Testimonials

In just six weeks, Kay gave me a whole new perspective on public speaking. Her expertise in the Alexander Technique enhanced my posture, breathing, and confidence, transforming my wedding speech anxiety into a joyful and authentic expression. Her personalised sessions highlighted and corrected my limiting habits, profoundly changing not just my speech but my overall presence. Kay’s guidance was a journey beyond technique, leaving me with a lasting sense of empowerment. I have benefitted from the impact of her guidance beyond my wedding day and can confidently say the Alexandra Technique is now a mainstay of my day-to-day life, whether that be in correcting my posture, improving my communication or giving me the confidence to be my truest self. Thanks Kay!

I live with hypermobility syndrome, I can displace joints in my sleep, and I notice how Kay’s ongoing Alexander Technique lessons with me – and my daily practice – really helps to reduce my regular displacements, thus improving the quality of my life and making the daily activities of life achievable.

Learning the Alexander Technique has not only taught me how to realign my body physically, it has also equipped me with ways to help myself when I feel depressed and anxious, and ways to improve my confidence when faced with challenging situations. In short, the 12 years that I have been practising the Alexander Technique, most of them being under the expert guidance of Kay, have changed my life 100% for the better both physically and mentally.

As an artist I do spend a lot of time sitting at an easel and have found I suffer with a tight shoulder and sore lower back. With Kay, we looked at my art ‘habits’ and found exercises to help with the tension, improved my painting posture by moving the easel more centrally and sitting square to it and at the right height, with both my feet flat on the floor. I have become more and more conscious of my posture and now have no tension, no sore or stiff lower back and with a greater awareness and understanding of how I’m using my body, my creative juices are flowing! The minor adjustments have made such a difference to my art life. Eureka!!! A huge thank you Kay!

I was recommended to try Kay by a Consultant Rheumatologist for neck and spine issues. She has helped me a great deal with these. I have found her an excellent and gifted teacher and would thoroughly recommend her as a Teacher of Alexander Technique.

She is very professional, very knowledgeable and a great advocate for Alexander.

I have not had a ‘good’ back for approximately forty years, having suffered a riding accident in my twenties. Now, having seen Kay for the last two years, on roughly a weekly basis, I have less pain, therefore less tension and a more upright mobile back which is relatively pain free.
Kay’s understanding and tailored sessions have helped me so much to apply the Alexander technique exercises to my everyday life, which has benefitted me hugely in the management of my back issues. Thank you so much Kay, I’m so grateful to have found you!

I’m a young automotive engineer and spend a lot of my time in awkward positions repairing vehicles.  I conscientiously decided that I didn’t want to have rounded shoulders and look like Quasimodo!

I was recommended Kay and have started a second course of lessons with her.  During Covid -19 I haven’t found wearing a mask in lessons a problem, as I have to wear one all day at work anyway.  Kay wears a mask and a visor and has strict safety requirements in place, which makes it as safe as it can be.

I didn’t realise I had so many bad habits, standing out of alignment, bending rounding my back, fixing tension in my joints and pushing my hips forward.  In the short time I have done Alexander Technique I have noticed an improvement in my posture and bending, which has made movement generally less effort and more comfortable.

When I am practising at home I break a task into small parts and have learned to stop and rethink how to carry out each part of that task.  I find this helps prevent the habitual movement to take over, and makes a space for me to think and move differently.

I am now trying to use what I have learnt during lessons, in everyday life and at work. Naturally, I have less time to spend analysing at work, because I have a job to do.  However, gradually my thinking is changing how I approach my work, and I have discovered that I am more comfortable in my body during the working day and less stiff in my joints at the end of the day

I am still keen to learn more!

I’ve really enjoyed my lessons with Kay. During these covid-19 times she has good protective measures in place so I felt safe and relaxed. The Alexander technique is a way of life. Kay has taught me to approach movement with playful and inquisitive thought and I will continue to use the techniques to try and break the pattern of old habits.

Within the first week of having an Alexander Technique lesson with Kay I felt like I had a choice in my harmful behaviours and a deeper understanding whilst navigating my days that felt controlled by OCD, depression and disordered eating. I can feel my body has released a lot of tension and I am wanting to slow down and take care of myself more daily. There is now some space in between my thoughts and compulsive reactions to make a more positive choice. I have felt comfortable with sharing all of my difficult thoughts and emotions with Kay and always leave with a sense of calmness, feeling back in body and ready to be in the world again.

I had been having a lot of neck pain for sometime, taking too many painkillers which weren’t really working, when I came across an article in a local magazine about Kay and her work with Alexander Technique.  It sounded like just the thing that would help me so I decided to book some lessons with her.

My neck pain was quickly sorted out. I couldn’t believe how quickly! Its been an interesting journey learning about Alexander technique. Its made a big difference to me, improving my posture, my mood and my relationships too. There is much to learn and put into practice

I would thoroughly recommend Kay who is a kind and very patient lady

I thought I would start with my tale of woe but I promise I will try to keep it short before I lose any of you to boredom ..

