FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How does this method compare to chiropractic, massage or other forms of body work?
We are similar to chiropractic, massage therapy, and other forms of body work in that we will use our hands in working with you. After that, the similarities end.
While we work with movement, we are addressing the plasticity of the brain. This is where the solutions for you, and your child’s issues, can and will be found.
Why are the sessions called lessons?
We call our sessions together lessons because they truly are a learning experience for the brain. This is not a medical treatment or intervention; it is a learning based modality.
How many lessons will I need?
Clients differ in their needs and their responses. This work is not prescriptive, but responsive to the individual needs of the client. You have your own way of moving (or not moving). Therefore, we will explore with you and work to develop a course of learning that will meet your needs, working at a pace that is appropriate for you.
This work is most successful when the initial lessons are experienced on consecutive days, usually three to five days in a row. This allows for the newly created connections to become more integrated into who you are and what you do on a daily basis.
Will I have to keep having lessons for the rest of my life?
It is a natural element of aging to get into ruts in movement and in thinking. Some regression is inevitable. Therefore, additional lessons are always effective in improving function and reversing the aging process.
For those struggling with neurological dysfunction, especially children, we expect plateaus in development. These are points where lessons can be highly effective to work toward that next level of functionality and learning.
Will I have limitations or restrictions while I am having lessons?
This varies by individual. It is advised that you not plan heavy physical activity such as athletic training, lifting or running following your lesson. We will advise you if you should plan to further restrict your activities the day of your lessons.
It is very rare that we recommend that you restrict your activities except immediately following your lessons.
Will you come to my home for lessons?
It is possible to make arrangements for lessons in your home or in a location that is convenient for you.
What if I don’t live close enough to St. Louis to come to Evolution Through Movement for lessons?
Depending on the circumstances, it is possible to make arrangements to have a practitioner come to you. If that is not possible we will work to make a referral to another certified practitioner in your area.
What can I do between lessons to make the work more successful?
Depending on your situation, you may be asked to continue the work that we have done together by participating in verbally directed movement lessons in between our sessions together. These can be completed in the comfort of your own home at your leisure. We have several programs to choose from that will be recommended to you based on your unique circumstances. Also offered are single lessons for purchase.
Should I make diet modifications while I’m going through lessons?
Although it is not strenuous, this work requires energy. Making sure your body is getting high quality nutrients and frequent fuel will aide in the learning process. You may find that your appetite is increased directly following a lesson. Children often become hungry and need to be fed during lessons. Bringing a nutritious snack to the lesson for yourself or your child is encouraged.
What will I experience during a lesson?
Most work is done with you sitting or lying on a low, wide table. This allows you to relax and pay attention to the quality of movement. You will be asked to focus only on the experience without striving for a particular outcome. As soon as you become goal oriented and try to “get it right”, you begin to exert effort, which interferes with the learning process.
There is no need to disrobe but you will be most comfortable in clothing that is non-confining.
Can you just do lessons that are targeted to a certain area?
While the work is performed as movement, we are targeting the brain’s organization of that movement. Lessons may focus on improving movement within a certain area of the body, but that doesn’t mean the impact will be focused on that area. We use our whole self while taking action, therefore, we will facilitate learning that encourages an equal distribution of effort throughout your entire self which improves your outcomes at whatever activities you participate in.
What age should a child be before they start lessons?
Because this work targets neurological connections which begin forming at birth, the earlier in the child’s development the work is begun the more rapidly you will see improvements.
How soon after a stroke are you able to work with a client?
It is highly recommended that you or your loved one see a certified practitioner as soon after the stroke as possible in order to minimize its’ impact.
Why hasn’t my doctor ever heard of the Feldenkrais Method or the Anat Baniel Method?
While the results from the Feldenkrais Method and Anat Baniel Method have been medically and scientifically validated as being effective and is accepted and even endorsed by many physicians, it is not part of traditional medical education. Therefore, many highly skilled doctors will not have experience with this method.
Will my insurance cover lessons?
Evolution Through Movement does not offer insurance submission or assignment of benefits but, upon your request, you will be provided with the information required for you to submit for reimbursement. We are also able to accept payment from a Health Savings Account (HSA).
What is required to become a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (GCFP)?
The study program is over four years and 1000 hours including classes, hands on training, coursework, and supervised practice.
What is required to become a Certified Anat Baniel Method Practitioner (ABMP)?
In addition to the requirements for becoming a GCFP, achieving CABMP status requires study directly with founder Anat Baniel as well as achieving her standard for knowledge and ability in her methods. This program is a four-year course of study consisting of over 1000 hours of classes, hands on training, coursework, and supervised practice.
Resources
Websites:
www.AnatBanielMethod.com
www.Feldenkrais.com
References
In addition, we recommend the following books:
Written by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais:
- Awareness Through Movement
- Body & Mature Behavior
- Body Awareness as Healing Therapy: The Case of Nora
- The Elusive Obvious
- The Master Moves
- The Potent Self
Written by Anat Baniel:
- Move Into Life: The Nine Essentials for Vitality
- Kids Beyond Limits
Written by Dr. Michael Merzenich
- Soft-Wired: How The New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life
Written by Dr. Norman Doidge:
- The Brain That Changes Itself
Written by Sandra Blakeslee and Matthew Blakeslee:
- The Body Has a Mind of Its Own
Written by Sharon Begley:
- Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain
How does this method compare to chiropractic, massage or other forms of body work?
