Have a question?
FAQs
Here are some clear answers about what to expect from your sessions and how this Technique can help you.
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No. Learning the Alexander Technique does not involve doing exercises. However, lying down in active rest is certainly encouraged. More information about this on my Get started page.
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No. Pilates is an exercise system, and Yoga involves a series of postures. The Alexander Technique is primarily a technique for improving awareness of how we use our bodies in any activity. You can apply the principles of the Alexander Technique to doing anything, including Pilates or Yoga, but you cannot apply Pilates to how you practise the Alexander Technique.
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These approaches aim to treat the symptoms, strengthening or stretching specific muscles or tissues. The Alexander Technique teaches you how to change the unconscious habits of muscle tension that could be contributing or causing the problem in the first place. It offers a calm and practical approach by addressing the root cause of pain rather than simply treating symptoms.
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No. AT teachers use their hands in a very gentle and non-invasive way. They do not manipulate or practise massage.
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By learning to release excess physical tension and mental stress you will feel more relaxed, however it is not a relaxation technique.
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Yes, the technique addresses the fight-or-flight response directly, teaching you to recognise when we’re over-responding to stress and to choose a calmer alternative.
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Yes, absolutely. Because the Alexander Technique focuses on your whole body rather than a single symptom, it is highly effective for managing multiple areas of pain or differing conditions simultaneously. Instead of treating isolated issues, we work together to change the overall postural habits and tension patterns that aggravate all your symptoms.
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Some people continue to take lessons for many years at fairly regular intervals because they continue to derive benefit from it and enjoy it. The purpose of lessons, however, is to make you self sufficient in recognising and preventing the postural habits that are contributing or causing the problem.
How we hold ourselves and move is so deeply ingrained in our nervous system and our habits have gone on for decades. So changing them takes some time, practice, patience and persistence.
Booking & practical info
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No, you do not need a referral from a doctor and you can book directly.
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Sessions take place at my home. This is a 10 minute walk from West Hampstead tube and Thameslink station. There is also a bus from the tube station.
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Comfortable clothing, preferably trousers and not a skirt.
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I only offer in person sessions because I believe that hands-on guidance/ kinaesthetic guidance is necessary in teaching the Technique.
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Not at all. The technique doesn't require any particular level of fitness - and any age is appropriate. Sessions are gentle, there are no exercises, no manipulations, no forcing, no stretching.
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The society which regulates the Alexander Technique recommends a basic course of lessons which is around 20. However, it will depend on what your issue is, how far you’d like to take it and whether you enjoy it. It’s a bit like learning any new skill or perhaps a new language. I would recommend having 4 to 6 sessions to get a feel for it and to reach a decision about whether it may help you.
More Information
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Get in touch and I’ll be happy to help.