Sheffield Alexander Technique

30/05/2026

FM Alexander discovered that in order to understand his technique, you had to experience it. He was able to use his hands to lead a student to a new experience of themselves. To first understand the territory then make sense the map. This is the only reliable way to pass on his technique.

I've added a page to my website to explain the main principles of the technique, which during a lesson I help a client uncover for themselves. There are hundreds of books on the technique (half of which I may have read), and I am always happy to to lend to those who are interested.

I have a library of over 60 books related to the technique, some for beginners and many related to activities where the technique is found useful (singing, music, acting, yoga, running, swimming, philosophy, dancing etc). I am happy to lend these to clients, just ask.

20/03/2026

Very nice

Better Playing. Better Living. The Alexander Technique.This short film highlights how The Alexander Technique supports musician’s ability to play and perform...

26/11/2025

Fascia

Fascia is the new buzz word at the moment, it might even push mindfulness down the chart of fashionable things to work on.

It is fascinating and important, but there is a 'so what' element if you cannot change it. Usually articles and self help gurus will explain it, but the exercises they give are just adapted yoga and pilates stretches. They will help maintain it in its present states, but pulling at it will not let it unwind. 

It takes patience to allow release, space and compassion for its reason for being held. It's like trying to get a cat out of under the bed. 

Don't pull at it or it will likely backfire on you.  Alexander Technique teachers have been working with fascia for over 100 years, it's part of the make up of a human being (and a cat).

27/10/2025

What did Alexander mean by this, in essence:

1. The paradox of genuine change

Alexander observed that most people say they want to improve — whether it’s their posture, health, voice, performance, or state of mind — but they want to do so without fundamentally altering the way they act and react in the world. They hope for a better outcome while keeping the same habits, the same sense of “self,” and the same ways of reacting.

In other words, they want the results of change without the process of transformation.

2. Change feels like loss of self

Real change in the Alexander Technique involves letting go of deeply ingrained habits — not just physical ones, but mental and emotional ones tied to one’s identity.
When you stop doing what feels familiar (even if it’s harmful), it can feel wrong, strange, or not me.
So people unconsciously resist. They want to “be better,” but not to feel different.

3. Becoming different means surrendering control

Alexander’s work requires a willingness to inhibit automatic reactions — to pause and choose differently. That can feel like stepping into the unknown. Many people want improvement but still want to remain in control in the old, habitual way.
To be truly different means allowing yourself to not know — to experience yourself freshly.

4. In modern terms

It’s a psychological truth too: we can’t create new outcomes with the same consciousness that created the old ones. Change always involves a shift in awareness and self-perception — becoming a new way of being rather than just fixing an old pattern.

So when Alexander said, “People want change, but aren't prepared to be different,” he was pointing to the essential difficulty of being human: real transformation demands letting go of who you think you are, not just tweaking what you do.

17/10/2025

I'm working my way up the leaderboard!

I love working at the Fiveways so it's nice to get AT on the board outside. Come and find me in Nether Edge, Sheffield

09/10/2025

Who's next!
Most weeks I have the joy of visiting the Manchester Alexander Technique Teaching School (MATTS) as a guest teacher. Refining the skill of a teacher takes much more than the 1600 hours needed to qualify, it's a lifetime commitment.

28/09/2025

I have a few free taster sessions of The Alexander Technique available for next Sunday morning (5 October). They will be 20 minutes long and no obligation to book anything after.

Let me know if you are interested

15/09/2025

As part of my aim to spread the Alexander Technique, on Sunday 5th October I’m offering either:

A FREE 30 minute group introduction to the Alexander Technique

or

A FREE 20 minute individual session.

You can choose what might suit you. There will be no obligation to have further sessions, this is just a chance for a taster so you can understand what the technique is.

Spaces will be limited, so if you are interested, or you have a friend who might be, please PM me and we can organise a convenient time.

sheffieldalexandertechnique.com