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What is the Alexander Technique?

“The Alexander Technique is a way of learning to move mindfully through life. The Alexander process shines a light on inefficient habits of movement and patterns of accumulated tension, which interferes with our innate ability to move easily and according to how we are designed. It’s a simple yet powerful approach that offers the opportunity to take charge of one’s own learning and healing process, because it’s not a series of passive treatments but an active exploration that changes the way one thinks and responds in activity. It produces a skill set that can be applied in every situation. Lessons can leave one feeling lighter, freer, and more grounded.”

Some of the benefits people experience from learning the Alexander Technique:

increased freedom and ease of movement
relief from stiffness, pain and excess tension
relief from neck, shoulder and back pain
improved co-ordination and balance
help with rehabilitation after injury, illness or operations
finding more ease at work
discovering more confidence

Learning the Alexander Technique

One-to-one Lessons - Sue teaches in-person lessons and group workshops in the West End of Glasgow, and online using the zoom video conferencing platform.

Introductory one-to-one lesson - When you come for your introductory lesson I will invite you to discuss your reasons for coming and I will tell you about some of the basic principles of the Alexander Technique. As the lesson continues you will learn how to apply some of these principles in simple activities like sitting, standing and walking.

When you leave your first lesson you will be able to start practising what you have learnt as you go about your daily life; this is an educational process and you are learning to do this work for yourself. You will also have been given an idea of how further lessons could benefit you.

Further Lessons - Changing unhelpful habits and letting go of the various ways we have been mis-using ourselves often takes some time. Having the guidance of a teacher facilitates the learning process.

Most people find a series of weekly lessons is the best way to learn and make steady progress. There is no fixed number of lessons to take, and lessons are generally booked individually as you go along.

Cost of one-to-one lessons

50 mins - £60

30 mins - £35

Group Lessons and Workshops

Group workshops of two or more people are a fun, practical and effective way of learning Alexander's work. Students participate in group discussions and activities as well as having individual lessons with the teacher, which often facilitates the learning process, as much is learnt by observing others.

If you would like to arrange for me to teach a group workshop or course teaching please contact me.

Schedule of Workshops and Courses 2024

Resouces for students learning the Alexander Technique

Who was Frederick Mathias Alexander?

F.M.Alexander was a reciter and actor, who at the beginning of a successful career found himself struggling with hoarseness and eventually loss of voice while performing. He sought help from doctors and voice coaches, but no one was able to find the cause of his problem.

As his problem did not seem to be a medical one, and only troubled him during his performances, he concluded that his loss of voice must be caused by something he was doing to himself whilst performing.

Determined to find a cure for his problem, he began a long process of self-examination and experimentation, which led to some amazing discoveries. These discoveries enabled him to develop processes which he could use to stop the unconscious and habitual patterns of thinking and movement that had been causing his problem.

He began to share his discoveries with those experiencing similar difficulties, and quickly realised that his Technique was applicable to many other conditions which had previously had no cure.

In 1904 he left Melbourne and moved to London, where he soon established a successful practice, and worked with many well known figures of the time. These included John Dewey, George Bernard Shaw and Aldous Huxley.

Alexander started his first teacher training course in 1930, continuing this work until his death. His work was carried on by his students, and today is taught around the world.

During his lifetime F.M. Alexander wrote four books illustrating and explaining his work:

Man’s Supreme Inheritance (1910)

Constructive Conscious Control of the Individual (1923)

The Use of the Self (1932)

The Universal Constant in Living (1941)

For more information about the Alexander Technique:

The Interactive Teaching Method Association www.itmalexandertechnique.org

The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique www.alexandertechnique.com

The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique www.alexandertechnique.co.uk

Testimonials

I went to Sue after many months of unresolved neck and upper back pain. I didn’t know much at all about the Alexander Technique, but Sue was recommended and I was willing to try anything. Sue’s engaging and pleasant manner, together with her knowledge and way of explaining the technique in a simple and straightforward manner, soon dispelled any reservations I may have had that the sessions wouldn’t help me. After only a few lessons with Sue I could feel myself frequently thinking about how I was moving and using my body as I went around my everyday life. This led to me being able to reduce the amount of unnecessary tension which I was holding in my neck and upper back, which led to less pain. Thanks to Sue, not only do I now have no pain, but I have a much greater awareness of how my body feels and moves. I would highly recommend her.” Miranda

"I have been very fortunate to come across the Alexander Technique – and even more fortunate to have Sue Barclay as my teacher. The Alexander Technique has had a profound affect on my well being – both physically and mentally. I believe that learning the Technique has enabled me to understand the cause of my back and neck pain and make changes which can prevent it. This in turn has given me more confidence in other aspects of my life. I cannot recommend Sue highly enough, her knowledge and understanding of the Technique and her ability to teach in a way that is fun, leaves you recharged, and inspired to study the Alexander Technique and practice it for life.” Lindy

