Testimonials

“I cannot say enough about what the Alexander Technique has done for me and my well-being. For the past seven years, I was getting very excruciating headaches and upper back pains, especially after a rough rehearsal or performance. I tried going to doctors, chiropractors, physical therapists, and message therapists, much to no avail. I was ready to resign myself to a life of pain and then I saw that Bill Plake was beginning classes for the Alexander Technique at my YMCA. My husband, who had had lessons in Alexander Technique back in college, recommended I try them. It was the best advice I received because even after one lesson, I learned how to listen to my body and stop my many hurtful habits of holding tension, especially in my neck and jaw. Now I hardly have any pain problems and when they do surface, I know exactly what I’m doing wrong and can remedy them immediately. I think the Alexander Technique is a must for every musician because, let’s face it, the less tension we hold, the easier the music can flow out of us.”
Cathy Biagini, professional cellist (Back)

“I’ve suffered from chronic hip pain for over six years, and have seen numerous physical therapists and chiropractors to try and get rid of the pain.  Although each therapy has created temporary relief, nothing has been lasting — until I tried the Alexander Technique.

  The Alexander Technique has revealed the true source of my pain  -- poor movement patterns and habits that I’ve accumulated over the years.  Bill Plake has been instrumental in my journey with the Alexander method.  His verbal cues, hands-on techniques, advice and tips have been invaluable in helping me peel away the layers and get to the true source of the problem.  With every lesson I discover something new.

Plus I leave the sessions with a wonderful sense of ease in both body and mind.    I’m a work in progress, but I know I’ll be practicing the technique every day for the rest of my life.  Thanks Bill!”
Pam Johnson, certified Pilates and Gyrotonic instructor (Back)

“I am a full time practicing dentist, and over the years the physical demands of my profession had taken it’s toll on my body. I developed pain in my neck, back and hands to the point I was taking medication on a daily basis, and seeing a physical therapist and masseuse weekly. I was seeing no improvement in my symptoms or condition.

Because I was trained to diagnosis, treat and cure pathosis, it was with some trepidation I sought out the Alexander Technique. After ten lessons, the changes in my body were subtle but noticeable. I became aware of less fatigue and pain. As I proceeded with more lessons I learned to use my body in a way that I no longer see a physical therapist and my use of medication is rare. I continue to receive lessons as insurance to stay healthy and be in control of how I feel. Words cannot express my gratitude to Bill and the skills he has empowered me with to improve the quality of my life.”
Dr. Lane Ochi, DDS (Back)

“As a graphic designer, I spend a great deal of time in front of a computer. I was regularly experiencing pain in my neck, shoulders and hands. Though I was getting massage therapy on a regular basis, it gave me only temporary relief from my pain, and did nothing to help me prevent the pain. My hands were beginning to hurt to the point of real worry. After reading up on the Alexander Technique I decided to give it a try. From the beginning Bill made it easy for me to understand not only how I was misusing myself, but that I could learn how to prevent these harmful patterns. Bill not only helped me to improve how I work at my computer by addressing such basic issues as how I sit, use my hands, and use my eyes, he also showed me how to better take care of myself on a daily basis to help me prevent injury. He gave me great advice about how to organize my workspace to support the new and improved changes I’ve made in myself. As a bonus, I also handle stress much better than before. I even sleep better at night! I can easily say that the Alexander Technique has kept me virtually pain free, and has given me the peace of mind knowing I’ll be able to continue in the work that I love.”
Martin Hernandez (Back)

“I have learned so much from Bill at these fun and informative classes. The principles of the Alexander Technique make a lot of sense from a physical therapy perspective. The workshop sessions have improved my body awareness and ability to recognize and prevent habitual patterns that have been causing my back and knee pain. I have since improved my marathon competition time tremendously!”
Lori DeRome, Licensed Physical Therapist (Back)

“Bill has a seeking spirit and is very passionate about sharing the Alexander Technique. His fascination with the potential of human thought and movement allows him to inspire these concepts to life through experiential exercises with his students. Although I started studying the Alexander Technique to enhance my vocal capacity as an actor and life coach, Bill has helped me to apply the Technique in my everyday activities, such as gardening, computer work ergonomics, and fitness. Consistent application of the Technique builds a practice and helps me to avoid self-inflicted injury."
Jennifer Huang, professional actor and life coach, (Back)

Bill has helped me feel so much better on a day-to-day basis. After a serious bout of bronchitis, I developed ongoing jaw and neck pain. No matter what I did, I couldn’t seem to rid myself of this condition. Because I am a dancer and Pilates teacher, I have a very good sense of awareness about my body. So it was frustrating that I couldn’t understand what I was doing to cause this pain.

