Alexander Technique FAQs

How many Alexander Technique lessons will I need? 

How many Alexander Technique lessons you need depends on what your goals are. Generally, it is accepted that about 30 Alexander Technique lessons are required to learn how to apply the technique for yourself in the long term. For chronic back pain, the Medical Research Council suggest 24 sessions. But it's worth bearing in mind, that some people learn quicker than others. For some people, 12 is adequate. Just one lesson will give you an idea of whether you are already doing too much in your everyday movement. 

What happens in an Alexander Technique lesson?

During your Alexander Technique lesson there will be minimal movement, usually sitting and rising from a chair along with lying down table work. There are no Alexander Technique exercises, the term "Alexander Technique procedures" is generally preferred. We examine simple movements and how these can be accomplished using less effort, employing your innate balance and poise. Some time is spent on the table exploring constructive rest, which gently allows gravity to realign and reintegrate the spine. Throughout the lesson, support is provided by subtle hands-on guidance. You will not be required to remove any clothes, just your shoes. This page explains more about what happens in an Alexander Technique lesson.

Are there any Alexander Technique exercises?

No. There are no Alexander Technique exercises. The Technique is a form of postural re-education, not a system of physical exercises to be performed. You learn to become aware of how you use yourself in everyday movements, such as sitting, standing, walking, bending, lifting... and to stop the habits that cause unnecessary tension when carrying out these movements. The closest thing to an "exercise" is constructive rest, a lying-down exploration of how you respond to gravity.

Whereabouts in London are you? 

The Alexander Technique lessons are offered in East Sheen, Richmond in South West London, SW14. Quite close to Kingston, Putney, Wandsworth, Twickenham, Hammersmith and Wimbledon.

How much do Alexander Technique lessons cost?

One-to-one private Alexander Technique lessons are charged at £70. Further information on fees.

Do I need a GP referral for Alexander Technique lessons?

 No. You can book private lessons directly without a referral. However, a GP or Consultant referral may be required if you wish to claim through private health insurance. For NHS-funded lessons, a GP referral is needed. NICE recommends Alexander Technique lessons for chronic back pain and for Parkinson's disease. 

How long do the lessons last? 

Most Alexander Technique lessons last for about 45 minutes, although the first few lessons might last longer. The first lesson will take about an hour. 

What is the difference between the Alexander Technique and other therapies?

Well, to begin with, it is not a therapy! The technique is a form of postural re-education, which involves co-operation and attentiveness from the client, quite different to being a patient. The idea is that you develop a skill that will enable you to do less to achieve more. It is not a set of Alexander technique exercises, either. There is homework for you to complete in your own time, but it only involves having a nice lie down. 

Is the Alexander Technique like yoga, Pilates and other physical therapies?

No. They are very different disciplines. The technique is not a form of procedural exercises to be adhered to. There are no alexander technique exercises and taking lessons in the technique does not conflict with any type of exercise, physical therapy or self-improvement methodology that you are currently undertaking. The Technique is intended to improve the way you move and function, generally. The improvement in posture, well being and stress levels are more of a very welcome side effect! However, the Alexander Technique differs in that it shows you how to stop doing the things that may be harming you. It doesn't stop when the session is over. The responsibility for development continues to be with you, even after you leave the lesson. 

What type of equipment do you use?

Nothing more than a chair to sit down on and stand up from. And a table, which is used for constructive rest. The main tool of an Alexander Technique Teacher is the hands. 

Will my Alexander Technique lesson be painful?

Almost certainly not. The movements are so subtle, there will be nothing outside your normal range. If you do feel any pain, we will stop instantly. That is really not the idea. 

 How long before I start to see results from Alexander Technique lessons?

Many students notice a difference after the first lesson, or the first few lessons. Within the first 6-10 lessons, most people begin to notice the effects carrying over into their daily life. For lasting change, a series of 20–30 lessons over several weeks is recommended to make it stick. In the large BMJ trial for chronic back pain, 6 lessons halved the number of days with pain, and 24 lessons reduced them by 86%. Please be aware, the Alexander Technique is not intended as a quick fix - progress builds gradually with each lesson. 

