Testimonials
Kleanthes Koniaris, Archer and Engineer
Olympic-style archery requires the ability to be nearly perfectly relaxed while holding the bow at full draw, and developing an excellent sense of precisely how one’s body is aligned, as uniformity brings accuracy. I started my study of the Alexander Technique to gain insight into relaxation and the positioning of my body, and it has been extremely useful in this regard. However, there have been some strange and fascinating benefits, with one example being that it has impacted the way that I speak! Relaxation of my neck has certainly lowered my voice, and learning that one can even talk until “running out of air” has slightly improved the cadence of my speech. My posture has markedly improved, both standing and sitting, and my (mild) lower back pain has gone away. Constance has an excellent eye for the deconstruction of physical movement, so her analysis of video that I bring her of world-class archers is outstanding, and she provides excellent insight and guidance to improve my technique, making things much easier for my archery coach. Constance is an enthusiastic and inspiring teacher, as she is fascinated by nearly any kind of human (or animal) motion—she has my highest recommendation!
Fred Randolph, Bass Player
My instrument, the bass, is very demanding physically and in particular bowing has caused me to have muscle problems in my back. These problems had caused me to stop practicing bow and play pizzicato only. Through my studies with Constance I have begun to gain a better understanding, both intellectually and physically of proper body use. I can already feel the benefits of this and have recently heard comments referring to my “playing with ease”. Constance is especially good at explaining the “whys” of things and she has obviously done a lot of homework. Techniques such as the use of “mental directions” and the “whispered ahs” have been valuable in creating a stronger sense of well being prior to and during performances and recording sessions. I have recently begun practicing again with the bow. Constance certainly has my vote!
Karen Rachels, MFT
I walked into Constance’s cozy cottage in search of better posture and
walked out with more self-confidence. Constance is a gifted healer, using
gentle touch and holding along with direct and compassionate feedback.
Through my sessions with her, my awareness of my physical self grew which in
turn enhanced my emotional awareness. I’d recommend Alexander Technique and
particularly Constance to anyone whose sense of physical or emotional self
needs support. You will be held in good hands and led by a loving heart.
Elisabeth Belle, Construction Project Manager
I have tried any number of therapies and practices to improve the quality of my life. Of all of them, I think I have gotten the most out of the Alexander Technique. Very importantly, it has left me with an awareness of how to practice the work any moment of the day on my own. It is as essential as breathing really. I am aware that the practice can be expanded to higher levels of consciousness, as much as I am capable of tuning in. That’s a key for me…wake up and be mindful of my operations.
Anna McConnell, Actor
Recently after an Alexander lesson, I needed to run around the city doing errands. It ended up becoming a great AT exercise: I noticed that I habitually tensed up when I felt cold, when I had to wait in line, when I was calmly sitting in the train but just thinking about the audition on Saturday, etc. I noticed that my body/mind system indeed OVERreacts to mundane, trivial, essentially insignificant situations as if they were questions of life and death. I also noticed that it was fairly easy to release the tension, breathe and let it go, and that even in the middle of an argument it’s possible to be in a more neutral, relaxed physical space than I’d realized. Looking around me in traffic I realized how most people around me were indeed frowning, tightening up their whole bodies and staying in this physical and mental space that no longer looked natural, in a way, but rather like something painful, exhausting and unnecessary. Another thing I’ve noticed is that the more aware I am of the tension in my body, the more I breathe and let it go and return to a neutral space, the less I desire external artificial stress-reducers like cigarettes or sugar. I’m very excited about all these small discoveries and I’m looking forward to my next lesson
AMSAT Certified Instructor
