Case histories here refers to reports on or by teachers or pupils of the Alexander Technique on the effects of the Technique.
F. M. Alexander
F. M. Alexander relates his own story of the loss of voice while reciting and how the discovery of what is now known as the Alexander Technique benefited him in his book, The Use of the Self (1932), in the chapter ‘Evolution of a Technique’.[1]
Pupils of F. M. Alexander
David Gibbens lists 54 case histories referred to by F. M. Alexander in his writings. Most of these are only mentioned for the purpose of making a particular point or as an illustration of typical situations.[2]
Pupils who have written diaries of their lessons with F. M. Alexander which also contain case history information. See Descriptions of F. M. Alexander.
Case Histories – Books
Many introductory books on the Alexander Technique contain case histories of pupils who have benefited from the Technique. And many will include the author’s own story. With more than 40 (short) case histories the introductory book The Alexander Technique by Judith Stransky has more than any other book.[3] An example of an introductory book with few (10), but very detailed case histories, is How you Stand, How you Move, How you Live by Missy Vineyard.[4]
- Paths to the Alexander Technique contains 39 stories by people relating their own journey or discoveries with the Technique.[5]
- An African Odyssey by Hugh Massey is the author’s story of suffering from severe (regarded as terminal) TB in 1949–50, how he read Alexander’s books, worked on inhibiting and directing on his own, and recovered.[6]
Case Histories – Articles
Dr Wilfred Barlow, in his articles on the Technique, provides a number of case histories, especially from a medical viewpoint.[7]
- ‘Dearest Jim’ by Dr. M. McIntyre is a letter from Dr. M. McIntyre, a mathematician and biologist, to his father, Professor A. K. McIntyre, reporting on his lessons in the Alexander Technique and how they relieved his pain.[8]
- ‘How learning the Alexander Technique has affected me’ by Ian Cross is an autobiographical case history, especially with reference to swimming and Steven Shaw.[9]
- ‘Leave yourself alone: My experience with the Alexander Technique’ by Ben Davidow is a case history by a pupil of the Technique.[10]
- ‘Trusting my skills in the Alexander Technique’ by Paul Recker is a case history by a third-year student of the Technique.[11]
- ‘Alexander Technique: Diary of a medical student’ edited by Peter Ribeaux is a case history by a medical student.[12]
- ‘Observations of a theatre student’ by Alexandra Drapos (written as a letter to ‘Anxiety’) is a case history by a theatre student.[13]
- ‘How the Alexander Technique saved my life’ by Daska Hatton is a case history by a teacher of the Technique.[14]
Case Histories – Children
See Education – The Alexander Technique for children.
See also Descriptions of F. M. Alexander.