Can I learn The Alexander Technique from a book?

Potentially, yes. But the list of people who have is very, very small. Even then, their success is questionable. The Alexander Technique Teacher helps to develop sensory reliability in the client. The client has been relying on habit to find his or her way "around" themselves up until that point. The sensory feedback the client is giving themselves is probably unreliable, and only the trained hands of an AT Teacher can relay that information in a constructive way. You are welcome to try though. 

Is The Alexander Technique available on the NHS?

Lessons in the Alexander Technique are available in a very small number of NHS Trusts, including Kingston Upon Thames in London. The positive research by the Medical Research Council means that Alexander Technique on the NHS may be a possibility in certain areas of the UK.. Many more forward thinking GPs and consultants are making private referrals.

What is the difference between the Alexander Technique and physiotherapy?

Physiotherapy uses specific exercises to strengthen, stretch, and restore mobility. The Alexander Technique involves no exercises. It is a form of postural re-education that teaches you to become aware of and halt the habitually acquired patterns of excessive tension that cause pain in everyday movement. The two work through completely different mechanisms and are not directly interchangeable, especially when applied to back pain and neck pain. NICE NG71 recommends Alexander Technique and Physiotherapy alongside each other for Parkinson's disease: "Offer Parkinson's disease-specific physiotherapy" (1.7.3) and "Consider the Alexander Technique" (1.7.4).

Will my private medical insurance pay for my Alexander lessons? 

Some private health insurers do cover Alexander Technique lessons. A GP or Consultant referral may be required. The following companies are known to have reimbursed Alexander Technique costs in the past. Policies change, so please confirm directly with your insurer before booking:

BCWA, The Civil Service Medical Aid Association, Ellis Healthcare, Exeter Friendly Society, Guardian Health, Healthcare Management, IGI, Managed Care Consultants Ltd, Medical Claims Handling, Orion, Prime Health, UAP Provincial Insurance, Willis Healthcare, WPA.

What is your cancellation policy?

Please give at least 24 hours' notice if you need to cancel or reschedule a lesson. Less than 24 hours' notice incurs the full lesson fee of £70. 

Is there parking available at your Richmond location? 

Yes. Free on-street parking is available nearby outside of 10am–12pm Monday to Friday. Nearest train stations are Mortlake, Barnes Bridge, and Richmond. 

Is the Alexander Technique teacher STAT qualified?

 Yes. I qualified with the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), the professional body for Alexander Technique teachers in the UK. This means I have completed the full three-year training course and passed STAT's qualification assessment. 

Do I have to commit to a course of Alexander Technique Lessons? 

Definitely not. You can book individual lessons with no obligation to continue. Many people start with a single lesson to see whether the Technique is right for them. If you decide to continue, weekly lessons for a period of several weeks is the most common approach, but the pace is entirely up to you. It is generally suggested that having a couple of lessons a week for the first few weeks is a good idea, then most people will drop to weekly sessions after that. However, you do not need to commit to a block booking and there is absolutely no hard sell.

Is the Alexander Technique safe?

Yes. For most people, Alexander Technique lessons are safe and pose no health risks. No manipulation of your body is involved, just gentle touch. In the large randomised controlled trial published in the British Medical Journal, not one of the 579 participants reported an adverse event. If you have a specific spinal injury or condition, please let me know before your first lesson. 

Where can I find further information on The Alexander Technique? 

alexandertechnique.com is an excellent resource to find more general information.

What should I wear to an Alexander Technique lesson?

Comfortable, everyday clothing is absolutely fine. You will only be asked to remove your shoes, nothing else. Ladies are requested to wear trousers, as part of the lesson involves lying down on a table. You will not be asked to do anything that takes you out of your comfort zone during the session.