With the Alexander Technique, Bill was able to show me how I was creating unnecessary and harmful tension as I moved. By using tactile and verbal cues, he was able to help me become aware of the unconscious habitual patterns I was bringing into my movements. I can now feel the moment I create this tension in myself, and I can stop it from happening.

As an exercise instructor, I’ve been trained to address muscle imbalance by increasing strength. Through the Alexander Technique I’ve learned that many times the answer to muscular imbalance is not to increase strength, but instead is to learn to release habitually overused muscles. Sometimes less is more.

The lessons are like a tune up for both body and mind. I have the same feeling of ease and lightness that I have after having a massage, with the added benefit of learning to move more easily. I leave the lessons feeling calm, peaceful and clear thinking. Bill’s deep sense of joy and his vast knowledge of the human body make the lessons fun.
Olivia O’Hare Professional dancer, Certified Pilates instructor, ACE Certified Personal Trainer (Back)

I can't say enough about the Alexander Technique: As an actress/singer, the Technique, through constant awareness and daily constructive rest, has given me a sense of vocal freedom (without restraint) and personal connection to my craft. As I grow older, I have confidence in the way I move and in the way I'm am reducing stress on a daily basis. It has enabled me to handle problems in a more constructive way and has also helped me stay confident in my pursuit as a student of graphic design.

Bill is a mentor and a teacher of the highest caliber.

I am so grateful to practice the Alexander Technique in the classroom and with daily tools and self-awareness.

I recommend it to everyone !!!
Lorraine Kruez, professional actor, singer and graphic designer (Back)

I have been working with Bill for nearly 2 years now. 8 years ago I was a special education teacher assigned to a classroom with older student with severe special needs. I injured my back as a result of the extraordinary physical requirements of my students daunting my physical capabilities.  The assault on my spine was repeated over a period of several months leaving me nearly incapacitated.  I was diagnosed with arthritis and worn facet joints. 

I was only comfortable lying on the floor.  The doctor offered me medication.  A dear friend said it was time for a chiropractor and recommended a very good one.  I started with a wonderful chiropractor.  I knew I was on the right path because there was no mention of pain pills or surgery.  I visited the doctor 3 times a week, then 2 times and after 5 years I needed adjustments every week.  I gradually began to function in my daily life.  I still was very limited and very fearful.  I had many ups and downs during this period.

I began looking for ways to further my healing and lesson my need for the chiropractor.   I thought there must be more that I can do to promote my own healing.  When I began lessons with Bill, everything changed for the better.  I knew I could become more active in my life and address all my fears.  I learned an entirely new way of relating to my body.

Bill introduced me to the natural ease awaiting all of us. I was particularly assured that such ease and improved use of the body was available to all regardless of our lousy x-rays.  I felt that ease right off from Bill’s extraordinary gentle touch.  I saw that ease.  I experienced it by quieting myself and following his descriptive language.  Our class time was a deep relearning.  The relearning had to penetrate years of habit and fear.  Bill was gentle, encouraging and persistent with us.  Bill educated his students using pictures, readings, lecture, demonstration, hands-on and practice.  It was an extraordinary time of amazement and deep learning.

At first we worked on very common movements such as sitting down and getting up from a chair.  The simplicity was very reassuring.  I soon began to feel more confidence.  I knew I was learning ways to keep my body safe and prevent so many ups and downs.  From the first lessons, I noticed less need for the chiropractor.

As we progressed in our relearning, we worked on specific movements we needed for our circumstances such as standing and speaking before an audience, walking the dog, gardening, washing dishes. One lesson was spent in the parking lot learning how to get into and out of our cars and to maintain our ease while driving.  We learned to adapt our knowledge of the body to many other activities.  I was very happy when I returned to dancing every week after so many years of missing it!  My visits to the chiropractor are now only once in 2 months.

I am so grateful to have found a new sense of well being in my body.  This has affected all the areas of my life.  I now have awareness of my body and I’m no longer condemned to what seemed like capricious ups and downs.  I have much more freedom now to participate in life.  I know I have a choice to expand in awareness or contract in fear.

Bill is a very gifted teacher whose knowledge of the body comes from many sources.  You know you have found a good teacher when the teacher is always engaged in his own learning.  He is a generous person who is tireless in sharing his understanding.  He is very insightful and possesses an ability to make those insights clear to others.  I will always be grateful for the happiness I gained from his teaching.

Marsha Cifarelli, Special Education Teacher (Back)