The Alexander Technique is a powerful method for improving self-awareness, posture, movement and choice, and it involves a profound re-education of both mind and body. When individuals come for a private session, they are more accurately described as pupils rather than patients or clients.
This terminology reflects the true nature of the Alexander Technique: a process of learning, unlearning, and relearning how to think, move, and change habitual responses to stimuli in order to master oneself and choose responses more consciously. By attending to your own use first, more freedom becomes available in the mind body.
The Training of an Alexander Technique Teacher
Becoming a teacher of the Alexander Technique is a rigorous and comprehensive process. It requires completing a three-year, full-time course that encompasses a wide range of subjects and practical skills. This training prepares teachers not only to guide their pupils effectively but also to embody the principles of the Technique in their own lives.
Course Content and Structure
The training involves approximately 1,600 hours of study over three years. It includes detailed instruction in anatomy and physiology, practical hands-on classes, and lectures on core concepts such as Inhibition and Direction. These principles are central to the Alexander Technique and focus on learning to stop habitual responses (Inhibition) and directing the body into better alignment and movement patterns (Direction).
Students receive both individual and group instruction in the Alexander Technique, with a significant emphasis on practical application. They engage in practical skills sessions, which may include using their hands, performing in voice, sports, or other activities, to apply the Technique in various contexts.
Specialized Training Components
- Positions of Mechanical Advantage: Students learn how to use their bodies in the most advantageous and effective ways, minimising strain and maximising ease.
- Body Mechanics and Posture: Understanding the relationship between use, poise, and posture is crucial.
- Voice and Movement: Specialised tuition helps students use their voices and bodies more effectively, a skill essential for actors, musicians, and other performers.
- Supervised Teaching Practice: In the final year, students undertake a supervised teaching practice, allowing them to refine their skills under the guidance of the Head of Training.
Training Environment
My own training took place at the Cumbria Alexander Teacher Training School from 2000 to 2003. The Fellside Centre in Kendal, where the course was held, provided an ideal environment for learning with its large, well-equipped rooms, a library, and even a studio for voice and movement. The immersive environment facilitated a deep and comprehensive learning experience. And I was also worked on by other trainees and experienced a breadth and depth of care that helped melt away years of conditioning, strain and heartache.
The Role of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT)
The training courses are approved by the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), the largest training body globally. Upon completion, students receive a STAT certificate and can become members of the Society. The training is externally moderated by a panel of senior expert Alexander teachers, ensuring high standards and consistency across the board.
Personal Experience and Professional Development
Training as an Alexander Technique teacher was a significant investment for me, both financially and in terms of time. After my father passed away, I left a secure job at the BBC to pursue this path. The training not only equipped me with the necessary skills and knowledge but also instilled a deep sense of commitment and passion for the Technique. Over the past 21 years, I have continually applied what I learned, helping numerous pupils transform their lives through this profound method.
Conclusion
Alexander Technique training is a journey of self-discovery, personal and professional development. It prepares teachers to help their pupils achieve greater ease, poise, and self-mastery. This comprehensive training ensures that teachers can guide others effectively while embodying the principles of the Technique in their own lives. If you are interested in exploring the Alexander Technique, I encourage you to seek out a qualified teacher and experience the transformative benefits for yourself.