How To Become An Alexander Technique Therapist

The Alexander technique teaches how to overcome limitations a person may have due to habits that have been formed. F. Matthias Alexander, the inventor of the Technique, was a Shakespearean actor who developed the principles that bear his name to over come problems he had himself with his voice. He noticed that he had undue tension and stiffness in his body, and taught himself to overcome. He eventually turned to teaching his technique to others and was often quoted as saying that anyone can learn to do what he did if they were willing to do what he did. During his lifetime he was supported by many artists and scientists, among them George Bernard Shaw and Aldus Huxley.

Teachers of the Alexander Technique believe that the body has a sense of kinesthesia or proprioception, an ability to calibrate body movement and location. The Alexander Technique strives to educate a person on how to more fully interact with the body and develop constructive reasoning and thinking techniques. They believe most people should reevaluate their motives and values behind goal setting and resolve past habits. Alexander Technique teachers promote the value of effortlessness and of practical structure. They believe that people have a built in blind spot and get in the habit of repeating almost any response. These repetitious circumstances lead to bad habits than can be overcome. They also address overcompensation and accumulated stress. Habits, they believe, diminish sensation and a person becomes less aware of surroundings and activities through habits. Habits are automatic. People train themselves through forming habits. As an example, if a person normally carries a bag on one arm, and walks without carrying the bag chances are that they will still raise the arm as though they still had the bag.

Those learning the Alexander Technique or learning to teach the Alexander Technique are trained in what they call a personalized but living anatomy lesson using hands on techniques. Movement is guided with light contact. Effortlessness is valued and encouraged. Teachers will suggest activities that are routine, followed by stimulating a stressful situation. Learning the Alexander Technique is usually performed through a qualified Alexander Technique instructor who carries on the work of the founder.