Frequently asked questions

Normally people come to the Alexander Technique for Health, Posture or Performance reasons.Everyone can benefit:Male or female,Any age – from primary school age to those in their 90s.Able bodied or disabled.All backgrounds.All ethnicities.No minimum level of fitness requiredNo special clothing required

One-to-One sessions. This is the only successful way to learn the Alexander Technique. Everyone is different and so an individualised approach is necessary.

Yes. This is a good idea and there is no obligation to take it further if you wish. A one-off introductory session of about 40 mins will give you an experience of what is involved and there is time for you to ask questions.It is quite likely that at the end you will feel quite different: possibly lighter, freer, calmer. However to make long lasting changes, a short course of 10-20 lessons is advisable for those without complicated conditions. This will increase your awareness and enable you to begin using the Alexander Technique in your daily life. There are no repetitive exercises.Sessions thereafter are around 40 minutes. Most people find them relaxing and calming, energising and informative.

There is no need to remove any clothes or wear special clothing. Ordinary street clothing that does not restrict movement is fine. You will be asked to remove shoes. For Women wearing trousers is suggested.

For part of the time, you will be lying down on a comfortable couch and, for the rest of the time, you will be sitting, standing, walking or demonstrating an activity which is problematic for you. The practitioner uses his hands to guide your movement so you get the experience of carrying out activities without strain through better balance and coordination.

No, the Alexander Teacher uses his hands in a way which is quite different to an Osteopath, Chiropractor or Massage therapist. He is trained to use his hands in a subtle way to release muscular tension that may be the cause of the pain, discomfort or underperformance that has motivated the person to come for sessions. During this gentle process, you become aware of habits of muscular tension and learn to release these.

Chelmsford on Mondays 12-7pmBrentwood on Tuesdays 12-7pmLeigh on Sea on Thursdays 12-7pm

Below you can get an idea of the companies that have been known to cover part or all of the cost of Alexander Technique sessions. However the situation is always changing and this list is not exhaustive. Please check with your Insurer in advance of booking sessions to ensure that you will be covered and its extent.This list gives you an idea of the companies that have been known to cover part or all of the cost of Alexander Technique sessions. However the situation is always changing and this list is not exhaustive. Please check with your Insurer in advance of booking sessions to ensure that you will be covered and its extent.Payment for the lesson is made at the end of each session by cheque or cash and the client then reclaims what is allowed from their Insurer.Actplan (on GP’s referral)BCWACignaEllis HealthcareExecutive Healthcare LtdExeter Friendly Society (on self-referral)Guardian HealthHealthcare ManagementHEALTHSHIELDHogg-Robinson HealthcareI.G.I. (on GP’s referral)Iron Trades Ass. CoManaged Care Consultants LtdMedical Claims HandlingMediCashMedisureOHRAOrionPrime HealthPruHealthThe Civil Service Med. Aid Assoc. (on self-referral)The E.C.’s Joint Medical Insurance SchemeThe U.N.’s Medical Insurance SchemeUAP Provincial Insurance PlcUniversal ProvidenceWPAZurich

Contact or telephone Derek on 07702 631259