Alexander lessons – my neck is very grateful

 I would actually describe Alexander as a class for my body as opposed to my brain as I try not to think too much and just let my body respond to what it can learn. In my lessons my body becomes much more aware of itself through exploration of how it feels and how it can move, balance and expand. I always feel calm and lighter following a lesson. I don’t make a concerted effort to try to apply Alexander Technique on a daily basis but I do notice that I am more aware of subtle shifts that I can make to become more comfortable. I do think a bit more about how I am sitting, walking or lifting. Even if I’m not consciously noticing, I feel that my body remembers some of what it has learnt. I have got to know my back a bit better and my neck is very grateful of this. I used to constantly have tightness and discomfort in my neck but this is a lot better now. I look forward to my lessons and they have a positive impact on me.   Katie Whyte

 

Backpain

I would like to say I have managed to continue some of what you taught me making it a part of my life and I have not had any back pain since starting the AT which is great. Thank you for your instruction, kindness and patience.                                   Cathy Servante, Therapist

 

I’ve completed a course of six Alexander Technique sessions

with Sarah. During this time I’ve become more aware of my body and my movements. I’ve learned to relax different parts of my body, making everyday movements more fluid, smoother, easier. I came to Sarah with an intermittent, but fairly severe neck pain which has gradually improved and over which I feel I have more control. But most of all I have left each session with a deep sense of calm, both physical and mental.   Gillian Hills

I used to slump

I knew nothing about the Alexander Technique when I embarked on a series of 6 sessions with Sarah. I was concerned about my posture having seen photos of myself “slumping”. Sarah gently talked me through the principles of the technique, and although I initially felt I was not benefitting from them, by following her advice I found a real improvement in my posture, and less aching in my shoulders. People have commented on my improved posture, and I feel more energetic and physically fitter. I have continued to practice the Technique – with the help of a book – but would definitely recommend having the initial sessions with Sarah.                          Anthea, keen gardener

  Breaking free from “quick fix” painkillers

I have learned that the way in which I ‘use’ my body impacts unhelpfully upon how I ‘function’ in my day-to-day professional and personal life. Having spent a number of years experiencing lower back, hip, pelvic, shoulder and neck pain, I have attempted to alleviate this through the use of both prescribed and over-the-counter medication. However, I have come to realise through AT lessons with Sarah that in order to affect lasting change, the use of medication falls somewhat short of my needs. I am merely masking symptoms rather than tackling the root cause(s); this is where my journey into the use of AT has literally changed my life for the better.

AT is not an easy option, nor should it be considered to be a ‘quick fix’ to address problems associated with pain, tension, or anxiety. Rather, for me, AT is a journey which encourages me to be guided to gently increase my attention to the fact that developing a strong and accurate perception of my own ‘body map’ (i.e where my hip joint is located, how my shoulder is linked to my whole body through muscular connections, etc) is one of the greatest insights into understanding how I am using my body and why it functions (or not!) in the way that it does.

 As a psychologist and semi-professional classical musician, I have found AT to be THE most effective approach to understanding how I can function on a daily basis in a way that allows me to experience a greater degree of control and ‘awareness’ of my mind and body. One of my greatest learning points on my AT journey so far is that I can either choose to work ‘with’ myself, or ‘against’ myself; allowing my mind to coordinate with my body means that I can feel a sense of total unity, rather than a life full of battles between the two.

I cannot recommend AT highly enough and I feel that for me, I have found the key to unlocking myself – breaking free from ties that have led me to open the box of painkillers for many years as a ‘quick fix’ measure to addressing longer term problems.

Sarah is a highly experienced AT teacher, although for me personally, I consider her role to be more like my ‘guide’ to support me on my own individual journey into developing the knowledge, skills and reflective ability to encourage a deep and consistent understanding of the connection between my mind and body.

Andi Myles-Wright

 

Ingrained habits

After practicing Tai Chi for several years I realised that my posture when not doing Tai chi was actually deteriorating, and my balance whilst walking was becoming unsure. I decided that I should look for an answer to this problem and did some research into possible solutions.

I had been aware of something called The ‘Alexander Technique’ which fellow Tai Chi players had spoken of and recommended. I looked on line for locally based practitioners/teachers and after reading reviews etc. I contacted Sarah and booked an initial consultation and then the introductory set of lessons. 

Right from day one I found that I felt a sense of ‘release’ which came about through the ‘hands on’, pointing to a more natural sense of being. Ingrained habits are not easily shifted but over the coming weeks the natural sense of being started to become part of me, almost as if the whole body was slowly becoming unblocked, both physically and mentally, and of course through this process my balance has returned to a more natural state. Because I believe the technique is proving beneficial in other areas I have been taking ongoing lessons. 

I would recommend the Alexander Technique to anyone who wants to go through this life changing process, or who has any of the many ailments which have been proven to be affectively treated with the Technique.

I would certainly recommend Sarah who has had many years of experience in the field. Sarah seems to promote a sense of easy and relaxed change from the beginning, with the recipient having to do surprisingly little in the way of strenuous participation!

David Harber

 

After a 6 week course

I’ve enjoyed our sessions together and will check in from time to time  so that I don’t veer off track too much.            The daily lying down position has been so beneficial in different ways. –  Thank you for your gentle coaxing and attention.                    Miriam         

Alexander lessons were recommended by my chiropracter

  Learning Alexnader Technique was more hands on and less exercise than I had expected – not negative points! The open-eyed relaxation, awareness of my joints, and Sarah’s supportive hands give me a holistic feeling of well being. I am walking with a lighter gait, a better alignment of my head and spine, particularly when climbing a steep slope.      Jack

 

Lumbar Scoliosis

Usually I am not good at applying myself to any regime, but finding 15-20 minutes most days to follow the Alexander Technique is something I look forward to. I recommend Sarah because I find her approach promotes trust. Her voice is very suited to both concentration and cooperation.     John

 

Cyclist

Before being taught the Alexander Technique I had pain in my wrists and lower back. It is no longer the case. It has also taught me a greater awareness on improving my posture which in turn has helped me improve in my cycling.                           Mike, keen cyclist

After two lessons

Yes after only two lessons I find I am walking in a more upright way – holding myself up. Also whenever I have pain in my back, shoulders or lower back I lie in the semi-supine position I have been taught and am able to get rid of it. My back feels so free and relaxed. I have for some reason also stopped rushing around (which used to cause me to fall over a lot) I have sort of naturally slowed down and feel much more centred and calm. Sue, retired therapist

Recommended by osteopath

It has given me an awareness of my structure, how I stand and move. I am more considerate towards my bones and muscles. I have noticed an inner calm when I relax and now enjoy being comfortable and quiet rather than not giving myself the time.  Louisa, trainee counsellor