Another Kind Of Therapy...

[Hope4Now]

I'm posting this because I started this kind of work over the summer. It is called the Alexander Technique. I am still very much of a novice, but it has been transformational in so many ways and dovetails perfectly with the somatic work I do in psychotherapy, and helps enormously with my chronic pain issues. I think many people don't know about it because it has for many years been mostly for actors and musicians. So, in the interests of contributing to strategies for healing PTSD, I offer this little bit of information. http://www.bu.edu/bostonia/fall14/teaching-the-expanded-self/

 

[Deleted member 1860]

Thanks for sharing! I clicked on that link, then on to Betsy's website, then on to Amazon where the book has great reviews. I think I'm going to buy the book from Amazon. It looks quite promising!

 

[Chava]

As a musician I've dabbled in Alexander Technique and Feldenkrais (and was hooked whenever this stuff came up in workshops...felt so real, integrative, and true). I've taken some lessons but couldn't afford to continue too long, dang it. But I think basics in these approaches helped me loads in being open to the somatic approach to therapy. My own best resources (newly acquired and still under-utilized) are mindful and somatic or movement based (but movement with awareness). The somatic approach helps me feel like I have more access to resources outside of therapy because my body is my resource, not the enemy or thing I have to escape (does not feel like that today, but I'm trying to stay creative!). Thanks for sharing.

 

[Hope4Now]

@Chava, I can't afford too many lessons either, but I have done 6 or 8 sessions, and the man who is my teacher is also a friend and was kind enough to make a recording for me that I have been trying to do every day. It's funny because I was an actor in college and we did some of this stuff then...it was the first time I didn't get freaked out by having people touch me. But I didn't know what it was called then (or have any understanding about why it stirred up so much emotional stuff in me). It is very helpful along with the kind of mindful movement that I've been exploring a bit in therapy. Sometimes it gets me pretty scrambled up, but other times it is helpful in managing all the chaotic energy and keeping me at least quasi-connected with my body. @Solara, let me know if you do read the book and if it's helpful. Unlike so many other things, I haven't actually read much about Alexander or Feldenkrais (his student)...I've just learned a bit through my friend who is an Alexander teacher and offered me a couple of free sessions. Maybe I will read the book too. Betsy was one of his teachers, and he says she is amazing.

 

[Chava]

It's weird. I can handle some touch in that kind of context, too, like it's structured. Even a massage makes me crazy, but light tough is okay. I like Pilates lessons and learning how to pay attention to my whole body in a deeper way, and feel empowered...and totally fine if a teacher has to gently correct a movement, though most of that can be done hands-off.

I don't think Feldenkrais was Alexander's student. ? But maybe I haven't heard that. But a student of Feldenkrais, Anat Baniel, wrote a book "Move Into Life"...I like the principals...helps me get out of my adult mind and back into exploring and moving. I bought myself a snowboard! She writes a lot on ideas of neuroplasticity and how we can continue to recreate ourselves and create new experiences. Part of my "resourcing" has to involve creating new good body experiences so I'm not sucked down by the pain....have to balance out the disempowering feelings with new experiences, novelty, trying new classes, new moves, fun. Feldenkrais was too slow (but I was doing it after my therapy), but I completely appreciate it as a form of somatic education and rewiring the way we move and experience the world. This is all such good, good stuff.

 

[Seagreen]

Thank you for sharing this link. I had heard of the Alexandra Technique but had no idea what it was until now. It sounds like something that could be helpful. I'm glad you have found it helpful.

 

[Seasounds]

The Alexander Technique has been incredibly helpful in my recovery! I first noticed its potential with me, when I was studying acting, (an Alexander Technique teacher was part of the staff).

The teacher I work with is very flexible. While I work through emotional issues, she helps my body 'come along' in my process, and in the end, mindbody integration occurs.

It is so valuable!

 

[Seasounds]

Things that I like about the A.T. is that it always works at the students' speed, and it helps students be independent, of the teacher (i.e. it is a skill that can be learned.)

 

[Upside Down Eagle]

I've asked to have her book for my birthday :-) I'll tell you what I think when I get it! Thanks for the recommendation!

 

[Seasounds]

So many different teachers and different styles of teaching; a wide variety to choose from.

 

[shell]

It looks really interesting.

 

[Karen12]

I've heard really good things about that.