“People do not decide their futures, they decide their habits and their habits decide their futures.”
F. Matthias Alexander (1869 – 1955)
Arriving in London in 1904 he built up a successful practice with many influential supporters from the Arts, Medical and Scientific worlds including Sir Charles Sherrington, considered the father of modern neurology. Alexander drew pupils to his work from many walks of life. He was also supported by a number of notable doctors and those within the medical establishment.
In 1931 FM Alexander began his first training course in London to teach his work and he continued both his private practice and the training school until he died in 1955 at the age of 86. Over his lifetime he continued to refine his work, outlining his understanding and insights. His discoveries became the basis for what we now call the Alexander Technique – a unique practical insight into our reactions and responses within everyday living and our general coordination.
Until the end of his life Alexander continued to develop his practical teaching approach, guiding people towards new experiences of balance and poise within a more conscious awareness of how they used themselves. In the years before he died he handed over the training course to Walter Carrington who had trained and worked with him since the 1930s. Walter, with his wife Dilys and other teachers, continued to train Alexander Technique teachers at The Constructive Teaching Centre in London until 2005. There are now training courses to teach Alexander Technique not only in the UK but around the world.
My training
I was privileged to train with Carolyn Nicholls at the highly regarded Brighton Alexander Technique College. Carolyn has herself been teaching for over 30 years, having trained with Walter and Dilys Carrington. She has made a study of the specialised use of the teacher’s hands in Alexander Technique informed by extensive work with Dilys Carrington.
I continue to update my skills through regular CPD and supervision.