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What is The Alexander Technique?

The Alexander Technique is an educational therapy which works to change habits in our everyday activities, enabling us to release unnecessary tension and discover a new balance and ease of movement.

It is a unique and very practical method of improving co-ordination, flexibility and choice. Neither a relaxation nor treatment method, the Alexander Technique is something to learn initially with a teacher, developing a self-help tool for life.
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The Alexander Technique Free Introductory Talk and Demonstration - 23rd September at 7.30 p.m.

An introductory talk and demonstration in the Alexander Technique will take place at The Oxford Practice on Tuesday 23rd September at 7.30 p.m. This is an excellent way to find out how the Technique could be of benefit to you. To book your place (booking is advisable as places are limited) just phone 01666 824560, e-mail susan@theoxfordpractice.co.uk or pop into Reception.

If you are unable to attend this talk, do come along for an introductory lesson - cost £15.

6 Week Evening Class in the Alexander Technique beginning Thursday 2nd October at 7 p.m.

Following the introductory talk, a 6 week evening class in the Alexander Technique will begin on Thursday 2nd October at 7 p.m. The cost of the course is £48 and early booking is advisable as there are only 8 places available. To book your place, phone 01666 824560 or pop into Reception; a £10 deposit is required.

This will be a small informal class with the emphasis on experiential learning and plenty of time for the Alexander teacher to work on a one to one basis with each pupil.

Who can Benefit from The Alexander Technique?

Everyone: children, adults of all ages, at any fitness level, including those dealing with illness or disability. Many people use the Technique to address specific conditions, which are frequently a result of the increasing pressures of modern day living. These include.

  • Neck and Back Problems
  • Repetitive Strain Injuries
  • Posture and Flexibility Problems
  • Tension and Anxiety
  • Digestive Disorders
  • Breathing Problems
  • Stress-related Conditions
  • Co-ordination and Movement Problems
  • Insomnia

The technique can be used to enhance rehabilitation after operations, illness or injury. A number of people have lessons in order to prevent physical problems later on, or simply to enjoy a sense of well-being. Others wish to improve a specific skill, such as playing a musical instrument or performing a sport.

About the Lessons

How is the Technique taught? Working with simple, everyday activities such as walking, getting in and out of a chair or lying down, I use verbal instruction and gentle guidance with my hands to unravel excessive muscular tension and distortion in the body. The student learns to recognise his or her particular patterns of misuse and change them.

How many lessons are needed? It varies with each individual and depends on the results you want. It is like learning any new skill, driving or playing the piano - you make progress right from the start. Frequency of lessons will also affect progress. Lessons are usually one to one. Group sessions are also available.

What does a lesson cost? £27 and usually last about 45 minutes.  (Early lessons may take longer).  A one hour introductory lesson is £15. This will give you the opportunity to experience the benefits of the Technique and decide if you want to pursue a course of lessons.
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Susan M Stewart BA PGCE MSTAT

I began learning the Alexander Technique while suffering from long standing neck and back pain and sciatica, which nothing seemed to help. With Alexander lessons, I discovered a new lease of life and have been pain free now for a number of years.

My background is in language training, both in schools and colleges and in local businesses. As a teacher and facilitator with many years' experience, it was a natural transition for me to train to teach the Alexander Technique and enable others to discover what I myself had experienced.

I teach one to one lessons, I teach in groups and I run workshops, both in Malmesbury and in Swindon.

The founder of the Technique was Frederick Matthias Alexander. In my teaching, I have discovered the truth of his statement "you translate everything, whether physical or mental or spiritual, into muscular tension" (we could add emotional here too!) In finding relief from physical tension, release and balance are often obtained in other areas of our lives too.

I am a member of STAT, The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique. STAT was founded in 1958 and is the internationally recognised representative body for the Technique. All STAT members have completed a three year, full-time training course prior to being accepted as members of the society.

For additional information please contact me at The Oxford Practice and / or visit the web site for The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique.

You can also contact me via email.

 

Bridget Malcolm BA MSTAT

I first became interested in the Alexander Technique when I began to suffer from chronic fatigue. I wanted to discover how I could use a lot less energy in my daily life and become a lot more aware of how I respond to things so that I could live my life in a healthier way. The Alexander Technique proved to be such a successful tool in helping me that it led to my training full-time to become a fully-qualified teacher in the Alexander Technique.

Additionally, I spend time working with elderly people exploring with them how the Technique can be used at any age to help people reach their full potential and to work with the limitations physical ageing may incur. The Alexander Technique works with people in a very integrated way - physical, mental, emotional - and I also use it in my spiritual life as an aid to meditation and self-awareness.

I am interested in working with people on a one to one basis, in pairs and in groups. Group sessions may take the form of working with people applying general principles of the Technique or in working with people who have a specific interest eg in music, sport, pregnancy and childbirth. The emphasis is on experiential learning in an informal and enjoyable way, giving the pupil the toolkit he or she needs to apply the principles of the Alexander Technique in everyday life.

If you would like any further information, then do please leave your contact details for me with Reception or e-mail me on bridget@theoxfordpractice.co.uk.

 

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