How is a typical exercise/movement therapy session conducted?

Sessions can be conducted for groups or individuals. The following is a general description of how I work with individual students.

I will travel to your home or office at a mutually convenient time, so that you can work in a comfortable, familiar environment. I suggest that you dress in unrestrictive clothing, and turn off the phones for the duration of the hour-long session. This will be your hour to focus on yourself.

The approach we take will be determined by your individual needs and personality. I will ask you about your problems and goals, and assess your “movement profile” by observing how you stand, walk, and use your body. After determining if there are any medical restrictions, such as high or low blood pressure, joint replacement or severe osteoporosis, we will get right to work.

At the beginning we’ll stick to simple, but essential exercises which “re-introduce you to yourself”. These exercises will enable you to explore your movement, breathing, and thought patterns, and learn how these habits influence the way you move and feel. This is usually quite interesting. Often a new student will say with surprise “I had no idea I was doing that!” This sort of revelation is the beginning of improved body awareness. It is the rich soil from which all your improvements will grow and develop

As we both learn more about your tendencies, your strengths as well as weaknesses, I will introduce additional exercises customized to your particular needs. For example, A 72 year old woman with osteoporosis will learn strength-building exercises and balance skills, to help her maintain her bone density and prevent dangerous falls. A 67 year old man who runs and lifts weights will learn to improve his alignment and flexibility, in order to avoid injury. An 85 year old with advanced Alzheimer’s will do simple, enjoyable movements that help her feel more in control and confident, less anxious. My approach to exercise/movement therapy is distinguished by this customized, individual attention: you will learn what you need to do, in order to feel better.

When possible, it is a good idea to meet with me at least twice a week in the beginning, in order to “get the hang” of the exercises. You will be learning a lot; the more this new knowledge can be reinforced at the start, the better and more long-lasting your results will be. After a few weeks or months we will have determined which exercises are most beneficial, enjoyable, and productive for you. At that point you can decide whether or not to continue working with me weekly or bi-weekly. Many choose to continue to work as we have from the start. Others decide to meet less frequently, preferring to call me every few weeks or so to “check up” on their progress or up-date the exercises. Again, this is a matter of individual choice.