How I came to study The Alexander Technique

I became interested in training as an Alexander Technique Teacher when I was on a career break from academia. I was suffering from occupational stress and wanted some time out to re-assess my work/life balance. In that period, I re-discovered the Alexander Technique. I had had my first lessons in my twenties when I was suffering from chronic fatigue and, in my forties, decided to re-acquaint myself with the technique in order to understand my habitual reactions to stress. I soon began to feel more comfortable in my self, less prone to panic and more interested in life beyond my specialist research subject (Modern and Contemporary Spain). I now combine teaching the Alexander technique with working as an independent researcher and archivist.

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My training and development

I undertook the three year training course at LCATT (London Centre of Alexander Technique and Training), graduating in the Summer of 2017.  I am a member of The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique and served on STAT's Training Course Committee from 2016 to 2022. I also was a regular teacher at LCATT from 2020 until 2022.

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In the beginning, I built on my years of training at LCATT by assisting in the Alexander Department at the Royal College of Music and volunteering to support senior AT teachers in group workshops. In this capacity I have helped young musicians, opera singers and performers, as well as women and men from all walks of life learn the benefits of the Alexander Technique. I am now building up my private practice as well as developing group workshops for art and well-being festivals (I have a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design and practice embodied drawing techniques). I have also co-developed and co-delivered a community course on 21st Century Posture.

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Recovering from injury and surgery

In March 2023, I suffered a bimalleolar ankle fracture which necessitated surgery. I was unable to put weight on to the ankle for a couple of months and required physiotherapy to regain mobility and relearn how to walk. I progressed from walking using a variety of mobile aids through to returning to normality after months of physiotherapy and Alexander Technique lessons. The insights I gained during this period mean I feel able to support someone else who wants insights into their journey of recovery - whilst not a physiotherapist or a medical professional, I strongly believe that the insights we gain from the Alexander Technique enable us to regain confidence, courage and an appreciation on how to use mobility aids with more ease and, if applicable, to let them go. I now am back to my regular routines and can attend Qi Gong classes with pleasure once more!