Q: How Is the Alexander Technique Different from Bodywork?
A: Unlike forms of bodywork that only focus on the body, the Alexander Technique uses the power of the mind in coordination with the body to bring about change.
The two key mental principles in the Alexander Technique are “inhibition” and “direction.” Inhibition involves ceasing unnecessary nervous tension, both muscular and mental. Direction involves coordinating mental intention with physical movement. These mental skills are instrumental in bringing about change from the inside out.
Q: Is the Alexander Technique Like Massage?
A: No. The Alexander Technique is a retraining process that teaches you how to use your brain and body to move in a more coordinated way. Unlike massage, where the practitioner manipulates your body, resulting in only short term-relief, the Alexander Technique teaches you to retrain the way you move, allowing you to let go of the habitual posture that is causing you discomfort.
Q: Is the Alexander Technique Like Yoga?
A: No. Whereas an Alexander Technique teacher may recommend stretching exercises to help release tension, it is not in itself a stretching program. It does not teach you specific exercises to perform; rather it teaches you how to perform any exercise in a way that is healthy and beneficial.
Q: What Should I Wear to a Session?
A: You should wear loose, comfortable clothes.
Q: How Many Sessions Does It Take to Learn the Alexander Technique?
A: It typically takes a course of 5 to 10 sessions to understand the principles of the Alexander Technique. It typically takes a course of 30 sessions to become highly adept in the Alexander Technique.
Q: Where Are Sessions Held?
A: Sessions are held at:
UPMC Center for Integrative Medicine
Shadyside Place
580 S. Aiken Ave., Suite 310
Pittsburgh, PA 15232
Q: How Much Do Sessions Cost?
A: Sessions cost $70 each, and last 1 hour.
Q: When Do I Pay for Sessions?
A: Sessions are paid on or before the date of each session.
Q: How Do I Pay for Sessions?
A: Payments are made to the Center for Integrative Medicine. The Center for Integrative Medicine accepts credit cards, checks, and cash.
Q: What Is the Rescheduling Policy?
A: If you have to reschedule, please give me at least 24 hours advance notice. I will notify you at least 24 hours in advance if I have to reschedule. Exceptions to this are if you have an emergency or if you wake up sick on the day of your session. In this case, please call me, and we can reschedule your session.
Q: Have Other Questions?
A: Please e-mail me with your questions, and I will answer them. If questions come up more than once, or seem particularly pertinent, I will post them along with an answer in this FAQ.
