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- Work independently in a health and wellbeing field
- Manage your own time and workload
- Help clients improve their posture and coordination
The Alexander technique teaches improved posture and movement, which is believed to help reduce and prevent problems caused by unhelpful habits. Teachers of the Alexander technique believe it helps get rid of tension in your body and relieves problems such as back pain, neck ache, sore shoulders and other musculoskeletal problems.
DAY-TO-DAY DUTIES
You'll work with clients with a range of issues like:
- Muscle tension, back, neck or shoulder pain
- Posture or balance problems
- Poor self-confidence or high stress levels
- Breathing or voice problems
You might work with clients who want to learn the technique for personal development like:
- Music and drama students who need to improve their vocal technique or posture
- People involved in different sports activities who want to improve their flexibility and timing
- Pregnant women coping with physical changes
You'll teach the technique with the aim of releasing tension from the head, neck and spine to improve posture.
The technique involves:
- Explaining how it relates to a client's condition
- Assessing a client's posture and movements
- Using your hands to encourage clients to let go of tension
- Helping clients understand how to use their body more efficiently
- Teaching clients how to use the technique in everyday life
DAY-TO-DAY ENVIRONMENT
You may start by working part-time until you've built up a client base. You may need to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate your clients. You'll usually be based in a health clinic or therapy centre, visit clients in their own home, or work outdoors, like at sporting events. Your working hours will depend on how many clients you have. You'll usually work with clients on a one-to-one basis.
You'll need
You'll need to have strong coordination, good people skills, and the ability to teach others. To get into this career you'll usually need to complete a 3 to 4-year course which meets the standards of the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC).
Professional organisations who deliver training or register teachers with the CNHC are The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), Interactive Teaching Method (ITM), and Professional Association of Alexander Teachers (PAAT).
Although there are no set entry requirements for these courses, it could help your application if you have knowledge and understanding of the technique from individual lessons with a qualified practitioner; an understanding of subjects like biology, anatomy and physiology; and/or previous experience or qualifications in counselling, health and social care, or a career related to medicine.
You'll find it useful to join the Complementary and Natural Healthcare Council's voluntary register of Alexander Technique teachers to show that your training, experience and insurance have been checked.
CAREER PROSPECTS
As with many freelance professions, it may take some time to build your practice and your earnings. Alexander Technique teachers may charge £30-50 per session depending upon experience, but remember that you may have costs to cover (such as premises hire and insurance).
You could work with other practitioners of complementary medicine and set up a natural health clinic, or promote your services to local GP surgeries, NHS organisations and hospitals.