Given it's growth in popularity, you are likely somewhat familiar with Life Coaching. It begins with assessing you and your way of being in the present moment, and thereafter advancing a process which leads to new ways of living with ease and grace.
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While my fundamental coaching style is infused with elements of somatic education, including the use of movement, breath, and present moment awareness, many coaching clients develop a deeper interest in the benefits of somatic education.
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My work in somatic education is held in the knowledge 15+ years of practicing The Feldenkrais Method®. It's foundation is held in emerging neuroscience regarding the vagus nerve and the balance of the parasympathetic and sympathetic nervous systems, all parts of the central nervous system. The Feldenkrais Method can profoundly accelerate the process of change and growth.
My purpose is to allow people to move closer to actually being creatures of free choice, to genuinely reflect individual creativity and emotion, freeing the body of habitual tensions and wired-patterns of behavior so that it may respond without inhibition to do what the person wants. ~Moshe Feldenkrais
Somatic Education &
The Feldenkrais Method®
​​The Feldenkrais Method is a pathway to expand your potential as a human being. It invites participants to pause and pay attention to breath and movement. Each person that engages in the method holds their own hopes and intentions, some may hope to reduce pain or anxiety, others have an interest in improving their artistry or athleticism, more over, many come with an interest in simply improving life.
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Through detailed guided movement sequences, the Feldenkrais Method beckons participants to be present with sensations and feel the responses to small movements and changes. Often, over time, people discover that attention to small and quiet senses provides an awareness of options, and options provide the possibility for variations, or changes in the way we approach movements or tasks.
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The Feldenkrais Method® can be either individual or group lessons.
Experience the Feldenkrais Method in one of two ways. Awareness Through Movement® lessons can be taught individually or in a group setting, with students following the verbal instructions of the teacher. Functional Integration® sessions are one on one lessons where the fully clothed student is guided through touch, movement and verbal instruction. Start the dialogue to find out what might best meet your interests.
Here are some ideas.
Everyday Living
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Easy Breathing, Finding Peace
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Reducing Tension and Stress
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Healthy Aging
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Movement and Mindfulness
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Flexibility and Freedom of Movement
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Dynamic Sitting
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Feldenkrais for Seniors
Musicians
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Breath for the Vocal Musician
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Discover Freedom and Ease in Sounds for Voice
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Free the Ribs and Shoulders for Musicians
Athletics
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Golfing: From the Ground to Swing
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Equestrian Sports: The Embodied Rider
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Easy Walking for Hiking
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Elevate Your Yoga - Lessons for Inner Awareness
Actors
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Discover Variations of Movement - Find Freedom for Character Development
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Find Your Voice - Expand Your Options
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Creative Movement for Expression
Allyson Ford
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Guild Certified Feldenkrais Practitioner
Life Coach
Drawing from 15 years of dedicated experience with the Feldenkrais Method®, its principles influence my daily life and decision-making. I have a passion for working with anyone seeking an easier, healthier way of living. Over the years I've worked with private clients and groups in non-profit and academic settings, and have also presented at regional and international events and conferences.
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AREAS OF INTEREST & FOCUS:
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movement and creativity
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breath and performing arts
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pain management
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presence in prayer and faith
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presence with self and nature
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athletic intention
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animals, especially dogs and horses​
Notable Past Events & Presentations
2024
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Summer Conducting Institute,
an extension of the Masters in Music Education
Sound in Action: finding movement to create more unified choral sound.
2024
Equestrian Classes for Beginners
Rising Fawn, Georgia
Grounded Riding Skills: settled heals and seat for grounded and safe riding
2023
University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Summer Conducting Institute,
an extension of the Masters in Music Education
Feldenkrais Awareness Through Movement lesson for easy breathing and functional breath support for conducting.
2019
Feldenkrais for Vocal Musicians
Ireland
Breath and Body: Finding organization through
softness of breath and ribs.
2017
International Federation of Choral Musicians
Barcelona, Spain
Fine Tuning Non-Verbal Conducting Gesture & Building Choral Sound Through The Feldenkrais Method
2014
Southeastern Theater Conference
Feldenkrais and the Actor: Creating space for authentic character development through exploration of movement in relation to breath.
2017-2019
Professional Actors Training Program
Chattanooga, TN
Movement 1: A 16 week course in movement with foundations in the Feldenkrais Method and somatics with intention of assisting students in explorations of freeing themselves from habitual patterns that limit character development.
2018, 2019
Ballet Tennessee
Summer Intentsive
Introduction to Feldenkrais for Injury Prevention