Testimonials from Rachel’s students
“I’ve had shoulder and back pain for the past 3 years due to my job which requires me to sit at a desk on a computer for 8 hours a day. I’ve been to numerous doctors, alternative medicine practitioners and physical therapists. It wasn’t until I started my Alexander Technique lessons with Rachel that I really started to see a difference in the pain levels. After 4 months or so of lessons, I can honestly say that my body hasn’t felt this good in 3 years. And I can directly attribute this to my Alexander Technique lessons.”
Matt H., Marketing Director“I am a pianist who performs eighty to a hundred recitals a year as a soloist, chamber player and accompanist. I tell the people who have noticed the transformation in my playing that my greatest piano teacher is my Alexander Technique teacher. From studying the Technique with Rachel I finally understand what the words “technique” and “practice” really entail, and I am able to experience the endless pleasure of refining coordination, poise, and virtuosity without the strenuous and frustrating efforts of my younger years. I no longer feel anxious before performances, because I know my mind and my body are in sync so I can devote myself to the wonderful music I play”
Eric T., Professional Musician“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done for myself. It used to be that only regular massage and chiropractic adjustments would release the tension and now I don’t feel that I need them.”
Enola I., Salon Owner and Stylist“I came to Rachel in a state of prolonged tension, pain and fear about my body’s future. Through Alexander Technique I started to have glimpses of alignment not associated with a particular posture, a concept I found to be very disruptive to my previous training! I was able to bring my cello to several lessons and Rachel helped me see how ingrained my patterns of movement were even before I put bow to string. It was very important to me to work with someone who had experience with professional musicians and who understood how much I needed to play. Today I am much less pain, move more easily through my world and cannot wait to return for more lessons. On a professional level, Rachel is extremely knowledgeable and her touch is guiding and light. On a personal level, Rachel has the most relaxing voice I have ever heard and I came away from sessions physically and mentally relaxed! Her studio is also gorgeous and full of light.”
Charlotte, Professional Cellist“I have experienced profound relief from sciatica through the Alexander Technique. I never thought I would be able to experience the state of “no pain” again. My work with Rachel is helping me re-coordinate my body so that I can continue to avoid sciatic pain.”
Lynn, Certified Nurse and Professor of Nursing“I breathe differently. I move differently. I stand and sit differently and I’m so much more present in the moment. Learning from Rachel I can apply the Alexander Technique to any part of my life. Rachel is gentle with a thoughtful manner and able to clearly articulate the subtleties of this work. I am grateful.”
Debbie O., Tax Assessor“I’m falling asleep faster and sleeping more deeply, and waking up with much less back pain.”
Kevin, IT Manager and Singer“I learn so much from my lessons with Rachel. They have contributed greatly to the quality of my life. In my ongoing work with the Technique I continue to experience increased range of motion, with the overall effect being a decrease in physical stress in my whole self.”
Deb W., Book Editor and Yoga Teacher“The Alexander Technique helps me relax and feel more comfortable in my body. I am more at peace in my own body.”
Bohdana S., Filmmaker“I can sit much better and more easily than I used to and given how much I sit, that’s not an insignificant thing. I now have strategies for when I get tired while sitting and can address that. Slouching now feels like work!”
Shannon, Professor of Religious Studies“Working with Rachel and the Alexander Technique I’ve learned to be more relaxed physically, stay present and be more aware of my body while staying true to my character and the moment to moment demands of the scene.”
Aaron S., Actor“As a result of this work, I have found comfort in my body and as a result in my entire self. I am extremely grateful to have had Rachel introduce this important work to me; it has changed my life.”
Janet, Professor of English Literature and Singer“I am walking a lot faster, and with more confidence and ease. I am more steady and better balanced. My breathing is more even and natural and I am taking bigger strides. It feels good [to walk].”
Judy, Retiree
From medical professionals and the media
“The Alexander Technique stresses unification in an era of greater and greater medical specialization. Its educational system teaches people how to best use their bodies in ordinary action to avoid or reduce unnecessary stress and pain. It enables clients to get better faster and stay better longer. This is undoubtedly the best way to take care of the back and alleviate back pain.”
Jack Stern, MD, PhD, Neurological Group of Westchester, White Plains, NY“If you want a more systematic, long term approach to posture change, consider the Alexander Technique, a method that teaches you how to recognize and release habitual tension that interferes with good posture.”
The New York Times, June 24, 2011