Learning the Alexander Technique with Gail Barlow
Gail offers:
• Individual Alexander Technique sessions at her practices in Aberystwyth and in New Quay, Ceredigion. A preliminary assessment and introductory session is advised in order to determine the suitability of the work to an individual's needs.
One-to-one sessions are the most usual and obviously the most effective method of learning the Technique, since 100% personal verbal and 'hands-on' attention can be given to the individual and to their problems/needs.
For further information and comments about one-to-one sessions, please go to the Benefits of Alexander Technique page.
"Alexander Technique changed my life completely; how I think, what I do. It enables me to make the changes I want to make..The driving session was absolutely wonderful and empowering! After 35 years of having no confidence driving, I feel in control and I can do it. I don't dread it and it doesn't hurt!
Gail has a very strong practical approach and gives me the tools to work with myself. I feel I'm really learning with her and it stays with me. Her images are brilliant and I like the building blocks from one session to the next; we consolidate and then add on another piece."
(Sue, Graphic designer) Read more of Sue's comments• Public introductory courses for small groups of six people in Aberystwyth, Cardigan, Newcastle Emlyn, etc from time to time.
• Public introductory residential or non-residential weekends for small groups of six people from time to time in locations such as St David's, Llanidloes, etc.
• Staff development introductory courses. Gail has been offering staff development courses since 1993 at educational institutions, research and library institutions and in companies. Courses can be tailored to suit various kinds of work applications. A CD accompanies the course. For further details, please go to the Staff Development section of the 'Benefits of Alexander Technique' page.
• Optional Free 'Taster' sessions from time to time for those considering staff development work
"In response to a growing need for stress management support, Gail organised a programme enabling both teaching and support staff to learn, practise and develop further their skills in management of the Technique and, ultimately, management of individual levels of stress. Staff quickly learn how to identify and relieve those problems associated with stress such as back-pain, headaches, stiffness and anxiety states in a warm, friendly and extremely relaxed environment."
(Karen, Staff development officer of a large educational institution) Read more of Karen's comments
When I look at the difference in my standing from before the session(left picture) and after(right picture), I'm amazed! I think, why on earth was I standing like that sticking out my belly in an unattractive way! So now, not only do I feel better, but I look better too!
The course makes staff happier, more relaxed and better at avoiding hurting themselves while they work. For example I now sit better, and as I'm sat at my desk most of the day, this helps me to avoid getting aches and pains which could stop me working so well. It was great fun working in the group. I'd thought it might be embarassing, but it wasn't! We all encouraged each other and I really enjoyed the sessions.
Photos show: 'Before' (habitual standing stance at the beginning of the group session on 'standing and walking', which is the fourth session of six sessions) and 'After' (at the end of the group session - a much more natural and easy balance) (Suzy, Administrator) Read more of Suzy's comments.• Dolfinjazz introductory residential weekends from time to time for six jazz instrumentalists/singers. For more information and comments about the Alexander Technique in relation to jazz, please go to the Dolfinjazz section of the 'Benefits of Alexander Technique' page.
"I found Gail's work really really helpful for relaxing my muscles, which is the most important thing when playing the trumpet. It has also made a difference to my breathing, in that I am not closing my throat as much and so the air flow is better.
Gail was really friendly, really positive and really easy to understand. Everything was well-explained and you really felt you were getting something out of it."
(Leo, Jazz Trumpet-player, 18-year-old student at Birmingham Conservatoire of Music) Read more of Leo's comments
Gail Barlow is the Director of Dolphin Alexander Courses, which she set up in 1990 after completing the three-year full-time Alexander Technique Teacher Training Course and qualifying as a Teacher of the F M Alexander Technique.
Gail is an experienced teacher who has worked with over 2,000 people in the UK, France and Greece.
She is a Member of the Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (STAT), which was founded in 1958 and is the oldest and largest professional body of Alexander Technique teachers in the world.
