How does it work?

The Alexander Technique can be learned from an AUSTAT approved teacher in a one-to-one lesson either in person or on line or in a group lesson.  All AUSTAT Teachers have completed a 1600-hour training course over 3 to 4 years.

There are as many ways to learn the Alexander Technique as there are teachers of it, but there are a few things you can usually expect in a first lesson.  Your teacher will want to find out a bit about you, your reasons for coming and the types of activities and interests that make up your day-to-day life.

Your teacher will usually observe you in some simple activities such as walking, standing, sitting, and speaking.  He or she will introduce you to some of the principles of the Alexander Technique.  This may be with verbal instruction or gentle hands-on guidance to bring about useful changes in patterns of movement and your overall wellbeing.

In many lessons students will spend some time in the semi supine position on the floor or a teaching table.  It is recommended that you wear loose comfortable clothing (pants not a skirt), that enable unrestricted movement and will be comfortable whether you are standing, sitting or lying down.

Traditionally the Alexander Technique has been taught in-person, where the student learns from a teacher’s verbal instructions but also from gentle hands-on guidance.  In more recent times, and particularly since the Covid 19 pandemic, online lessons have become increasingly popular as the benefits of this way of learning the Alexander Technique come to the fore.  Online lessons can be beneficial for developing a student’s independence in learning the Alexander Technique.  It also makes the technique accessible to students in areas where teachers are not regularly available, and it allows students to have access to teachers with specific skills suited to their needs and style of learning.   Not all Alexander Technique teachers offer online lessons, however you can search for those teaching online under the “find a teacher” button.  AUSTAT recommends that students combine online lessons with some in person lessons to ensure they develop well rounded understanding of the technique.