I am a 59 year old female who has for many years has suffered from ill health.

All the usual minor illnesses/ ailments also major illness / operations  accident and falls . I suffer from various diagnosed auto immune disorders and medicated heavily. I had a career for 30 years which became so difficult to continue but thankfully I am now retired .

I have horses (all field ornaments now ) as I had not been well enough to ride for some years . But always yearned to get back into riding .

Having got a new smaller horse as if 4 wasn’t already enough ! ..I recommenced riding but soon found that my stability in the saddle had become the same as on foot ..unsteady .

A friend suggested trying Alexander Technique on a horse simulator ..sadly on enquiring I was embarrassingly too heavy !!

So I searched on the Internet and found Kay .

That’s where it all began

I am at the start of my AT journey but already have found so many unbelievable benefits .

I have been able to walk unaided (no stick on rough ground )  posture is becoming more correct therefore alleviating the awful head aches I had experienced for many years .

I feel stable on my feet and stairs are no longer a fright either up or down .

I am able to get up out of chairs with ease and almost gracefully without hauling myself up . No winch and pulley now needed .

My confidence has grown and I am riding now using the technique I’m being taught .  I have even resumed walking ( short walks but still out walking ) .

I have even been able to lose weight and reduce some of my medications .

Kay has been an inspiration and I highly recommend both her and the Alexander Technique . I find her friendly ,interesting and knowledgeable.

That is a lot from someone very sceptical about such things .

It truly does work and with Kays tuition and support , your mind can do it .

I know I don’t put as much practice /stops or pauses in as I should or could but it only gets better .

This is not a quick fix but it is a life style which I feel should be taught at schools , especially with the posture of the younger generation now days . It would take a great burden off the NHS in later years if posture related issues could be avoided .

Had I known about AT many years ago would I have tried it ? possibly not as things sadly had to deteriorate so badly for me , to open my eyes to what could be done .

But for me its ONWARDS AND UPWARDS

Going up and down stairs used to be really difficult for me.

I had been tackling stairs like an old woman, and I looked like one. Over time, Kay has helped me to analyse what was happening and why. It turns out that before I even got to the stairs, I would get extremely anxious. I’d tense my neck, scrunch my shoulders and make myself as short as possible (so that I didn’t have so far to fall). Once I got to the stairs, I would “get set”; preparing myself for the ordeal. Unwittingly, I had added in loads of extra, unnecessary effort to my movements.  My method involved clutching onto the handrail, leaning to one side, looking down, using the same leading leg for each step; one at a time and stopping on each one to regain my balance. I would arrive at my destination with a sense of relief and surprise that I had made it in one piece. With Kay’s thoughtful help, I now realise that I had a real fear of falling. I thought I was protecting myself with my modifications. In fact, I had developed a kind of controlled fall, which was very unsafe and very damaging to my body. I had a lot of pain, and movement was a struggle. The strange thing is that I had no idea how anxious I was about stairs. Even stranger, I had no idea how my body was designed to work. My habits had developed gradually over time, so that I was completely unaware of them.

As crazy as it might sound, I had to re-learn how to go up and down stairs. Kay is a very patient, encouraging and kind teacher who has a knack of knowing what to do when. Over time, she has worked with me to revolutionise my technique so that I now find that I can approach stairs with confidence. I know how best to move, and I no longer have any fear. For lots of stairs, I no longer need to use the handrail. I am so grateful to Kay for guiding me to using my body in the way it’s designed to work. My movement is now easier, more graceful and more elegant. In fact, my husband commented that my new stair technique makes me look 30 years younger!

I am delighted with my Alexander experience. I spend 14 weeks in Hospital having undergone major bowel surgery and I found myself walking along with a pronounced stoop due to the “protective” posture I had in inadvertently developed. Despite trying I could not get out of this downward spiral. This resulted in high degree of pain in my back, neck and shoulders. I had heard of the Alexander technique and decided to give it a try because it seemed to deal with my exact situation. After several lessons I am now greatly improved and pain free – walking upright and enjoying my walking again. I feel so much better that I have decided to continue with my lessons to make my improved posture a long term habit.

I first visited Kay quite a few months ago for an introduction to the Alexander Technique as I had been having various neck and back issues and was looking for something that would help me. Little did I realise how much could be done to help me. As someone who is retired I had spent years doing things wrongly without ever realising how far my body had been neglected and misused. Kay has made an enormous difference to my posture and well being and I haven’t had any back or neck issues since starting her lessons. Kay is very knowledgable, friendly and her lessons are fun, she has has transformed my posture and how I use my body. My extreme thanks go to Kay and I look forward to my next lesson with her.

16 years ago I had an operation to fuse my right ankle joint ( arthredisis ) due to severe arthritis. After a long and slow recovery I had to learn to walk again ….. imagine… it was like walking with a plaster cast on from foot to knee.

