I have just been looking at my diary entry for the 5th of July 2016. “Went to my first Alexander session, a bit weird but anything is worth a try”! My back and I had been through a lot up till then, what with physios, chiropractors and osteopaths. I repeat, anything was worth a try. Well, here I am 2 and a bit years later, a little greyer, a little wiser and with a back that is so much better and able to cope with the demands I place upon it. This improvement is down to Doris who has nagged, prodded and held me up (stronger than she looks) over the years. My back occasionally gives me grief but Doris has taught me how to deal with it through better posture and learning to relax more. For this I will always be grateful. Thank you once again.

K M, Southampton

I began seeing Doris in October 2008 because of bad back pain that I had been having for 18 months. As a child I suffered from Spina Bifida and had various surgeries on my back. I was not able to lie on my back or sit for any time at work or at home. Although my condition was stabilised following some physiotherapy sessions there was no improvement, and I was given medication to reduce my pain and offered more surgery.

I decided to try the Alexander Technique even though my belief system is very different to alternative medicine, but I gave it a try since I had nothing to lose. At the beginning I went to weekly sessions and my back pain immediately responded by receding. I now see Doris for regular reminders approximately once every 4 weeks. Since beginning the Alexander Technique my condition has improved considerably and continues to improve all the time, as witnessed by me being able to sit at work throughout the day and to function at home with minimal intrusion from the back pain.

My hope was to come off the pain killers completely although I accept that I may have to continue to stay on the smallest dose possible. The success of the work is that I am better than stable and live with my condition as best as it can be done. Meanwhile I have been sitting through a film at the Cinema which was impossible for me for some time. And lately, I noticed another leap of improvement which came to me as a real surprise.

J W, Southampton

I started seeing Doris as I wanted to improve my posture. I had done some online research and was curious to learn more about the Alexander Technique. Doris is a kind and caring facilitator who is passionate and committed to her work. This has definitely been an amazing, and beautifully unexpected, journey of self discovery. Through guidance and support I am resolving some emotional issues and am regularly invited to consider otherwise unconscious aspects of my thinking and behaviours. It is a truly safe environment to be seen and heard. Through all this, and the exercises I complete between sessions, I am feeling lighter, freer and more connected to myself – and weirdly, what now seems like a by-product, my posture and movement has definitely improved! I caught my reflection in a window today and was amazed by the difference – I have a neck! I have a straight back! I look (and feel) relaxed! I would recommend the Alexander Technique, and Doris, for anyone looking to become more grounded, less anxious, more connected to themselves, or just to improve their posture. Be open minded, be curious and keep going – it is worth it!

L H, Southampton

I have become more confident and positive. My memory has improved. My walking has improved – I am walking properly. Thank you.

M S Sufferer, Southampton

Thank you for letting me make a positive connection with my body.

M, Southampton