Though Alexander Technique is traditionally taught hands-on, it does not have to include contact. Marj Barstow pioneered the group teaching of the Technique and many people in her groups got little or no hands-on work. She primarily appealed to their thinking, not their feeling.
One night after Torah Talk when I worked with Rabbi Rabbs, I included his girlfriend in our conversation but I did not touch her. I explained some basic Alexander concepts such as observation, inhibition and direction. Then I demonstrated these concepts through hands-on work with the rabbi, helping him to let go of needless holding patterns in his neck and back so that he could expand into his daily activities rather than contract.
Rabbi Rabbs posts to his Facebook: Luke Ford has taught Alexander Technique to me nearly every week for the past few months, and has always treated me during our sessions with the utmost respect, caring, and professionalism — exactly what I would expect from a healthcare professional.
Luke introduced me to Alexander methods to deal with my chronic neck and shoulder injury caused by an auto crash years ago. I had never heard of AT before, but through Luke’s patience in teaching to me every step of the way, and answering all of my many questions, I have learned what the Technique is about and how to apply it to my life.
I trust Luke and AT so much that I even had him teach it to my girlfriend.
