FAQs

Is the Alexander Technique like a massage or physical therapy?

The Alexander Technique is not a massage or physical therapy. It is an educational process designed to help you learn how to move more efficiently and enjoyably. It is not a therapy to address specific symptoms. Symptoms do get addressed as your overall coordination improves. The touch in AT lessons is not a massage. My hands guide your body into new coordination and invite the conscious release of extra tension.

Personally speaking, as a Thai Massage and Chi Nei Tsang Practitioner, the AT is unique in that it addresses my overall coordination in whatever activities I am doing. It is something I can practice anytime, any place--I practice it while I give massages in order to prevent repetitive stress or back injuries and to maximize my ease of movement and quality of touch. The AT is a lesson designed to help you take care of yourself. That said, there are therapeutic benefits, often quite profound, to these lessons but they are secondary to the educational, longterm purpose.

Is the Alexander Technique like Yoga, T'ai Chi, or Feldenkrais?

The Alexander Technique is not a set of exercises or movements. It is the conscious application of universal principles of mind-body integration to everyday and special activities. Practicing the Alexander Technique is completely compatible with your yoga, T'ai Chi and Feldenkrais. It can enhance and reveal new layers to these practices.

How many lessons should I take? How long does it take to get results?

This will depend on your interests, needs and goals. You may study the technique for a lesson, a course of lessons or you may find yourself coming back to it for many years with fresh discoveries and questions. The main aim is to support your ability to work on yourself and bring your new skills to life outside of lessons. I work with clients to develop customized programs that meet your needs and goals.

Is it painful? Are there any contraindications?

The AT is never painful. Sometimes, when we release long held contractions we actually begin to feel areas that have been out of our consciousness for a long time. Some of our muscles will start working more, others less or differently as our coordination improves. This can bring some soreness or a short period of clearing stagnation from our muscles. In my experience, this always passes quickly and can have with it a not unpleasant sense of waking up our bodies. Generally the Technique brings about a heightened sense of lightness, ease and integration. There are no contraindications for the Technique. It is useful however to share with your practitioner any injuries, surgeries or other limiting factors influencing how you move.

What do I wear?

Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing that you can move in easily.

Who was this Alexander guy?

Frederick Mathias Alexander was a Tazmanian born actor who lost his voice during recitals in the 1890s. With no improvement from the treatment options of his day, he asked himself, "What am I doing that is causing me to lose my voice?" With his livelihood on the line, he set about months of self study, gradually making and applying the discoveries that became known as the Alexander Technique. He regained full use of his voice, recovered from many maladies of his youth and, when others recognized the changes, was asked to share his discoveries. At this point, he developed hands-on techniques for transmitting the principles of his work and guiding pupils into better use of themselves. These hands-on skills are trademarks of Alexander teachers working today. Eventually, Alexander went to London and became known as "Dr. Breath" for his work with actors on the London Stage. He wrote several books, the best known of which is The Use of the Self, and his work was recognized by many luminaries of the day, from Aldous Huxley to John Dewey. He started a training program in the 1930s that was the founding program for training centers now existing throughout the world. There are more than 3000 Alexander Technique teachers practicing today. Alexander died in 1955 at the age of 87.

What is unique about working with you?

I had four surgeries by the time I was 21. I know what its like to be in chronic pain and to come out of it. I have a rich employment, athlethic, performance and meditation background so I draw on my diverse experience to connect with the unique needs of everyone of my students.

The principles and practices of the Alexander Technique are the foundation of my practice. But my other practices and ongoing exploration in the dynamic field of somatics inform my work. I bring wisdoms I've integrated from chi kung, meditation, other mind-body medicine and the fitness world into my lessons. I love the wisdom inherent in the body. I don't teach a set Technique as much as bring a toolbox to resolve problems and enliven each students embodied journey.

Finally, I make space in my practice for the emotional aspect of this work, how our movements and postures express our inner life. It takes a clear feeling of safety and support sometimes for us to change. Once we have this, we become free to explore new possibilities and gain courage as we face habits that may not be serving us the way we wish.