Testimonials
I never knew how much unnecessary effort I was putting into the most ordinary things like walking, or sitting at a desk. But working with Lisa, I quickly learned that a little bit of awareness can have profound results on my level of energy. You leave a session with Lisa feeling like you are suddenly living inside the body of a much, much younger--and more powerful, confident, happier--person. She is an incredibly friendly, good humored, and knowledgeable teacher. I would recommend her to absolutely anybody who wants to lower stress, feel better, and perform more efficiently.
G.S. - Professional Actor and Public Speaking Consultant
I began Alexander lessons with the intention of looking and sounding more 'effortless' when playing flute. I had no idea that 'looking' and 'sounding' effortless could mean feeling effortless--in fact, I had accepted as truth that choosing to play flute meant accepting a certain degree of physical pain. At some point during my studies, I came to understand that the way I feel muscularly when playing (and when not playing!) is something I can learn to master. Throughout this process, Lisa has been kind, patient, and super-encouraging. Her firsthand experience with the pressures of music performance was particularly helpful.
Bonnie McAlvin - Professional Flutist
Lisa is a model teacher: patient, gentle and encouraging – an excellent communicator with an infectious passion for the Alexander Technique. She is constantly pursuing her own education in the field and employs a wide variety of techniques and approaches in her teaching as a result. After lessons with Lisa I feel at ease in my body in a way I didn’t even know was possible before taking lessons. My regular Wednesday lessons with Lisa have consistently been one of the major highlights of my week over the last 10 months. And with her expert guidance, I am increasingly able to achieve the same relaxation and relief from tension in my life outside of lessons too. I highly recommend her to anyone.
Hannah Sadtler – Middle School Teacher
I found the Alexander Technique to have wonderful applications for me both personally and professionally. Now I feel more aware of how to hold and move my body for optimal comfort, alignment and efficiency. It has been wonderful to notice an overall decrease in tension and pain at my neck and shoulders. These experiences and knowledge, taught with great care, knowledge and commitment by Lisa Lutton, have also helped me in my work as an occupational therapist and as a yoga teacher. My experience with the Alexander Technique has helped me find new ways to enhance treatment sessions and classes with my clients and students.
Lauren - Occupational Therapist and Yoga Teacher
When I first heard about the Alexander Technique, I had an immediate interest as it seemed to help those who suffered from chronic back pain. Having suffered for several years with lower back pain that occasionally flared up in intensity, I contacted Lisa to schedule my first lesson. I was impressed by her keen awareness and knowledge about the Alexander Technique as well as her gentle touch and her ability to articulate the potential benefits of putting the Alexander Technique into my daily routine. In addition, I discovered that the Alexander Technique enabled me to see the physical manifestations of my mental self. Lisa helped me in my journey of self-discovery in a very non-threatening way by asking me what I noticed throughout her lessons. I noticed how my body “closes up” when I mentally and emotionally shut down. I noticed the tension in so many parts of my body – fingers, hands, wrists, arms – as I go through my daily routine; using a keyboard, mouse or simply putting pen to paper. I have become aware of so many things that I do which contribute to neck, shoulder and back pain that I am now able to interrupt old patterns in order to reduce my physical suffering. Lisa’s keen sense of awareness and her ability to relate to me have exceeded any expectations that I had when I arrived for my first lesson. She is a master of this work.
Russell - Controller, Oil & Gas Co.
It's no exaggeration to say Lisa Lutton changed my life. I had taken Alexander Technique classes many years before I started with Lisa, but it had not helped me alter some basic bad habits. Lisa helped me take a fresh look at the Alexander concepts and practices, and encouraged me to find my own personal style of employing them. After just three months, I have substantially lowered my incidence of lower back spasms and improved my ability to anticipate and keep problems from happening in the future. I am more comfortable and confident in my body, and I'm committed to keeping AT in my life from now on. Thanks, Lisa!
Mat Schwarzman - Non-profit administrator
The Alexander Technique is a quest for balance, tranquility, and the knowledge of self. Lisa Lutton's mastery, gentleness, and intuitiveness makes the quest possible.
V.V. - Pianist
Not only did my posture begin to improve, but I became more aware of my mental attitudes and their connection to my physical presentation and appearance. As it is turning out, not only has Lisa's teaching pointed out my incorrect physical tendencies, but at the same time it has aided me in becoming more aware of my mental conditioning and errant thought patterns. So, if the name of the game is self awareness, my new adventure is turning out to be even greater than expected.
G.F. - Small Business Owner
Lisa's teaching is clear, simple and elegant. She is knowledgeable about the Alexander Technique, and responsive to my needs and interests, tailoring her work to where I am in the moment. I am honored to have her as my colleague, and I am always happy to put myself in her hands.
N. Brooke Lieb - Director of Teacher Training, The American Center for the Alexander Technique
Lisa is a knowledgeable and intuitive teacher who keeps surprising me with new challenges. The work has been so helpful to me, both as a person and as an actor.
