The Feldenkrais Method

As a HPC Registered Physiotherapist, Certified Feldenkrais Bodywork Teacher Trainer, who has completed much postgraduate training with many International Feldenkrais Trainers, and as the individual who authored the chapter, The Feldenkrais Method, in the Butterworth Heinemann 2000 Publication, Complementary Therapies for Physical Therapists, if I can comment :

The Feldenkrais community argue long and hard that the Feldenkrais Method, is NOT a therapy, and should not be viewed as a method for working with patients. Patient's are people with conditions, found in medical / clinic settings.

Moshe Feldenkrais had no medical qualifications, and he himself argued that his method was about developing potential.

On Feldenkrais training's, anatomy physiology, pathology of illness or injury is NOT taught, and examined. The entire training is 4 years, of experiential work, albeit with some lectures, and videos on various topics. There is no exam in Anatomy & Physiology, no formal massage qualification required, no home study, or preparation of assessed written units. No training is formally provided in psychology, or body mind medicine.There is no formal requirement for practitioners to complete annual CPD. Once qualified as a Feldenkrais Practitioner, through completing the four years course, one is a Feldenkrais Practitioner for life

Therefore physios referring an individual to a Feldenkrais practitioner would be prudent to explore the knowledge, skills and capabilities which underpin the work of that practitioner.

The Feldenkrais Method, is at foundation, a learning method, and an approach to whole person behaviour. It is a system of re-introducing often rarely used somatic and psychological processes and patterns in a novel flexible manner. During both the process of ATM classes (Awareness through Movement) and FI (Functional Integration one/one coaching) deep trance is introduced to the client using Eriksonian language patterns, and somatic confusion.

While some folk may argue that the Method is 'safe', it is useful to remember, that where teachers, trainers and practitioners of Feldenkrais Principles, have no clinical understanding, that they also have no knowledge of contra-indications or possible red - flags. I have certainly encountered several occasions where Feldenkrais practitioners have inadvertantly caused severe neurological flare up in a person with disc problems, or pain in a degenerate spine.
However,
Through the world, is a scattered small band of fully qualified Physiotherapists who have completed training in Feldenkrais. Many of us, work within clinical practice, and specialise in actually linking the philosophy of the work with our expertiese in specific rehabilitation and medical care.
As well as the Feldenkrais basic training of four years, my own experience includes completing a trilogy of training over an 18 month period, with a trainer called Larry Goldfarb, a completely different form of two years advanced training with Ruthy Alon. In addition to expand my understanding of the trance induction and psychological processes involved in change, I am a Master Practitioner in NLP, and a Hypnotherapist, and practice in London & Berkshire. Often I present on the work at conferences, the most recent the April London NLP event at Regent's College, of this year.

I would urge Physiotherapists considering referring a patient to a Feldenkrais Practitioner to explore the back ground of the practitioner, and to be mindful that they have no knowledge of pathology or in many cases psychotherapy.

Currently I am no longer a member of the UK Feldenkrais Guild, because, without the requirement for CPD to be a member, and to continue with registration, there doesn't seem much point. My UK CSP membership now covers my professional practice in Feldenkrais within my scope of practice, and within the remit of £5 million professional indemnity and public liability insurance.
If anyone would like to know more about Feldenkrais, and how it can work within a Physio setting, please do get in touch. My mobile is 07885 467466. if you mail me from wherever you are in the world, I will send you a free download ATM class you can listen to on MP3 player.Or you can check out three free downloads here
Yours in Wellness
Jill wigmore-Welsh
Jill Wigmore-Welsh