I booked a session with Mark to learn about the Alexander Technique in an attempt to alleviate some spinal nerve pain that I've been dealing with. Mark is kind and empathic and great at communicating what we're aiming to do and why we're aiming to do it. A very easy person to be around and to try to learn from. I left our session feeling empowered that there were some techniques and practices that I could manage on my own to take a measure of agency over the pain I've been experiencing. I've met so many practitioners of various medical and healing disciplines that have acted so confident that what they were about to do to me or show me how to do would sort me out. Mark's not like that. He didn't minimize my experience or what I might have to do to get to the other side of it. He didn't act like a guru with infinite answers. What he DID do was give me a set tools to help myself through my process - for which I'm very grateful. read more

I've known Mark Josefsberg for some time, a, couple decades even, first as a student and later as a friend and colleague. There is no one that, to my knowledge, is more dedicated to the teaching learning, and efficacy of the Alexander Technique than he. He is of exemplary character that shines in his teaching and now in his writing. He has just written a book on Alexander Technique called, Lighten Up. I commend him and his book to your reading. read more

I had a session with Mark and I suppose he was knowledgeable but I was turned off by his demeanor and I would not recommend him. First he was ~7 minutes late to our appointment; he apologized but didn't do anything to make it right. Then he started by giving me a lengthy sales pitch about the technique and what he could offer; when I said that I was excited and ready to begin he got annoyed and said that that was the pitch was an important part of the process. So we didn't get started until ~20 minutes into a 45 minute session. Then there were multiple times during the session where he got annoyed and rudely criticized what I said. I said that I have a lot of tension in my neck, and he said that I was wrong and it's my fault that I am putting tension in my neck and I need to admit that. Then I used the word "hinge" to refer to movement and I guess that's a term of art in Alexander Technique and he got annoyed and told me not to use that word. Then I mentioned that I have TMJ, and he was rude and corrected me: he gruffly said something like "everyone has TMJ, that's the name of the joint. Maybe you have TMD." I mean, yeah sure I know the colloquial name for that isn't medically correct but why do you have to give me personally a hard time for that. Then he asked me to take notes, and when I said that I thought I remembered it he got annoyed and said that it was too important and that I wasn't going to remember and I must write it down. I thought maybe he was just in a bad mood, but if you look at his online material he seems kind of grumpy and irritated in general. It seems like other people get along with him better so it's possible that you might too, but I'd try someone else first. read more

I came to Mark after doing some research on Alexander Technique after have some incredibly severe back and neck pain that had began to spread to other parts of my body and take up my life. I worked with Mark privately for about ten sessions. The way that I would describe Mark's sessions as a sort of physical meditation. We would do exercises where I'd focus on noticing how I sit, stand and hold tension in my body. Though I thought some of these things would be rather obvious at the time I didn't realize the impact of how noticing them could change how I could control them. I began to let go of my tension in my jaw faster once I noticed it building. I paid attention to how hard I brushed my teeth or how tightly I was gripping a pencil. These things actually made a difference to how much pain I experienced. I realized that I had more control over my body than I previously realized. Mark's teachings didn't sink all at once. It took me some time and a lot of practice after the sessions to see the full effect. Though Mark's training didn't single-handily solve my problem it was a piece of the puzzle. Though I am sure the insights you can from Mark will be different from mine you will quickly see what a funny, kind, and compassionate he is. Mark calls his studio the "healing room" and for good reason. He truly wants to help. If you are on the fence I recommend giving him a call. You won't regret it. read more

I confess that I experienced some writer's block for the first time in decades as I was overwhelmed by Mark's kindness, and the seamless manner with which he imparts his boundless knowledge. What words would do justice to convey my sincere gratitude and acknowledgement of his gifs as a teacher who does not treat students like fixed entities? My writer's block disappeared the minute I appealed to the self-awareness that Mark magically instills in you. He exposes you to a myriad of possibilities without imposing absolutist terms that may stymie more than inspire. This is not to say that he will shy away from explaining the power of intention in making a decision to focus on the present healing and not dwelling on yesterday's pain. However, these suggestions are done in a productive manner. Mark knows how to praise efforts while he allows you to steer yourself in the right direction. You learn the true meaning of "letting go" in a variety of contexts. After only my first group session, I was already averse to sitting on the sofa and continuing to drive my car without making certain modifications to improve my posture. This was not a visual or intellectual exercise. Rather my body was asking for the right posture to be assumed. Slouching in front of a television set watching the same cable movie for the 500th time with a can of beer or piece of animal protein is now part of my past. And Mark never spoke of veganism or the disadvantages of being desensitized in front of a box that spews out unnecessary commercials, songs without melodies and programs that lack a storyline. Indeed, Mark galvanizes you to follow-up as you do not want such a likeable person's efforts to be in vain. Perhaps this likeability factor is what distinguishes him from other instructors. On a more personal note, I took one of my elderly parents and it was there that I noted how gifted Mark is. He knows how to customize individual needs with his infinite knowledge of positioning. Further he knows how to speak to a cross-section of our pluralistic society with the same grace and comfort level. Mark is an expert who makes you strive for self-sufficiency. He is the type of human being who inspires by his example in terms of posture as well as interpersonal intelligence. I highly recommend the Alexander Technique but only if it is taught by an individual such as Mark Josefsberg. After being honored in making his acquaintance, I have come to the essential conclusion that referring to a few books at home is not enough. It is time to allow ourselves to learn by doing. And the best pathway for this realization is visiting the Healing Room of Alexander Technique NYC. read more