L.P. - Professional Actor
Since starting my Alexander Technique lessons with Lisa, I have become aware of a number of physical tensions which I have been living with over the years. During our lessons, Lisa has shown me how to achieve a natural balance and alignment of bones, limbs and muscle. The gravelly sound in my neck and the tightness in my chest have disappeared. Now I walk down the street feeling more balanced than before. I can only imagine what a wonderful relief the benefits of Alexander Technique lessons would be to those who have severe chronic tension and pain.
J.H. - Retired Musician
I studied various relaxation techniques for years, including yoga and meditation, and have used all sorts of exercises and stretching, including headstands & shoulder stands, in order to deal with the tension in my neck and shoulders. Lisa has taught me that I can release tension with nothing more than some well placed attention and appropriate thought. This is very useful, since it is not always convenient to stand on my head. Since I have been working with Lisa I have become much more aware of how I use my body and I am able to make conscious choices. This translates directly into more ease and comfort. This is especially useful when I'm playing music. Consequently, I am able to enjoy the music much more.
K.G. - Flutist
I really enjoy studying the Alexander Technique. The ongoing process of discovering my neck, head, torso, legs, is at once fun and challenging. The Technique has helped me rid myself of carpal tunnel syndrome and has brought me, in a quiet and surprising way, a little joy.
C.S. – Bassist
Lisa helps me find many different ways to bring awareness to tension and let it go, so I can be creative in my choices when on my own. Her openness to the moment is refreshing and motivates me to do the ame. The upper body comfort, along with the up intention, is useful to me in holding and playing the violin, and in doing and teaching T'ai Chi Chuan. Also, as a flutist, Lisa is an ideal teacher for another musician like me.
M.B. – Violinist and Teacher of T'ai Chi Chuan
What doctors say about the Alexander Technique
The Alexander Technique stresses unification in an era of greater and greater medical specialization. Its educational system teaches people how to best use their bodies in ordinary action to avoid or reduce unnecessary stress and pain. It enables clients to get better faster and stay better longer. This is ndoubtedly the best way to take care of the back and alleviate back pain.
Jack Stern, MD, PhD
Neurosurgical Group of Westchester
White Plains, NY
Not only do I see the therapeutic benefits of this work with various patient problems, but it has helped me deal with my own adverse muscular tension. I continue to experience a newfound freedom of movement in my own body that I believe is making me a more effective therapist.
Howard W. Makofsky, MS, OCS
Mastic Beach, NY
The Alexander Technique makes sense in that appropriate use of the body will lead to reduction of various musculoskeletal disorders and remediate thers which are established. No equipment is needed, just the skill and training of the teacher. This technique is very worthwhile as a primary preventive therapy. It is especially useful when posture is a key factor in back injuries while lifting and for workers who perform repetitive tasks while sitting.
Robert D. Greene, MD
Emergency Room, Norwalk Hospital
Norwalk, CT
In addition to its physiologic and musculoskeletal benefits, the Alexander Technique is extremely helpful in relieving the psychological states of depression and anxiety that so often accompany chronic pain and disease. It is my belief, based on professional experience, that the Alexander Technique should be part of all preventive health and education programs. It is as basic as good nutrition.
Jill Sanders, DO
New York, NY
I recommend people to the Alexander Technique who have not improved with traditional rehabilitative therapies. Part of their pain may be due to posture and the improper use of their bodies. Many people who have neck or back pain and have gone through heat, ultrasound and massage with no relief can be helped by learning the Alexander Technique. It definitely orks. Nothing works for everyone, but as one well-versed in using physical therapy and biofeedback, I know how valuable this technique is. I highly recommend it.
Barry M. Scheinfeld, MD
Rehabilitation Medicine and Pain Management
Community General Hospital, Harris, NY
I found the Technique to be so beneficial in my condition that I have been referring patients in certain situations for Alexander lessons over the last several years.
Howard L. Rosner, MD
Director, Pain Management Service
The New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center
New York, NY
Lessons in the Alexander Technique taught me how to sit in a state of lumbosacral poise, as my chronic low back pain syndrome gradually became cured. The Technique is true education. Compared to surgery (e.g., for low back pain or for chronic obstructive lung disease), a course of instruction is inexpensive.
John H.M. Austin, MD
Professor of Radiology; Chief, Division of Radiology
Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center
New York, NY
I have given my patients something almost as good as magic. I have taught them what to do and not do when their backs give them trouble, and how to reduce unnecessary stress and pain. As a result, they no longer have to feel afraid and helpless when back pain occurs. Many consider themselves cured because they have been able to return to an active, normal lifestyle.
Deborah Caplan, PT
Certified Alexander Technique teacher and author of "Back Trouble"
I fell and suffered a compression fracture of the back. Upon recommendation of a fellow therapist, I started treatment in the Alexander Technique. I have noticed not only a steady reduction of pain, but improvement in my general flexibility, balance and bearing. I use the Technique in conjunction with other physical exercise, and have found no contraindications.
Jean P. Binnie, MA, MS, NCPsychA
Hamptons Counseling Center
Hampton Bays, NY
The Alexander Technique remains the best of the self-care strategies to prevent the sequel of poor posture and poor breathing
Harold Wise, MD, PC
New York, NY
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