Normally, people come to Alexander lessons to resolve a problem.

Unlike many other forms of therapy, teachers do not go directly to the problem. Instead, the teacher will focus on the way in which you coordinate your body in standing, sitting, walking, and any other activities you may be involved in.

The teacher will ask you to focus on the detail of how you go about the activities. You will also be looking at how your thinking and feeling affect your coordination.

The reason we proceed in this way is because we assume that the way people use themselves affects the way they function.

For example, a bad back can be caused by the way you sit, stand, walk or bend over a computer.

By changing the way you do these things, you give your problem a chance to heal itself without the need for manipulations, massage or other therapies that deal more directly with the area of pain.

Alexander teachers have considerable skill in the use of their hands to very subtly guide you out towards posture and movement which is easier, lighter and more coordinated.

Besides working with you in the upright position, you will probably also do some lying down work, during which allows the teacher to help you undo tension and holding of which you are completely unaware of, and which you take with you even into your most relaxed moments.