The Alexander Technique is a tool that can be applied to many areas of life.

Here are several statements from long-term students who came in with challenges and feel that they have been able to use the Alexander Technique as a tool in meeting those challenges.

I thank them for generously sharing their experience of studying the Technique in order to encourage prospective students to try it out for themselves.

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The stress of daily life, as well as being a musician, meant that I had learned to play in pain. Over time, I had been treated for repetitive motion injuries as well as TMJ. I was looking for something that would treat the cause, not just the symptoms. Searching the internet, I stumbled across Alexander technique and Stephanie Segers. I have studied with Stephanie for 2 years.

The technique has taught me ways to utilize my body in such a way that I could play more freely. As well, by examining motion with the instrument, I am able to look at the way I use my body in every day life, allowing for more overall energy and stamina.

Stephanie has provided encouraging, gentle guidance in the process. Her intuitive sense as well as her intellect, have allowed me to explore many areas of movement. Most importantly, she has treated me as a partner in this journey by encouraging and engaging in my own discoveries. This being the most important part of my learning.

Two years later, I am a much different performer. I have an open sound, much more connection to the music and audience and am painfree! I have recommended Stephanie to several students and colleagues.

Emily Roos, Arlington, MA

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I began to take lessons in the Alexander Technique after I was diagnosed with a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). The lessons have not only reduced the RSI pain in my wrist, but have also improved my posture and the way I walk.

Stephanie is an excellent teacher and has a very down-to-earth approach to the Technique. Every lesson with her increases my awareness of how I use myself. As a result, I can accomplish my daily activities with less effort than ever before.

Neer Asherie, Somerville, MA

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I started Alexander lessons when my methods of trying to work around problems I'd had with my lower back no longer seemed to be working.

I had had problems with a herniated disk in my lower back, and years earlier, I had worked with a physical therapist, learned to protect the lumbar arch in my lower back, using a lumbar roll for sitting, and exercising daily to strengthen my abdomen and lower back. However, even with this effort, periodically the lower back pain would return, and pain would recur for days at a time, especially if I had worked for long periods at a computer.

Finally, when I had developed muscle strain from over-compensating to protect my lumbar arch while I sat at the computer, and this prevented my from working on my exercise routine, I thought I would try Alexander technique with Stephanie.

After taking Alexander lessons for a few weeks, Stephanie subtly coached my body to begin to find a natural way of sitting at my computer that did not collapse the lumbar arch of the back, and yet did not use the muscles I had over-used previously. It seems to be effortless. This has become increasingly "second-nature" since the time that it first began working for me. Now I am able to work in a sitting position for several hours without the back problems I had experienced before. (Also, I have the result of no recurrence of lower-back pain even though I don't always sit properly!) Now my only lower back symptom is that occasionally I will have muscle cramps in the lower back, but with the Alexander technique I am able to get rid of them --usually within an hour. (Also, the pain from these cramps is much less than the pain that I used to have with my earlier back problems.)

I have also gained a wonderful unexpected bonus from the Alexander sessions. This bonus is that I have been able to include running for my routine exercise. Previously, I had had to rule that out --both treadmills and outside on the street -- due to a combination of problems -- a bout of planar fascitis (pain in the sole of the foot) and recurring knee pain. But with Alexander technique I have learned to distribute my weight more towards the heels of the foot, and to relax alot of unnecessary muscle tension so that the impact does not affect the areas of the legs and feet that used to be points of injury. I have been running on treadmills for 4-5 times a week (for about 30 min.) for a year and half now with no recurrence of the problems I had before. Also, almost a year ago, I started running in the street outside and have not had any of the knee or planar fascitis problems recur. I do occasionally get minor aches and pains, or have pulled muscles, but I have been able to use what I have learned with Alexander technique to "debug" the problem, and to this date, except for the pulled muscles, I have not had an ache or pain that persisted from one exercise session to the next.

Finally, I have found other benefits form Alexander technique that I did not think I was looking for. The deep breathing and relaxation in standing and sitting that is a key to the method is very soothing and has a way of removing stress. It is almost addictive!

I am still learning more Alexander and find that it appears to provide a healthful way to live and work.