navigate these pitfalls. It involves:

• Developing greater awareness of our habits of body and mind.
• Gaining insight into a proven process of change.
• Plenty of discussion.
• The subtle use of mental focus and intention.
• Gentle guidance via the teacher's hands.

A teacher's hands help to contrast unhelpful habits against an easier, more natural response. More subtly, they also elicit a subconscious response from the nervous system, releasing tension, optimising muscle tone, and improving coordination.

Safety & Trust

The gentle use of the teacher’s hands is unlikely to cause harm. The student remains clothed and inappropriate contact is avoided. This work creates a sense of space between teacher and student, making it easy to establish trust.

How Many Lessons?

Lifelong habits can be surprisingly responsive to change, but there is no quick fix from any source. Worthwhile, sustained improvement can result from as few as six lessons, but ideally lessons should continue for a longer period according to individual need, goals and interest.

Helping Yourself

The Alexander Technique teaches you to help yourself on your own using awareness, choice, focus and intention - casually during your day, or in a more dedicated practice time. You can apply the Alexander Technique to any activity, including an existing exercise routine.