Alexander Technique with Constance Clare-Newman

I worked with Constance for the first six months of this year. I saw her initially because – despite regular chiropractic and massage therapy – I’d been experiencing chronic moderate-​to-​severe neck, shoulder, and upper back pain for decades due to postural issues exacerbated by sitting at the computer.
One of the caveats I’d been given about Alexander was, «It’s great while you’re seeing a practitioner, but once you stop going, your body will go back to the way it was.» I haven’t found that to be true. It’s been two months since my last session with Constance and my body is still doing amazingly well. I can sit in a normal desk chair in front of my computer these days in relative ease and comfort. I’ve learned how not to hold my body, and now it pretty much naturally goes where it needs to go without my having to think about it all the time.
I was concerned that, in order for Alexander to work, I would have to force myself to adopt a new «discipline» and in doing so, diligently practice methods that would require constant self-​nagging and lots of extra time and energy. That didn’t turn out to be the case. I did (and still do) need to do a little internal reminding in my day-​to-​day life while I sit, stand, reach, and walk, but I seem to have intuitively integrated most of the new habits. Not only have I noticed ongoing changes to the way I use my body, but my massage therapist has remarked that my shoulder area is looser and more malleable, and my husband mentioned that I don’t walk or sit with my neck hunched forward the way I used to.
One of the aspects that was extremely valuable for me in working with Constance is how well she explained how the body works and why incorporating Alexander techniques can help. She made it easy to understand the science and anatomy of the spine in such a way that I can now visualize it moving as it needs to.
Not only do I miss Constance’s methods, I miss her warmth and humor, and I wish she hadn’t moved from Oakland to Provincetown so I could recommend her to local friends!

I have been taking Alexander lessons from Constance for a few months now. I didn’t know anything about Alexander before I started but was looking for a way to help relieve chronic shoulder and neck pain. Constance has shown me how to carry my whole body in a way that is easier, lighter and more free. I notice visible changes in my posture that are proof to me I am using my body in a more natural, efficient way. I have equally appreciated the mind and emotional influence as well — helping to identify how mental stress and tightness manifests itself in the body and how we move. Working to let this go has changed my outlook on many parts of my life. Constance is a highly skilled teacher with deep experience. A dancer herself she has used the Alexander techniques throughout her life as well. She has a gentle touch and intuitive and compassinate spirit. I would highly recommend Constance and Alexander.

I had chronic upper back pain for years which had been getting worse and was making it difficult to walk even a few blocks. On the internet I discovered a study done in the UK showing that the Alexander Technique could be effective for such problems. Contance worked with me for ten lessons, and I now seem to be able walk unlimited distances without pain. She is very professional, easy to talk to, and a pleasure to work with. I strongly recommend her.

I have been studying the Alexander Technique with Constance for almost a year. Throughout the period, she has helped me learn how to effortlessly use my body and mind to move and perform, as well as to live with openness and joy. She is gentle, insightful, and pleasantly humorous, with her guidance clear and precise. She is also disciplined and professional, which are the qualities I really appreciate and value in people I closely work with. Along with the basic skills of the Alexander, which concern every physical movement you undertake daily and routinely, Constance’s lessons have extended to how to simply be by letting go of so many things I have unnecessarily carried within myself physically and emotionally. The most amazing thing I’ve learned from Constance is to let my life be bare and raw through eliminating meaningless burdens, expectations, and obsessions. I now feel so light and free and happy. I highly recommend Alexander lessons with Constance to anyone who seeks freedom in body and mind.