As a Feldenkrais practitioner I strive to create a safe space for natural, unforced change. This does not trigger old trauma or activate defence mechanisms. When a client attends a session I am not attempting to “fix” them, or analyze their movements to point out what they can do better. These imposing and corrective adjustments are not tempting, because I know from my own experience that corrective feedback can feel judgemental and the change it brings (if any) does not last, which can lead the client to feel defeated and unmotivated.

Instead I look to gently connect with the person’s movement (through touch in a private session, or by simply observing in an appreciative non-judgemental way in a group class). I tune into how they organize themselves for movement: what is the timing, what is the quality and where can I offer feedback through touch about what works well, or direct their attention to movement properties that they can appreciate.

Conducting classes and private sessions in this way relieves the person from the burden to perform, to meet anyone's expectations (even their own). It allows them to be free to be themselves. They can focus on how their movement feels to them without expecting corrective or approving feedback from somebody else. It allows them to let go of their previous notions about what is the right way to move, and instead rediscover it through their own experience. 

“Trust but verify” - Russian proverb

“I am willing for the participant to commit or not commit himself to the group. If a person wishes to remain psychologically on the sidelines, he has my implicit permission to do so. The group itself may or may not be willing for him to remain in this stance but personally I am willing..” 

-Carl Rogers - on encounter groups

Imagine a waterfall.  Picture the water as it falls down the hill, yielding to gravity, following the path of least resistance.  Your Nervous System adapts in the same way.  It does not care about preconceived notions and does not require conscious nudging to change. If change is possible it will happen, and believing it will happen is not critical ahead of time. Gravity does not care if you believe in it or not, it still will work the same way.  If a person is open to the possibility of change that is enough. 

When my students enter a private session, or a group class, they don’t need to believe in the outcome. They can be skeptical, they can question everything. It’s important that I don’t force them to give up their assumptions and beliefs without a good reason. Being open to the process might just be the thing that sets them on the path to healing.

Feldenkrais is based on "Form follows function" - if you improve how you move(function) then the form (shape of your body, aka posture) improves with it.

Yoga is based on "Function follows form" - if you change the shape of the body to the correct one as demonstrated by the teacher/book your function will improve.

Feldenkrais works with movement to help you become aware of the function, because this process happens unconsciously, it naturally improves.  Yoga, on the other hand, works consciously.  By tweaking static positions in real time it requires more focus and more repetition, making it harder to relax your mind. 

Yoga focuses on external image - instructor demonstrates and students imitate. There is an implied trust that the teacher knows better.  The postures that are practiced are not very comfortable for many beginners and risk for injury is relatively high despite instructors encouraging students to take it easy and not push themselves too far (it’s hard to gauge when you’ve gone too far when you are not familiar with the posture).  There also might be pressure to “perform well” or to copy the instructor exactly. 

In a Feldenkrais class movement begins from a restful and comfortable position (for example lying on your back or on your side). This makes it possible to initiate movement with more gradation and start and stop at any point movement feels not easy.

In a private Feldenkrais session practitioner gently initiates movement to help the client become more aware of how they move. This allows the client to fully immerse themselves into a relaxed state without having to consciously focus on the process.

From Hopeless to Hopeful - Many beliefs like “no pain no gain” or negatively comparing ourselves to others in better physical shape are so ingrained in our culture and our thoughts that we often feel inadequate.  We might have thoughts such as “I can’t go to the gym or do yoga 5 days a week.” Instead of acting on our desires to feel better, we often feel like we are standing at the bottom of a mountain that is too hard to climb.

Feldenkrais can help you learn to believe that you can feel better without feeling that you need to achieve the impossible. In Feldenkrais class is an opportunity to check in with yourself by gently exploring your movement in a way that helps you be more in tune with how your body moves naturally, and appreciate what works.  Without trying to “correct” or “fix” you don’t have to push yourself to the limit or feel like you’re struggling.  During a class your brain will use neuroplasticity to make lasting change without you having to imagine it in advance. Just explore and allow yourself to be in the present moment and your nervous system will do the work.

The Feldenkrais Method does not claim to resolve symptoms of anxiety, depression, or any other mental health conditions on its own.  Rather, it can work in tandem with traditional therapy to help clients throughout the healing process.  Strong emotions can often be presented physically in our bodies.  Taking the initiative to take care of our mental health along with taking care of our bodies can only help us in our healing journey.  Clients will always be in a safe environment and will never be asked to open up about their mental struggles.