Alexander Technique

Learn to use yourself in a way that is natural and efficient.

The Alexander Technique is a method that teaches people not to interfere with their natural poise.

Through a course of Alexander Technique lessons, individuals learn to restore their natural coordination and to create the conditions to use themselves in a way that is natural, elegant, and efficient. Many students report feeling lighter, easier, and generally more "up" afterwards.

“...the Alexander Technique doesn't teach you something new to do. It teaches you how to bring more practical intelligence into what you are already doing; how to eliminate stereotyped responses; how to deal with habit and change. It leaves you free to choose your own goal, but gives you a better use of yourself while you work toward it.”

—Frank Pierce Jones, Alexander Technique Teacher and author of Freedom To Change

What are lessons like?

What are your qualifications?

Lessons are taught one-on-one, using a combination of hands-on guidance and verbal instruction. Lessons usually include everyday activities, like talking, sitting, standing, and walking. These activities quickly reveal fundamental patterns of mal-coordination and behavior, giving the student the opportunity to prevent their habitual reactions and learn to use themselves better. Once the basics are mastered, we can also work on specific applications of the technique, for example how to use oneself well while playing an instrument, while running, or at the computer.
From the first lesson, Alexander Technique students learn useful skills, which they can then apply to any activity they choose.

How many lessons does it take?

A basic course consists of 25 to 30 lessons over about 3 to 4 months. Depending on the student's needs and interests, lessons may continue for a few months or several years. I highly recommend that students take lessons as often as possible in the beginning to reinforce what they're learning. Ideally, students take lessons three times a week for two to three weeks, then scale back.

I usually compare it to music lessons; if you took 30 piano lessons, you would be able to play simple songs and if you were really dedicated and spent lots of time practicing, you could continue to improve on your own. After 30 Alexander Technique lessons, you'll have a handle on the basic principles and would be able to apply your new skills in your daily life. You would also know if it was interesting enough to continue taking lessons. As with any kind of education, you can learn as little or as much as you want and are willing to dedicate yourself to.

I am certified by the American Society for the Alexander Technique, an Affiliated Society. I trained for 3 years at the Oregon Center for the Alexander Technique (OCAT), which includes 1600 hours of class time, mostly practical work. I have been teaching the Alexander Technique since 2003.

Is it like yoga, Pilates, Feldenkrais, etc.?

As with any discipline, you can find similarities in principle or practice to other kinds of work. I have yet to find another kind of work that duplicates the theory or the practice of the Alexander Technique. It is not a form of exercise, spiritual practice, bodywork, or therapy, though you can use what you learn in Alexander lessons in all of those activities. It is more fundamental; in Alexander lessons, we work on how you organize yourself in order to function and perform at your best in whichever activity you choose to engage in.

Will it help with my particular illness or injury?

Maybe. Alexander Technique lessons can help with illness and injury in an indirect way. Un-learning habits which get in the way of good functioning usually has the effect of better health and healing in a general way. Many people discover their pains and injuries are a result of what they're doing to themselves or ways of compensating for old injuries. The Alexander Technique helps them learn to stop those habits. I cannot tell you whether your particular illness or injury will benefit from lessons - I encourage you to give it a try and see if it helps.

How much do lessons cost?

Currently, lessons cost $60 for a 45-minute lesson when paid at the time of service.