Alexander Technique

The Alexander Technique is an embodiment practice in which we bring awareness to our habits and tension patterns and relearn how to inhabit our bodies in a more easeful way. It is not about correcting or fixing ourselves, but rather offering our systems the opportunity to soften, release tension and experience greater freedom of movement and expression.

In AT we tend to the central relationship of head, spine and pelvis, the alignment and movement dynamics of which impact the whole psychophysical self.

How I Can Help

Conditions that can benefit from this work include, but are not limited to, back and neck pain, joint stiffness, headaches, stress and anxiety, overwhelm, pelvic diaphragm issues, imbalances after injury, and general feelings of tension and discomfort in the body.

You don't need to have unpleasant symptoms to benefit from AT though! Because it is about refining our somatic awareness and coordination it can positively affect our performance in many fields. Our enjoyment of and success in singing, playing musical instruments, acting, public speaking, sports and many other endeavours can all be enhanced by applying the Alexander Technique.

At its heart though it is about coming more and more fully into relationship with our whole selves, a process of unfurling that cannot be defined by symptoms or skills. As we land deeper into our bones, sensing our own animal bodies, we sense also our place in the greater web of Life.

My Approach

The way I practice AT is both therapeutic and educational, combining hands on bodywork and deep listening with somatic education and movement exploration. It is an approach of cumulative nervous system rewiring. This is not to say that you won't feel benefits immediately; on the contrary, people are often surprised at how different they feel after an initial session. But to bring about lasting change a series of sessions is usually recommended.

If you're curious the best way to see whether it's right for you is often to come and try a session so you can feel it in your body. I'm always happy to speak on the phone or over email about what it might offer you.

For more information about AT go to Home | The Definitive Guide to the Alexander Technique

Clemmie Hopkinson providing hands-on Alexander Technique guidance, demonstrating therapeutic touch and patient care

Alexander Technique for Horses and Riders

In addition to my general practice I offer Alexander Technique sessions for horses and riders. Most often this takes the form of a combination of dismounted work and ridden work where we look at dressage/flatwork through an AT lens. I also work hands on with horses to encourage the release of tension patterns and therefore create changes in comfort, way of going, movement and mental and emotional wellbeing.

Clemmie Hopkinson working with a horse and rider, demonstrating the Alexander Technique's application to equine therapy and rider development

Benefits for Horse and Rider

Applying AT to riding helps to develop balance, harmony and communication between horse and rider. It is a way of working with what many in the field call biomechanics, looking at how to promote a correct way of going that is aligned with horses' anatomy and physiology and benefits, rather than damages, their bodies.

To develop freedom in the neck, back and limbs of our horses and movement that comes from a coordinated core, we must develop these attributes in our own bodies as riders. In order to develop feel in our riding, that is to improve our skills of feeling what the horse is getting up to in their body and how we may positively influence that, we need to develop our feeling for what we as riders are getting up to in our own bodies.

AT helps us to deepen this sensing of ourselves and therefore develop our ability to both receive information from the horse's body and transmit information clearly to them through ours.

If you'd like to discuss how AT may benefit you and your horses please get in touch.

About Me

I trained at the Bristol Alexander School, graduating in 2016, and have been practicing since. I also weave many other threads into this work, having trained in various other modalities over the years including EMMETT Technique, reiki, CoreAwareness with Liz Koch, shamanic healing, animal communication and family constellations. I sit at the feet of wonderful mentors and elders to whom I am eternally grateful.

I spent over a decade riding horses professionally and was lucky to train extensively with some truly brilliant horse men and women, including the late Richard Meade and Danny Pevsner FBHS, and on a still ongoing basis with Sally Tottle, pioneer of working with AT with horses and riders.

I live in north Pembrokeshire with my husband, dogs and horses.

Clemmie Hopkinson with her dog, demonstrating the Alexander Technique's connection to natural movement and ease

Contact Me

Testimonials

"Over the last 30 years, the heavy work involved in renovating my cottage, gardening and working with horses has inevitably taken its toll on my back, neck shoulders etc, but learning how to apply the Alexander Technique to the way in which I use myself, has really helped to alleviate pain. Now I am older, with my 80th birthday looming, it is so important to maintain good posture and flexibility. Clemmie, who is one of the best AT teachers I have experienced, is helping me learn how to achieve this. It is ongoing, but I love my sessions with her and if you are new to, or familiar with AT, I strongly recommend you get in touch with her. You won't look back!"

"I came to Clemmie having being in continuous on and off back pain for a few years, her guidance on utilising the Alexander technique taught me a great amount about posture, movement patterns and tension. Would very much recommend!"

Get in Touch

Contact Details

Email: [email protected]

Phone: 07976894193

Location

I run practices in both Pembrokeshire and Monmouthshire and travel to work with horses and riders.