Lessons & Classes

Why have lessons?

Clients come for Alexander lessons for a variety of reasons. Some will come because they want to relieve muscular pain or tension. Other common reasons are back pain, neck and shoulder tension, recurring headaches and breathing difficulties. An increasing number of people come because they find the Technique enhances their body's general functioning and gives them a sense of well-being. The Alexander Technique is also useful in various fields of performance such as sports, acting and music, to enhance skills and prevent injury.

One to one lessons

During the one-one lesson an Alexander Technique teacher's role is to bring about a new awareness of a client's body use. This is done through a combination of unique and gentle manipulation and verbal instruction. It is through this process of re-education that a deeper understanding of body use can come about, allowing the client to gain independence in awareness of their own use. As a client becomes aware of their use they can begin to apply the principals that they have learned to any activity; for example singing, dancing, sitting at the computer, driving and playing golf – indeed every aspect of life! The teacher will usually use a chair and therapy table, as well as looking at walking and lifting. If applicable (and practical) the client may want to bring their musical instrument to the lesson in order to look at their use when they play it.

Who is it for?

The Alexander Technique is a re-education, therefore it is ideal to come for a course of lessons. We are all individual and learn at different speeds so it is difficult to say exactly how many lessons are needed in order to bring about the desired changes. However, I recommend that a course of 15 to 20 will give you a good starting block!

Prices

One-one lessons cost £35 and take approximately 35 minutes.

Because you are learning a skill it is important in the beginning to come regularly; weekly is ideal.

Lessons in your home

In special circumstances I am able to come to your home; the lesson will be for one hour. I charge travel expenses for any distance outside a 20 mile radius of Guildford. Please contact me for more details on this.

Workshops & Talks

Throughout the year I run introductory day workshops and give short talks to various organisations. Talks and workshops can be created specifically for organisations or groups of people. Working in groups is very different experience to a one to one session, nothing compares to the (repetitive) direct contact of hands on work for giving the body a new proprioceptive experience. The aim of group work is to introduce the basic principles of the Alexander Technique in a fun and informative way, giving each person the opportunity to investigate their own use through observation and movement. If you would like more information on either a workshop or talk, then please do contact me and I will be happy to discuss it.

Courses in 2013

- Mind body awareness in Action Course -

Date to be confirmed

The course will be exploring and enhancing body mindfulness in activity, taking a look at the way we use our body and how this affects its functioning. We will also be exploring movement (with less effort and more ease), the mind body unity and living in the present moment. During the classes we will look at how to perform everyday activities with less tension in our body and how the use of our body affects our breathing. This is not a movement class but there will be some movement and "body work"; this is not a sit at your desk class but there will be some theory. This class is open to everyone who owns their own body!!

- Journey into Health Classes -

Starting September - Cost: £90 (9 classes)

A short course looking at the relationship between the spiritual, mental, emotional and physical aspects of the body, and the influence this has on our lives. During the course we look at why and how we get stuck in a cycle of ill health and how we can break free from this. It is an opportunity to look at your personal story in a safe and supportive space and learn to connect to your own innate wisdom to support your own healing practise. The classes will include some meditation and journey work. The course is for practising healers who wish to further their ability to connect with their clients or as a foundation to attending any healing course. It is also suitable for those who are looking for support in dealing with their own long-term illness or physical challenges.