Alexander Technique Practitioner
What is the work like?
Alexander Technique practitioners teach people how to develop their posture and coordination to help bring about improvements in their general health, physical fitness and mental wellbeing.
As a practitioner, you would generally work with clients on a one-to-one basis. You would gently use your hands (known as re-coordination work) to encourage clients to let go of tensions they are creating in their body. Throughout this process you would explain to the client how the technique relates to their condition and help them to understand how and why they are not using their body efficiently.
You could work with clients who simply want to learn the technique for personal development, as well as those who want to address a range of issues, including:
- muscle tension
- posture or balance problems
- confidence, alertness, focus and stress
- vocal problems
- physical difficulties, such as back, neck or shoulder pain
- breathing disorders.
Your clients could also include:
- music and drama students who need to improve their vocal technique or posture
- people involved in different sports activities who want to maximise their efforts and improve their flexibility and timing
- pregnant women who need help coping with the rapid physical changes associated with pregnancy.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
The Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT) and the Professional Association of Alexander Teachers (PAAT) have details of courses and training opportunities at introductory and practitioner level (see the training and development section below for details).
There are no set entry requirements to get onto a STAT or PAAT approved practitioner-level course. You may have an advantage if you have a good general education with some GCSEs (A-C) and it is recommended that you have some practical knowledge and understanding of the technique. It is common for people to become interested in this field after personally benefiting from the therapy.
You may also find it useful to have an understanding of subjects like biology, anatomy, physiology and pathology, although this is not essential. Previous experience or qualifications in counselling, health and social care or a medically-related area can be a good preparation for this work.
What further training and development can I do?
The Alexander Technique is an unregulated area and as a result the STAT and the PAAT are working towards the creation of a single lead body (SLB) to set down common teaching and teacher-training standards. They currently run voluntary self-regulation schemes.
To gain entry to one of the self-regulation schemes you need to take an approved training course and then register as a practising member.
Training with the STAT involves taking a three-year, full-time course, including practical work and theoretical study of related literature, anatomy and physiology. The PAAT runs a four-year, full-time training scheme.
As a member of the STAT or PAAT, you would have access to continuing professional development opportunities.
Where can I go for more information?
Tel: 08000 15085039-51 Highgate Road
London
NW5 1RS
Tel: 020 7482 5135
The Big Peg
120 Vyse Street
Birmingham
B18 6NF
Tel: 01746 761 024
London
EC1V 0BB
Tel: 0203 1193 100
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser at learndirect Careers Advice, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Related profiles...
What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Many Alexander Technique practitioners charge a sessional or hourly rate, usually ranging from £30 to £60 an hour. This is unlikely to be clear profit.
- An experienced practitioner with a full-time established practice may earn up to around £40,000 a year.
Practitioners are usually self-employed and earnings can vary considerably.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would usually be based in a health clinic or similar therapeutic setting. You could also visit clients in their own home and work outdoors, for example, at sporting events.
You will have a table for clients to lie on, which you would take with you between centres and clients.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- good physical manipulation skills and manual dexterity
- reasonable fitness levels
- an awareness of when to refer a client to a conventional medical practitioner
- the ability to develop empathy with clients
- emotional stability
- a mature and sensible attitude to work
- a genuine desire to help people
- good communication skills
- a logical approach to problem solving.
What opportunities are there?
Although still relatively small, the Alexander Technique represents a growing profession and around 2,500 practitioners are currently registered with the STAT.
As a practitioner you are likely to be self-employed, working from home. You could also work alongside other practitioners of complementary medicine in a natural health clinic. To succeed, you need to be prepared to work long and flexible hours at first to build up your list of clients and establish your reputation.
Your prospects will depend on both local demand and personal ability. Reputations are made by recommendation and successful treatment programmes.
Search
Contact an adviser
Email
Call back
or phone: 0800 100 900
Bilingual advisers available
Face-to-face advice