I was never offered physiotherapy.  My biggest challenges were hills and stairs.

As a result I developed a marked limp and consequently suffered a lot of back and hip pain. The hip pain was always worse at night.  After working long shifts as a nurse I would suffer greatly.

Kay suggested that I learn the Alexander technique . She made no promises but I think was excited by the challenge.  I will admit I was very sceptical…. I couldn’t see how this technique could overcome a physical disability.

After my first lesson I questioned whether I was committed enough  and still had my reservations….. what was this all about I asked myself!  I now am able to not only walk without a limp, sleep at night without hip pain but also able work a 12hour shift with far less effort and discomfort. I even feel more graceful when walking up and down stairs.

Every day, new tasks present a learning curve, I’m not saying it’s a miracle cure but every day  I am becoming so much more confident. My stress levels are also considerably reduced resulting in my body feeling far less tension.

Working as a nurse I carry pens in my top pocket…. if they fall out, I know I’m not bending correctly and I am learning to STOP .. and THINK I  !

Fun, varied and always beneficial, Kay’s regular Alexander Technique sessions are a must on my calendar. They’re the one thing that ensures I don’t slip back into old ways with my posture and I can look forward to my middle age without worrying about chronic back problems looming ahead.

Sceptical? Oh Yes! How could thinking about the way you use your body be fruitful? Or change anything!

Now I know!

Kay has been guiding me in the Alexander Technique since she qualified as a teacher. Overtime, I have discovered that I have the ability to ease some of the pain of mild arthritis, to lessen the effects of mild asthma by controlled breathing and to reduce the amount of medication I take. I know my experience is no guarantee for anyone else, we are all different, but it has helped me and is still helping me.

You need an open mind and diligence – this is not an instant fix – it’s a way of life.

Learning the Alexander Technique has improved my confidence and allowed me to overcome my fear of doing presentations.

My stress levels have reduced and I have been able to significantly reduce medication I take for heartburn.

Because I am tall I have always felt the need to shrink myself down, to fit in with everyone else (and to disappear if possible because I am not a particularly confident person!). In fact, once I started lessons it became apparent that my posture is not so bad but my self-consciousness has always made me look down. It is very refreshing and illuminating to be told that I can stand up to my full height, and look up. The Technique has planted a little note in my head to ‘think tall’; it feels empowering to be allowed to think this. I started lessons soon after I started singing in a chorus and I can apply many of the Technique’s ideas into singing and performance. And there is a picture of me on Facebook looking maybe just a little bit like the Alexander Technique teachers I aspire to, standing tall, relaxed and confident, I’m getting there!

Having suffered from quite severe back and neck pain for many years, I was encouraged to try the Alexander Technique.

I am now virtually pain free.

It has helped every day chores become manageable and I feel much stronger and calmer.

I no longer need to take antacid tablets at night and the numbness in my hands and fingers is much improved.

I also anticipate a brighter future as I learn more and more how to use my body better.

I have had several Alexander Technique sessions so far and have started to re-learn how to use my body in a way that is aiding me into recovery following years of tension and pain after a motorcycle accident over 16 years ago. After trying many different therapies in the past and only had short-term relief, I knew it was time to try something more long-term. So far my general aches and pains seem to be subsiding along with me noticing better muscle use and posture. Being a young mum with 9 month old twins and a 4 year old has made it even more essential that I am on top form and that they learn from me how to keep fit and healthy! This is a new start for me and my body and I are nearly friends again after many years!

Breaking my leg made me limp badly which in turn caused pain in both my neck and my back. The Alexander Technique has helped me learn to walk upright naturally and without stress and pain. It has speeded up the recovery process and also given me inner personal confidence and awareness.

After 15 years of headaches and two years of emotional strife, I have tried the Alexander Technique with highly satisfactory results. No more pain killers, increased energy and a general improvement in well-being have been the results.

I will forever be grateful for Kay’s firm but sympathetic teaching. I wish I had tried it years ago.

Before trying Alexander Technique I had been really struggling for many months with pain in my lower back, shoulders and neck which I had thought were due to my scoliosis. A few lessons with Kay and I really noticed the difference! The pain in my lower back went and my shoulders and neck loosened up. Now I also know how to treat myself without needing to visit the physiotherapist or take medication.

As a harpist, I get a lot of stiffness in my shoulders and neck. Kay has taught me how to relax whilst playing and to be aware of the muscles I need to use. The tension has decreased, I am less tired and my playing has improved.

I tried the Alexander Technique after recommendation from a physiotherapist in the hope that it would help ease long term back ache. Although dubious by nature, I decided that I really had to give the Technique a fair try and was more than grateful that I did so; not only did my back improve immensely over the weeks, but I also realised that I was experiencing an overall improvement in general well-being. Thank you so much Kay!

More people should know about and learn the Alexander Technique.