We are similar to chiropractic, massage therapy, and other forms of body work in that we will use our hands in working with you. After that, the similarities end.
While we work with movement, we are addressing the plasticity of the brain. This is where the solutions for you, and your child’s issues, can and will be found.
Why are the sessions called lessons?
We call our sessions together lessons because they truly are a learning experience for the brain. This is not a medical treatment or intervention; it is a learning based modality.
How many lessons will I need?
Clients differ in their needs and their responses. This work is not prescriptive, but responsive to the individual needs of the client. You have your own way of moving (or not moving). Therefore, we will explore with you and work to develop a course of learning that will meet your needs, working at a pace that is appropriate for you.
This work is most successful when the initial lessons are experienced on consecutive days, usually three to five days in a row. This allows for the newly created connections to become more integrated into who you are and what you do on a daily basis.
Will I have to keep having lessons for the rest of my life?
It is a natural element of aging to get into ruts in movement and in thinking. Some regression is inevitable. Therefore, additional lessons are always effective in improving function and reversing the aging process.
For those struggling with neurological dysfunction, especially children, we expect plateaus in development. These are points where lessons can be highly effective to work toward that next level of functionality and learning.
Will I have limitations or restrictions while I am having lessons?
This varies by individual. It is advised that you not plan heavy physical activity such as athletic training, lifting or running following your lesson. We will advise you if you should plan to further restrict your activities the day of your lessons.
It is very rare that we recommend that you restrict your activities except immediately following your lessons.
Will you come to my home for lessons?
It is possible to make arrangements for lessons in your home or in a location that is convenient for you.
What if I don’t live close enough to St. Louis to come to Evolution Through Movement for lessons?
Depending on the circumstances, it is possible to make arrangements to have a practitioner come to you. If that is not possible we will work to make a referral to another certified practitioner in your area.
What can I do between lessons to make the work more successful?
Depending on your situation, you may be asked to continue the work that we have done together by participating in verbally directed movement lessons in between our sessions together. These can be completed in the comfort of your own home at your leisure. We have several programs to choose from that will be recommended to you based on your unique circumstances. Also offered are single lessons for purchase.
Should I make diet modifications while I’m going through lessons?
Although it is not strenuous, this work requires energy. Making sure your body is getting high quality nutrients and frequent fuel will aide in the learning process. You may find that your appetite is increased directly following a lesson. Children often become hungry and need to be fed during lessons. Bringing a nutritious snack to the lesson for yourself or your child is encouraged.
What will I experience during a lesson?
Most work is done with you sitting or lying on a low, wide table. This allows you to relax and pay attention to the quality of movement. You will be asked to focus only on the experience without striving for a particular outcome. As soon as you become goal oriented and try to “get it right”, you begin to exert effort, which interferes with the learning process.
There is no need to disrobe but you will be most comfortable in clothing that is non-confining.
Can you just do lessons that are targeted to a certain area?
While the work is performed as movement, we are targeting the brain’s organization of that movement. Lessons may focus on improving movement within a certain area of the body, but that doesn’t mean the impact will be focused on that area. We use our whole self while taking action, therefore, we will facilitate learning that encourages an equal distribution of effort throughout your entire self which improves your outcomes at whatever activities you participate in.
What age should a child be before they start lessons?
Because this work targets neurological connections which begin forming at birth, the earlier in the child’s development the work is begun the more rapidly you will see improvements.
How soon after a stroke are you able to work with a client?
It is highly recommended that you or your loved one see a certified practitioner as soon after the stroke as possible in order to minimize its’ impact.
Why hasn’t my doctor ever heard of the Feldenkrais Method or the Anat Baniel Method?
While the results from the Feldenkrais Method and Anat Baniel Method have been medically and scientifically validated as being effective and is accepted and even endorsed by many physicians, it is not part of traditional medical education. Therefore, many highly skilled doctors will not have experience with this method.
Will my insurance cover lessons?
Evolution Through Movement does not offer insurance submission or assignment of benefits but, upon your request, you will be provided with the information required for you to submit for reimbursement. We are also able to accept payment from a Health Savings Account (HSA).
What is required to become a Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner (GCFP)?
The study program is over four years and 1000 hours including classes, hands on training, coursework, and supervised practice.
What is required to become a Certified Anat Baniel Method Practitioner (ABMP)?
In addition to the requirements for becoming a GCFP, achieving CABMP status requires study directly with founder Anat Baniel as well as achieving her standard for knowledge and ability in her methods. This program is a four-year course of study consisting of over 1000 hours of classes, hands on training, coursework, and supervised practice.
Resources
Websites:
www.AnatBanielMethod.com
www.Feldenkrais.com
References
In addition, we recommend the following books:
Written by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais:
- Awareness Through Movement
- Body & Mature Behavior
- Body Awareness as Healing Therapy: The Case of Nora
- The Elusive Obvious
- The Master Moves
- The Potent Self
Written by Anat Baniel:
- Move Into Life: The Nine Essentials for Vitality
- Kids Beyond Limits
Written by Dr. Michael Merzenich
- Soft-Wired: How The New Science of Brain Plasticity Can Change Your Life
Written by Dr. Norman Doidge:
- The Brain That Changes Itself
Written by Sandra Blakeslee and Matthew Blakeslee:
- The Body Has a Mind of Its Own
Written by Sharon Begley:
- Train Your Mind, Change Your Brain
