What is the Alexander Technique?
The Alexander Technique is a way of engaging with life that can change how you think and move for the better. It is for anyone who thinks! That's so important, I'll write it again.
The Alexander Technique is for anyone who thinks!
The AT specifically deals with the problems we may be causing ourselves, through long-standing behavioral patters, lack of confidence, modeled behavior, old injury compensations, things we've been told by other professionals about ourselves, and decisions we've unconsciously made about the "right" way to do something.
The Interactive Teaching Method (ITM) is one of the ways to approach learning the Alexander Technique. It was developed in the 90's by Don Weed and became established in the UK and Europe. The path to certification involves a rigorous four year training course that emphasizes text analysis and understanding, and the many aspects of what makes a good teacher.
In the ITM, we believe that the power to change lies in the student. Luckily, we also believe that change can happen at the speed of thought!
How? Rather than teach you to do something new to "fix" a problem, we teach you how to stop the problem at the root cause: your thoughts.
Every lesson is bespoke. We work on what interests you, because learning should be fun. No lying down with books under the head. No exercise sets. Just working on how you do something in real time.
What is the Interactive Teaching Method?
My personal philosophy
It's simple: I know what it's like to struggle, both mentally and physically. I was a high-performing perfectionist with impossibly high standards for myself. I have a connective tissue disorder and other chronic health issues, and I pushed myself until I got sick - over and over again. Even though I was aware of the cycle, I wasn't able to stop it. And then I would beat myself up about needing to rest.
I know there are plenty of people who want a new way to live, but can't quite figure out how to get there. I want to be the kind of help I needed when I felt like I'd tried everything and still came up empty. The ITM changed my life in profoundly freeing ways - too many to list here - but the two most profound were my happiness and mental adaptability. In an uncertain and rapidly changing world, I know I can deal with uncertainty and the unknown.
My favorite part of any lesson is when I can see a student's mental gears turning - an idea clicks - and the student gets out of their own way, makes a new choice, and simply does what they need to do in order to accomplish the activity. As a teacher, I'll walk the line between support & encouragement and asking challenging questions that may not have an easy answer.
Because I genuinely believe everyone can benefit from this work, I'm committed to making it accessible. If cost is a prohibitive factor for you, please reach out.
TESTIMONIALS
"Sarah helped me integrate ITM skills into my existing performance practices, particularly my singing and audition prep. If you're a performer who suffers from chronic pain or nervous tension, ITM will be an indispensable addition to your toolkit.
Working with Sarah brought me back into a more mindful relationship with my body. As a performer with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, I've often had to teach my teachers how to work with my body. It was refreshing to work with someone like Sarah, who has an innate understanding of how to work with hypermobile bodies and experiences the same quirks and challenges in her own system."
- Parker S.
Let's work together!
Introductory Lesson
Your Alexander Technique journey will start with the Introductory Lesson (a conversation + lesson while sitting) in order to get a little bit of history, key ideas, and your first learning experience. I rent a studio or come to you.
Discounts available for 2+ people
Time: 45 - 60 mins | $75 - $90
Additional Resources & Find an ITM Teacher: ITM Alexander Technique Website