How we learn

Using the Alexander Technique (AT) we learn to inhibit our automatic responses and to direct our thinking to enable the better functioning of the primary control – the relation between head, neck and torso – so that our  co-ordination and balance improve. This is usually referred to as improving the Use of Oneself.

Alexander believed that neither words nor exercises were sufficient to cause a real change in our habits at the deepest level. Without this change our use will not improve very much or at all.  His method consisted of one to one lessons where the teacher guides the pupil in the process of applying the concepts of inhibition and direction during movement using both their hands and verbal instruction.

In a typical lesson, the teacher will use a chair and a massage type table. In the simple act of standing up and sitting down  we use many of our habitual patterns and it is here that the teacher can intervene to show and teach us a better use of ourselves by applying inhibition and direction. The table is also used to make us aware of the habitual unnecessary tensions that we all have and thus release them.

What is learnt during these simple activities can be applied in many other situations and movements and each application increases our skill in the AT and improves our overall use.

A lesson normally lasts 30 to 45 minutes with the only requirement being that the pupil  should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothes. They might be asked to remove their shoes.  The teacher and pupil will decide together the number and frequency of lessons.