Learning the TechniqueThe Alexander Technique is ideally taught in-person on a one-to-one basis, with lessons usually lasting around 40 minutes (longer for the first lesson). During a lesson, the teacher uses gentle hands-on guidance, combined with verbal instruction, to encourage the pupil to become aware of and release undue tension and compression. As the pupil frees up, their breathing deepens and they can come up to their full height with ease rather than stiffness. A sense of calm alertness becomes available - a state of greater poise and readiness for whatever life demands.
A lesson includes chair work, which involves the pupil sitting, standing and bending. Chair work allows the pupil to notice and refine how they hold themselves when at rest and as they react to a stimulus. This process of pausing and gaining more control and choice in respect of our reactions is the basis of the Alexander Technique, and can be applied to any activity in which one wishes to gain more mastery. |
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Lessons often include lying down work, where the teacher works on the pupil in a semi-supine position, with knees bent and the head supported. This position encourages further ease and release as the pupil is not required to achieve anything or support themselves against gravity. Freed from the need to strive after a goal, the pupil's attention becomes steadier and more receptive, their nervous system becomes calmer, and their body releases into expansion and wholeness.
Time may also be devoted to applying the AT to walking and other activities that the pupil engages in such as playing an instrument, typing, lifting or other kinds of movement.
How many lessons should I have?
The number of lessons a pupil will choose to take depends very much on the individual, their goals, needs and level of interest. A series of at least six to ten lessons is recommended initially, to get a basic understanding of the principles and how to begin applying them for yourself. A foundation of 30 lessons gives a more thorough grounding in the Technique, allowing deeper work on postural patterns and reactions that have developed over many years. Ideally, a pupil should have lessons as close together as possible in the beginning. One lesson per week works for most people, but those experiencing considerable tension or discomfort can benefit from having two or three sessions per week to begin with, then spacing them out gradually. We can discuss your requirements in our first session together.
Learning the Alexander Technique is similar to learning any other skill, so consider how long it would take you to learn a new language or how to play a musical instrument. People can start to use what they learn to help themselves straight away, and some find it so valuable they wish to keep having lessons continuously or intermittently over many years, or even for the duration of their life. Using the technique to notice how we move and respond to different situations, and to look after ourselves better, becomes a way of life. It is something that can continually be cultivated, deepened and refined as part of our personal growth and development.
To explore how lessons could help you, or to book a session, call Loretta on 07949 190595, or email [email protected]
The number of lessons a pupil will choose to take depends very much on the individual, their goals, needs and level of interest. A series of at least six to ten lessons is recommended initially, to get a basic understanding of the principles and how to begin applying them for yourself. A foundation of 30 lessons gives a more thorough grounding in the Technique, allowing deeper work on postural patterns and reactions that have developed over many years. Ideally, a pupil should have lessons as close together as possible in the beginning. One lesson per week works for most people, but those experiencing considerable tension or discomfort can benefit from having two or three sessions per week to begin with, then spacing them out gradually. We can discuss your requirements in our first session together.
Learning the Alexander Technique is similar to learning any other skill, so consider how long it would take you to learn a new language or how to play a musical instrument. People can start to use what they learn to help themselves straight away, and some find it so valuable they wish to keep having lessons continuously or intermittently over many years, or even for the duration of their life. Using the technique to notice how we move and respond to different situations, and to look after ourselves better, becomes a way of life. It is something that can continually be cultivated, deepened and refined as part of our personal growth and development.
To explore how lessons could help you, or to book a session, call Loretta on 07949 190595, or email [email protected]
Covid-19 (SARS-CoV-2 / Coronavirus) Safety Measures:
If you develop symptoms of respiratory infection, or test positive for Covid 19, it is important that you stay at home and reschedule your appointment:
Please cancel by phoning or texting me on 07949 190 595 if within 48 hours of your lesson time. Otherwise, sending me an email to rearrange is fine.
I continue to take reasonable precautions against the transmission of Covid 19 and other respiratory infections in my practice. Where possible, windows are kept open for ventilation during the lesson, and the rooms are aired between lessons. I wash my hands before and after each lesson and encourage pupils to do the same.
One-to-one Alexander teaching involves close contact, hands-on work. If you would like me to wear a face mask during your lesson, please let me know. You are also welcome to wear one, of course. If you would like me to consider further precautions, please do not hesitate to discuss these with me in advance of the session and I will be very willing to consider them. This is especially important if you are immunocompromised in some way.
Where possible, please try to arrive at the time arranged for your lesson and not before or after. This helps us manage social distancing and ventilation between pupils.
If you develop symptoms of respiratory infection, or test positive for Covid 19, it is important that you stay at home and reschedule your appointment:
Please cancel by phoning or texting me on 07949 190 595 if within 48 hours of your lesson time. Otherwise, sending me an email to rearrange is fine.
I continue to take reasonable precautions against the transmission of Covid 19 and other respiratory infections in my practice. Where possible, windows are kept open for ventilation during the lesson, and the rooms are aired between lessons. I wash my hands before and after each lesson and encourage pupils to do the same.
One-to-one Alexander teaching involves close contact, hands-on work. If you would like me to wear a face mask during your lesson, please let me know. You are also welcome to wear one, of course. If you would like me to consider further precautions, please do not hesitate to discuss these with me in advance of the session and I will be very willing to consider them. This is especially important if you are immunocompromised in some way.
Where possible, please try to arrive at the time arranged for your lesson and not before or after. This helps us manage social distancing and ventilation between pupils.