Who can benefit from learning the Alexander Technique?

People of all ages and lifestyles use the technique to improve their quality of life.  Athletes, dancers, musicians, actors, practitioners of yoga, Pilates, and martial arts who would like to gain more freedom in movement, and/or use their bodies as a tool for expression. People looking to prevent injuries or resolve chronic pain find an immense resource in this self-care method.  I have worked with people of all types, and with many physical conditions, including:  lower back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, neck and shoulder pain, plantar fasciitis, knee and hip injuries, arthritis, and breathing and postural problems.

Who has studied the Alexander Technique?

A sampling of notable people from a variety of fields who have studied the Alexander Technique over the years:

Performing Artists:

William Hurt, Christopher Reeve, Kevin Kline, John Cleese, Robin Williams, Paul Newman, Jeremy Irons, John Houseman, Joanne Woodward, Sir Colin Davis, Paul McCartney, Sting, Joel Gray, Trisha Brown, Hilary Swank, Madonna

Psychologists and Scientists:

Nicolaas Tinbergen, 1973 Nobel Prize Laureate in Medicine
Frederick (Fritz) Perls, originator of Gestalt Therapy
Dr. Frank Pierce Jones, former director of Tufts University Institute for Psychological Research
Prof. Raymond Dart, anthropologist
Sir Charles Sherrington, Nobel Prize-winning neurophysiologist

Writers, Philosophers, Educators:

Aldous Huxley, writer
George Bernard Shaw, writer
John Dewey, American educational philosopher

Bodyworkers:

Moshe Feldenkrais, Ida Rolf

The technique is taught at The Julliard School of performing Arts, The Royal College of Music and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, London, England, Yale University, Drama Department, Boston Conservatory, Los Angeles Philharmonic Institute, and Sarah Lawrence College, among others.

How is the Alexander Technique different from other approaches?

It is not a treatment, such as chiropractic or massage.  The Alexander Technique is a self-care method that gives you independence in maintaining your health.  You work actively and in dialogue with the practitioner, learning to become aware of your own movement habits and patterns of misuse.  Over time, you gain the capacity to guide yourself into better balance.

The Alexander Technique is not a set of exercises such as those you might learn in yoga, physical therapy, Feldenkrais, Pilates or the gym.  The Alexander Technique is built from a set of principles that gives dimension to the way you organize yourself in your movement patterns.  With developed awareness you can apply these principles to all your activities.

How long are sessions?

Usually between 45-60 minutes, Alexander lessons are tailored to each student.

What do people wear during a session?

Come to your Alexander lesson wearing loose, comfortable clothing.

Where are lessons located?

Lessons are available in the Flatiron district of Manhattan and Prospect Heights, Brooklyn.  House visits can be arranged upon special request.

Flatiron address:  920 Broadway, 14th Fl (between 20th St & 21st St), New York, NY 10010

How long should I take lessons to get the full benefit?

Students typically take one to two lessons per week, over the course of six months to a year, and sometimes longer, with the goal to continue their own process of self-discovery afterward.  Guided by each student’s interests, goals, and needs, I work in collaboration to design the most effective course of study. Improvement in the technique relies of the student’s active participation.

Office hours are by appointment only.  Please call 917.208.2373 or e-mail corihouse@gmail.com to schedule an appointment.

Payment is due at the time of visit and cash and check are accepted.  Appointments not cancelled within 24 hours will be charged a full fee.