Alexander Technique at the Creative Health Centre, Brierley Hill, Stourbridge

What is Alexander Technique?

The Technique was developed at the end of the 19th century by Frederick Mattias Alexander, an Australian actor whose career was threatened by recurring throat and voice problems. Doctors could offer no lasting cure so Alexander determined to find the cause and remedy for his problem. His discoveries were so fundamental that he decided to make the teaching of his Technique his main career.

He came to London in 1904 and worked with many famous people. In the 1930s he set up a course to train others to teach his method. This has continues today through a worldwide network of Alexander teachers.

How does Alexander Technique work?

Lessons in the Alexander Technique give a greater awareness of what you are doing with yourself in everyday life. During a course of lessons people often experience a sense of well being, specific disorders may improve or disappear and the performance on the sports field or at the music stand may be enhanced.

What is Alexander Technique used for?

	Can help alleviate problems caused by poor posture including back ache, joint problems, migraines and breathing disorders
	Can help rehabilitation after injury and operations
	Can help you manage stress and pain
	Can help during pregnancy and in preparation for childbirth

What does Alexander Technique treatment involve?

The Alexander teacher uses gentle manual guidance and words to release excess muscle tension and to prevent harmful habits of use.

This therapy is carried out fully clothed.

Comments from a pupil, after a number of Alexander lessons

• I had reached a point where I wanted to take more responsibility for myseff and my life. The Alexander Technique seemed to address these aspects in a way I could relate to.
• I have found the guidance given in lessons very helpful
• The hands-on work helps me to experience the letting go of stresses and tensions. It also assists me in developing a more accurate sensory perception of myself.
• I am more aware of how I react to situations and am beginning to create more times when I work with my body rather than against it. I am amazed at the power of thought and at the innate way in which the body "looks after itself'.
• ... a feeling of developing an ability to find something in myself to counter the forces of gravity, and an occasional delightful feeling of lightness.
• ...has brought about self-awareness.. ..teaches how to let go tension...
• ...has shown me... ways of doing things without using too much effort.
• No one initial problem, the the Alexander teacher has helped me in many ways... swimming, driving, standing, cleaning teeth, preparing food... greater freeing up of my whole body... great way to reconnect with myself...

Length of Alexander Technique treatment and cost

An initial lesson is £35 and subsequent lessons are £30.

Practitioner qualifications - Pam Street
BA(Hons) PGCE LRAM MSTAT

Pam is a qualified teacher, pianist and piano teacher, and holds a degree in music and religious studies. She trained additionally in the Alexander Technique, graduating in Bristol after a full-time three-year training. Pam has taught the Alexander Technique to music students at Bristol University as well as people from other walks of life.

The Alexander Technique is a skill that needs to be learnt. Like all skills, it takes a little time to learn, but the benefits are usually noticed quickly. The Technique is a tool for life – it puts you back in the driving seat of your life, and enables you to find freedom and choice in life situations, whatever your professional / leisure situation. Alexander Technique is also complementary to other therapies.

Pam is a member of the Society of Teachers if the Alexander Technique (STAY), which requires her to adhere to a professional code of conduct and to hold insurance indemnity. She lives in Stourbridge, and is married with two grown-up children.