FAQ

Q: What Is the Alexander Technique?

A: My definition of the Alexander Technique is that it is a method for learning how we do what we do, which lets us change what we want to change.

First and foremost, the Alexander Technique is education. It is not therapy. You will be an active participant in your learning process, and I will be a teacher facilitating your learning.

The Alexander Technique is a step-by-step process that has three primary stages:

1. In the first stage, you learn how to recognize habits of tension.

2. In the second stage, you learn how to decrease the frequency and intensity of those habits.

3. In the third stage, you learn skills for more optimal brain and body coordination.

Q: What Does an Alexander Technique Lesson Look Like?

A: During an Alexander Technique lesson, I use a combination of “chair work” and “table work.” In chair work, I help you sit and stand from a chair. In table work, you lie on a massage table while I move your arms, legs, and head.

Chair work allows you to explore a large range of motion; it helps you learn about your habits while doing something you do dozens of times a day; and it gives you a safe and neutral environment for exploring your habits.

Table work allows your limbs to have a different range of motion than when you are standing; it lets your limbs be essentially non weight-bearing, which means that your muscles don’t have to do their normal work; and it is relaxing, which helps to diminish stress and tension.

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 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 has been causing you discomfort.

Q: Is the Alexander Technique Like Yoga?

A: No. Whereas an Alexander 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 Lesson?

A: You should wear loose, comfortable clothes.

Q: How Many Lessons Does It Take to Learn the Alexander Technique?

A: It typically takes a course of about 10 lessons to understand the principles of the Alexander Technique. It typically takes a course of about 30 lessons to become highly adept in the Technique.

Q: How Much Do Lessons Cost?

A: Lessons with me cost $45 each, and last 1 hour.

I also offer a course of 10 lessons at a 10% discount for $405.

Q: When Do I Pay for Lessons?

A: Lessons are paid on or before the date of each lesson. You can also pay for a course of lessons in advance.

Q: How Do I Pay for Lessons?

A: I accept cash, as well as check and money order made out to Caitlin Freeman. At this time, I do not accept credit cards.

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 lesson. In this case, please call me, and we can either reschedule your lesson, or move your lesson payments forward a week.

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.