Individual coaching and lessons

Get the help you need to stop things hurting and start moving freely and easily.

Are you constantly doing the rounds of visits to the osteopath, acupuncturist, massage therapist, but the relief never lasts?

Is work being a ‘pain in the neck’ far more than just a metaphor?

If you would like to get back to relishing the activities you love without feeling the discomfort you have come to expect…

Then I can help.

Jennifer Mackerras gives individual coaching in Alexander Technique in BristolI have over 10 years’ experience in helping people to rethink the way they are going about activities, to reduce muscular tension, and get back to loving life. In 1:1 session packages (in person and via Skype), small groups and in courses, my students learn effective tools and strategies that stop the discomfort and promote flexibility, ease of motion and a new experience of moving.

“Jennifer really helped me to think about how I move and use my body in everyday life.”

Liz, nurse

Sometimes you need just a little help to make the changes you’re looking for

I know what it’s like to try working through, even though things are hurting. I did that.

And I know what it’s like to feel the relief after the visit to the massage therapist, only to feel the discomfort come back as soon as you get back to the computer. I felt that.

I know what it’s like to have the sneaking feeling that the problems aren’t really purely physical, but being caused by something I am doing. I had that sneaking feeling myself. And I had no idea how to begin to change things – until I had some coaching with Alexander Technique. I found it so helpful (and not just for the problems I went in with) that I decided to train so that I could help others.

For nearly 10 years now I have been helping students reach their potential with activities as diverse as singing, yoga, swimming, walking, using a computer, playing an accordion, and chopping carrots. Any activity that involves mental and physical effort can be improved and made easier using Alexander Technique principles.

My job is to help you uncover the bad habits and unnecessary tensions that are causing you to work harder than you need to. Then, with some easy-to-learn tools and strategies, I will teach you how to analyse movement and activities so that you can work out for yourself how to achieve any physical activity as effectively and efficiently as possible.

Here’s how I work

I want my students to get better quickly, and to be able to apply the ideas I teach whenever and wherever they choose. So I structure my sessions to encourage my clients to learn to do stuff for themselves!

At your first appointment with me, I want to do the following things:

  • assess your current physical problems and take a history
  • find out your goals
  • give you some background on what Alexander Technique is
  • let you know whether I think I will be able to help you to achieve your goals, and how long it is likely to take
  • give you the opportunity to decide if you feel comfortable with me.

By the end of the first appointment, I aim to give you an assessment of where I think you are currently, and how long it is likely to take for me to be able to help you. If I think you’re in the wrong place for what you want to achieve, I’ll tell you that, too! My aim is to give you an honest summary, so that you can decide how you want to proceed.

If we decide to work together, I will recommend a series of appointments, initially weekly. I always recommend doing a reassessment at the end of the 6th appointment, so that we can see if you’re progressing towards your goals.

You can either pay for each session singly, or purchase 6 sessions all up front. If you decide to go for the up-front option, I will give you a free copy of a book (worth £12) that will aid your study.

Cost:  £45 for up to 40 minutes

OR  £225 for a six lesson package

Over the first six appointments, I will:

  • check in with you to see how you are progressing
  • work with you on specific activities that you want to improve, so that we can make them freer and easier
  • teach you the basic principles and tools of the Alexander Technique
  • give you small pieces of ‘homework’ that are aimed at helping you to apply Alexander Technique to your everyday life. My aim is to make it fun and easy to incorporate into your daily routines
  • give you something to read, to deepen your understanding and help you improve more quickly.

In sessions 5 and 6 we will spend some time discussing whether you feel you have progressed sufficiently, and feel confident enough to keep working independently. Often, 6 sessions is enough! If this is the case for you, we’ll discuss options for helping you keep in touch with the ideas from my lessons. I have a newsletter, and I offer an ongoing email support service to all my students.

Of course, some problems take longer to solve than others, and I will take the time to work with you for as long as it takes to get you to where you want to be. But I also work to help you to be able to ‘do’ the Alexander Technique for yourself. My mission is to give you all the tools you need so that you won’t need to keep coming back to me forever!

I can’t wait to help you to achieve your goals and to move more freely and easily.

“I spend my life teaching people how to overcome fear while riding but I couldn’t sing in public… until I met Jennifer. A big thank you to Jen, her gentle approach and the Alexander Technique. I recommend a visit for walking, dancing, singing, playing music or anything you wish to achieve.”

Lisa, riding teacher

Why you should contact me today

If you’re anything like me, you’ll feel a bit skeptical. ‘Can Alexander Technique coaching really help me with my problems?’ is a question that may be in your mind.

I completely understand that doubt, and it’s a thought that held me back from getting coaching for a long time. And for all the time I waited, my physical problems remained. Actually, they got worse. I delayed helping myself for no good reason!

Coaching with me might not be the answer to your difficulties. But putting off making the decision won’t help you – it will just leave you feeling more stuck. Better to give me a call, book the initial consultation, and find out one way or the other. Experimenting is the best way to improve your options. Remember, if I think I can’t help you, I will be honest and tell you so. You really have nothing to lose, and everything to gain.

Book an initial session with me today

I’m really looking forward to talking with you about how I can help you to reach your goals. Book now, or fill in the form below, and I’ll be in touch within 24 hours. We can book a time to suit you.

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    I can’t wait to hear from you.

    “A big thank you for starting me on a journey that has already made such a difference to how I feel and think! Alexander Technique is great and you bring such a sense of fun into your teaching.”

    Sally, carer