My course of lessons with Sue have been most enjoyable and beneficial, her advice given in such a friendly relaxed manner in my own home. When we first met I was very tense after a spell of ill health and her lovely calm voice enabled me relax and absorb her tuition. I learnt to eliminate movements which I had always believed to be correct and I am most appreciative of her guidance. Margaret

Hello my name is Elly Taylor Young and over a year ago I experienced the most excruciating neck and nerve pain down my right arm later diagnosed as ‘spondylosis’. After many treatments with a chiropractor costing huge sums of money nothing had improved.

I knew Sue Barclay well and embarked on one-to-one sessions with her for the Alexander Technique. This has been a life changing experience for me and I now use the technique on a daily basis – what I have been taught never leaves my mind. I think about how I walk, how I sit, how I use the computer – it has become part of my everyday life in fact you could say ‘ a way of life’ . My neck pain has gone and my posture much improved. During the sessions Sue suggested I might try a little yoga. I have been learning slowly at my pace and it has been an eye opener for me. I had no idea I could achieve what I have. I am fitter and more supple ( making use of these neglected muscles ) and it is great for your mental well-being. I love it. Sue is an inspirational teacher and I would recommend her to anyone. Elly

"I began working with Sue because I wanted to find more freedom in my playing and generally in my everyday life. It has been and continues to be a wonderful experience. Working with Sue is a complete revelation. Her approach to the teaching of the Alexander technique is very instructive, illuminating and she instinctively knows the optimal pacing of lessons. Sue is a warm and friendly energy. She is thoughtful, insightful and is truly committed to imparting her knowledge in a way that fosters dialogue and I always leave with all the questions I had answered but always with a new direction to explore. My playing has become much freer and so is my approach to practice. She often reminds me that “everything is easier with a smile” Sue’s lessons are a source of great joy, much laughter and delight. I would highly recommend anyone who has an interest in the Alexander technique to have lessons with Sue. She is a wonderful and inspirational teacher.” Nicola

"I have enjoyed every single lesson I have had with Sue. She’s kind and funny and approaches each event with a chuckle and a sense of playfulness. The results of the work we did were quite unexpectedly far-reaching – people noticed a difference in me but couldn’t put their finger on it, just that I seemed better somehow. More confident? Lost weight? Better health? New hairdo? No, Just carrying myself differently. With more ease. I certainly experienced less pain after each lesson as Sue’s calming hands reminded my body that it could let go of unnecessary tension, & then her words would stay with me to remind me how to continue practicing. As a massage therapist, I could feel the difference in a client I referred to Sue – her neck was just softer, chronic tension was released.” Serena

"Sue Barclay is a wonderful exemplar of how Alexander Technique can be lived and taught. Sue is a person of great integrity who will give you time and space to explore greater ease of movement. If you are willing to take your time, and you are not in a rush for a quick fix then Alexander taught by Sue could be the thing that will make a lasting difference for you. I have learnt with direction from Sue how to better to look after myself, how to be myself with less effort. I would encourage everyone to have Alexander lessons with Sue.” Kate

"I have been going to see Sue for Alexander lessons for a few years now and I find it very helpful in many ways. I am much more comfortable in my body and body movements and more aware of my body in general. This has had a number of benefits – I rarely have aches and pains now, I feel more relaxed in myself, but also paradoxically, more alert. I think it has also contributed to a general sense of well being. Sue is a lovely, enabling teacher, highly perceptive and astute. The lessons are fun and interactive. I would recommend Sue without any hesitation.” Mary

"12 months ago I was unable to see myself climbing hills, running or scuba diving ever again. Sue has been an essential part of my recovery. It has taken many months but I am now climbing, diving, running and scuba diving once again. Without Sue’s care, support and teaching I do not think this would have ever been possible.” Dave

"From helping to manage pain and discomfort, and building confidence to understanding your body and mind better, I have felt the huge benefits of Sue’s classes. I believe they will guide anyone of any age and ability to step into themselves with more confidence and freedom. It is without a doubt one of the best things I have ever done and I would recommend it to everyone!” Lauren

"Sue has helped me over the last two years with Alexander Technique. She is methodical, clear and patient and I always felt the benefits from each lesson These benefits lasted well after each lesson. She also worked with my daughter who suffers from Asperger’s. She felt tangible benefits from the get go and her posture and manner became more outgoing and confident as each week passed. Sue made her feel at ease, something Asperger sufferers can find very hard.” Douglas