Ease and Poise
I am Hester and I aim to help you with your pain, anxiety, posture, and movement.
The Alexander Technique approach will help calm the nervous system and bring back balance, so you can be calm and confident.
The approach is Holistic and is not a 'quick fix'. A profound change will happen if you give it time.
In a supportive and nurturing environment, you will move towards a body and mind connection which will lead to less tension, better posture, and more ease of movement.
The Alexander Technique is for you to take into your life and make your own, giving you the tools to move away from pain and anxiety, and towards freedom and ease.
ABOUT ME
Tailored to address the specific needs of each person, my approach is gentle yet powerful. You will always be treated with empathy, inclusivity and respect. I am a 'body positive' advocate. My intention is to help you find peace in your body and mind connection, not chase an idealized version of the body.
MY EDUCATION
My 3 year Alexander Technique training was at the Constructive Teaching Centre in London (2011-2014), where I attend an annual Refresher course. I have been a qualified Nurse for over 20 years.
MY EXPERIENCE
I have 10 years experience of working with the Alexander Technique. At the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art I worked with Actors in training, to help find poise and freedom of movement in performance. I also have extensive experience of working with people who are feeling vulnerable and have had difficult and traumatic experiences. As a Nurse I have worked mainly in the areas of Sexual Health, Contraception and Women's Health.
MY SPECIALTIES
I enjoy working with all people who are ready to find a solution to pain and anxiety, and are at a stage where they want to find real change. My approach is inclusive. The goal is to find the true and authentic you. Because the technique focuses on how we use the whole of ourselves (body and mind) it is beneficial for all, including actors, musicians, sports people, desk workers, tradespeople and the retired. I have a particular interest in women who are at significant times of change in their lives, including pregnancy, new jobs and relationships, Menopause, and beyond.
MY TECHNIQUE
My sessions are based on the Alexander Technique. This technique was developed Frederick Matthias Alexander who was a professional Orator in the 1890s. When Alexander tried to find a solution to the voice loss that he was experiencing, he discovered that it was his subconscious movements, and reactions to the pressure of stage performance, that were the cause. Over the years, he developed a technique that works on the principles of awareness of the self and reactions to stimuli. He realized that he could improve his voice and performance anxiety by 'doing less' rather than making more effort. This revolutionary idea is the main principle of the Alexander Technique.
In my Alexander Technique practice I help you find the natural balance of your body.
During the challenges of life, we can react in ways which increase muscle and mental tension. For example, smiling to please others, tensing our jaw when in a challenging situation, or pushing our chest forward to show how 'confident' we are. When these are practiced many times, they become habits. Habits are familiar to us and feel ‘right’ so we repeat them again and again, without realising. Because many of these habits involve tension they can pull us away from balance causing pain, discomfort and anxiety.
Through gentle hands-on work, I can guide you to recognise and release tension, calm the nervous system, and learn to pause before action, giving you more choice and freedom of movement. When you stand, move and function in ways that are natural and in tune with how the body is designed to work, you have better posture, freedom of movement, and the choice to be mindful and focused.
MY STORY
As a Qualified Nurse I was working in a busy and demanding clinic and trying to find a solution to my back pain. At the same time I was having what I dubbed a '30-life crisis' where I was not sure how to proceed with my life. I tried several things and happened upon the Alexander Technique. It was a solution to my back pain. But I barely noticed the absence of back pain as the many advantages of being more present and connected in my body and mind became apparent. I was hooked, and after attending sessions regularly for 4 years, I decided to become an Alexander Technique Practitioner so that I could share it with others. I cannot imagine my life without the Alexander Technique. It has enabled me to worry less, enjoy life more, and notice and appreciate the things that are important in my life. I have had my fair share of disappointments and struggles, as have we all, and through it all, I have been thankful to have the Alexander Technique to help with my perspective and my recovery.
"Hester is a very thoughtful and considered teacher. She offers very clear and direct explanations and real life applications of the technique.
A very attentive listener, you feel she is able to empathise and tailor her teaching to you and your circumstances. I always enjoy lessons from Hester, her hands feel so secure and so calming."
- Candy
"The sessions with Hester are blissful. Truly that is what I feel. It is bliss. She is so extraordinarily gentle, encouraging freedom and space back into my body.
I find my body thanking me for finally investing in this kind of care. My muscles experience a freedom and ease they haven't had in an age!
It seems like there is a new confidence building in me from having a different relationship with my body in which I naturally choose to take care and pay more gentle attention to it, to myself."
- Sarah
'I felt really relaxed (which I expected). I could feel all my tension drop and I felt so much lighter afterwards. Now what I didn't expect was to start to realize where are my tension building spots my body. It also made me aware of my posture and the way I treat my body. A great exercise in introspection. Definitely I will come back."
- Elena
CONTACT ME
If you're ready to embark on a journey towards greater well-being and enhanced performance then please contact me to discuss how the Alexander Technique can benefit you.
It would be great to hear from you.
PHONE
07947345025
I Work from the following locations:
Brook Therapy Rooms
Floor 3
350 Omega Court
Sheffield
S11 8FT
The Herbarium
386 Abbeydale Rd, Nether Edge, Sheffield S7 1FP
There is Free Parking in Omega Court.