Discover the Alexander Technique
Improve your well-being with Penelope Carr
Meet Penelope Carr
Experienced Alexander Technique Practitioner
Penelope Carr has over 38 years experience teaching the Alexander Technique, helping people from all walks of life and age groups find ways to improve their posture, mobility and fitness. Penelope has been training Alexander Technique teachers in training schools for over 25 years and was Assistant Director of the Sydney Training School from 1997 - 2007. She is currently an Assessor at the Canberra Alexander School. Penelope also teaches weekly Gigong classes online, combining Tai Chi and Alexander Technique. She is a member of the Australian Society of Teachers of the Alexander Technique (AUSTAT).
AUSTAT membership is your guarantee that your teacher is professionally qualified.
Penelope spent 15 years as a ceramic artist, during which time she suffered from chronic neck and shoulder pain and general stiffness. The Alexander Technique gave Penelope self-knowledge and an awareness of how she thought and its relationship to the tension she experienced in her body. Penelope applied the Alexander Technique and overcame her overuse injuries. The Technique continues to be of enormous value in her life.
Qualifications
Alexander Technique teacher, 1984 to present
AUSTAT member, 1984 to present
Moderator, AT teacher-training schools in Melbourne and Canberra
Alexander Technique Associate's Centre, Artarmon, 5 years
Sydney Alexander School, Surry Hills, 10 years
Sydney Alexander Technique School, St Leonards, 3 years
Postgraduate International Workshops, 1987 to present
Ceramic artist, National Art School trained, 1971 to 1986
Reiki practitioner, 1994
Tai Chi Certificate, 2010
Qi Gong Diploma, Sydney Qi Gong College, 1990
CFQ Qi Gong (Malaysia) instructor, 2007-2009
Simon Blow Qi Gong Training, 2017 to present
Benefits of the Alexander Technique
Posture and Alignment
Improve your posture and overall alignment to alleviate pain and tension.
Mind-Body Coordination
Enhance your mind-body connection for greater ease and efficiency in movement.
Breathing and Voice
Learn to use your breath effectively and free your natural voice.
Performance and Creativity
Unlock your potential for creative expression and peak performance.
Stress Management
Develop tools to manage stress and enhance overall well-being.
Flexibility
The Alexander Technique is a natural method that anyone can learn to recover the flexibility and physical coordination they enjoyed as children.
The Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique is a natural method that anyone can learn to recover the flexibility and physical coordination they enjoyed as children. It is a way of becoming more aware of balance, posture and movement in everyday activities. The Technique is taught through dialogue and gentle manual guidance. All that is required is a willingness to change and to pay attention to the innate intelligence of our bodies. This is a powerful method of personal transformation. It is a skill for living life better.
Frederick M Alexander
Frederick M Alexander was born in Tasmania in 1869. He was a successful reciter and actor until a disabling voice problem threatened his career. After consulting doctors and voice teachers, he found they were unable to help him. Undeterred, he set out to discover the cause of his problem. With patient observation he discovered how to release excess tension in his body. As a result he gained flexibility in movement, more efficient breathing, elimination of his vocal problem, and improved posture and appearance.
He returned to the stage in London in 1930 and began to train students as Alexander teachers. Today there are many Alexander teachers practising and teaching throughout the world.
Lessons
Lesson Times
Monday to Friday 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday 9:30am to 1:00pm
Individual lessons are 40-45 minutes with the
Group lessons are available.
How many lessons should I take?
You can start with two introductory lessons. During the first lesson you can discuss your needs with me and together we can determine the frequency of visits.
What are the costs?
Your first lesson of one hour costs $140.00.
Follow-up lessons of 40-45 minutes cost $100.00.
Concessions may be arranged.
Ask about Worker's Compensation insurance rebates.
Do I need a doctor's referral?
No. Although many doctors, physiotherapists, chiropractors, Feldenkrais practitioners and other health professionals refer their patients for Alexander Technique sessions, a referral is not necessary.
Student Experiences
Articles
The British Medical Journal, Back Pain Study
Randomised controlled trial of Alexander technique lessons, exercise, and massage (ATEAM) for chronic and recurrent back pain.
Long-term benefit from Alexander Technique lessons for low back pain has been demonstrated in a recent study published by the British Medical Journal (2008)
The Complete Guide to the Alexander Technique
Much of the early medical research on the Alexander Technique was conducted during the 1940s by Dr. Wilfred Barlow MD, a consultant rheumatologist at Guy’s Hospital in London, England. A good summary of that research can be found in his book, The Alexander Principle.
Annals of Internal Medicine
Alexander Technique Lessons or Acupuncture Sessions for Persons With Chronic Neck Pain, A Randomized Trial
To evaluate clinical effectiveness of Alexander Technique lessons or acupuncture versus usual care for persons with chronic, nonspecific neck pain.