Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique

People imagine that their bodies are disobedient and unreliable in carrying out their wishes, whereas nothing could be further form the truth.

Walter Carrington
Comments

Clare - painter & decorator

My name is Clare Morris. I am learning the Alexander Technique. I am a painter and decorator and thought it would help in my work as I am up and down ladders most days, bending down a lot and lifting boxes in and out of the car. I have found it helps as I suffer from a stiff neck from time to time. When I apply the Alexander Technique at work I find it helps a lot and makes the job easier. I heard about the Techniquue when I was doing some painting for Philippa.

Martyn - business man using computers extensively

I have been a pupil of Philippa's for about a year. I have had lower back problems for many years. Philippa has taught me to become much more aware of how I stand, walk and sit. It has enabled me to deal with and reduce pain significantly. I will continue to learn and explore the Alexander Technique for a long time.

Peggy - osteoporosis sufferer

Become conscious of posture, balance. It is a way of life to get into. As body awareness develops so does mind awareness. Facing life afresh not avoiding it. While driving, as you sit on your sitting bones then it follows that you can ungrip the steering wheel and the shoulders go down and the mouth untightens.
View from a Student

My first session of Alexander Technique with Philippa and lunge lesson with Sue was met with both excitement and trepidation. I soon entered the world of ‘monkey’, ‘knees forward and away’, and ‘what part of circle right do you not understand?’!

Six months down the line I realise it was the best thing I could have done. The subtlety of the improvements made is key to this Technique. Yes, there was disappointment at not reaching Grand Prix level after one lesson but it is all about awareness. Initially being taught off the horse to do something you want to perfect on the horse can seem a little strange. To sit on and be aware of your seat bones, think up through the spine, the hips, connect into the back, the neck and lead with the head. To be aware that arms can move independently of the shoulders, that elbows do bend and that hands can move without the elbows wanting to come too. Occasionally this multi-tasking can become daunting and everything seems to fall apart but take time, readjust and inhibit, and next time becomes so much easier.

Subtle changes in the rider’s position can create a huge difference in the horse’s movement. Just sit on your seat bones, send your knees forward and away, open your shoulders, bend your elbows and you will feel a happier horse beneath you. He will soon be snorting and swinging along in appreciation and when you feel the difference you will realise it has all been worthwhile because the two disciplines work very well together and you will ride with a new purpose.

Jane H.

Caroline

'I am taking a course of Alexander lessons with Philippa to complement my riding. After 4 sessions I have become more 'body aware' and small changes to my breathing and position have dramatically improved my effectiveness on the horse. I would thoroughly recommend some lessons in the Alexander Technique to anyone who wants to improve their general riding or in preparation for competions'
Jan

Philippa has taught me how to assess my everyday lifestyle, which allows me a stress free, relaxed understanding of how my body and mind work together to create a balanced symbiosis. Everything I do now is approached with more consideration for my body and it's correct use of energy. The lessons have resolved many old aches and pains which were mainly due to my misunderstanding of how to use my energy efficiently.
 Cerys - 24 year old Office Manager, who also runs her own holiday cottage maintenance business.

I came for lessons to work on my posture but I have learned much more. I now have a new found respect for the way my body moves.

David

I have found the Alexander Technique very helpful in making me aware of the relationship between my neck and back and this has been of great help in improving my seat on the horse.