Don't let the address fool you. Hidden within the nondescript building at 1123 Broadway is the oasis you've been looking for. The instructor calls the place the "Healing Room," but it's Mark himself that makes the experience what it is. Not only is Mark an expert in the technique, he is a caring and compassionate instructor. I came to Mark knowing little about the technique. I left feeling like I had a strategy for feeling better. That's what makes Mark such a great teacher. He shows you how to help heal yourself when you're not with him. read more

Mark is the best Alexander Technique instructor in NYC, and most likely (I did not check) - in the country! He helped me with some neck / shoulder pain that I have had due to long hours of working at a computer desk. His professionalism is astounding - he knows the ins and outs of the technique, and has written some articles on the subject as well. He is kind and patient, and we found some common ground as he used to be a professional musician, and I am a (hobbyist) piano player myself. I definitely recommend going to Mark to learn and practice the Alexander Technique - it will help you offset all the wrongdoings that you have done to your body, and prevent future mistakes. read more

Mark: I want you to know that a year later I remember your instructions and they have helped me tremendously. I don't turn to a masseuse anymore. read more

I was facing either surgery or a never ending supply of pain pills for chronic pain in my neck when luckily, I found the Alexander Technique mentioned in an article while "googling" neck pain. Not only did I find the Alexander Technique, but I found a great teacher -- Mark Josefsberg. After two and a half months of private classes with Mark... my pain level is down from a 10 to a 4. Amazing! I have hope. Mark shares his vast knowledge of the Alexander Technique in a unique way. His humor, his caring, and his enthusiasm to share his experience are just a few of the things that, in my mind, put Mark at the top of that "very special teacher" list. read more

Ok, so I have to be honest when I say even though I heard about Alexander Technique through a friend years ago, I was always a little unsure of what is was and skeptical of what it would/could do. So, I thought 'what the heck' and signed up for a class with this guy Mark. I've gotta say that it was extremely informative and really beneficial. The class was small and intimate, just myself, the instructor, and 3 other people. We all started by going around the room and sharing about our ailments - a common complaint was neck/shoulder pain. The class is slow-paced which is great, and he takes his time going around examining each individual's posture, sitting/standing technique, etc. I liked that personal attention because it helped me to realize what little mistakes I was making throughout the day, that I never noticed I did. Seeing as I sit at a desk at work, I feel my neck and back always hurt by the end of the day. But I feel that with the little pointers he brought to my attention, I can work on putting less stress and strain on my body in certain areas, and try to focus in on how to be more comfortable in whatever I'm doing at the moment. I would definitely recommend Mark, I'd say if anything just try out 1 class and give it a go, it couldn't hurt (definitely couldn't put you in more pain than you might already be in, that's for sure). lol read more

Alexander Technique NYC - The building where the classes are held. - Physical Therapy Near Me - New York, New York

Mark is pretty amazing. He's helping me with my neck and shoulder posture and it's been a very positive experience in freeing the tensions in my body. He's very patient with you and helpful. read more

I highly recommend Mark if you are considering trying the Alexander Technique. He is very knowledgeable and makes the experience accessible and easy. He was very patient and answered all of my questions. The positioning work was great. After just one private lesson, I am amazed with the progress. Looking forward to my next class with him!! read more

I have studied with Mark for over three years, and I can only say good things about him. Mark has a lot of knowledge about the Alexander Technique. It has helped him with his own back pain, back in the times when he was a highly successful musician, so naturally he has a lot of students interested in this healing aspect of the technique. However, I was more interested in applying Alexander Technique to dance and yoga, as a tool to enhance performance and to deepen the experience. Because Mark used to be a musician, he understands this aspect as well. Generally speaking, he will customize the lessons based on your needs. He also has a great theoretical understanding of the subject, and we have often discussed the writings of F.M. Alexander, Walter Carrington, Marjorie Barstow on the technique. He has also taught trainees in the official Alexander Technique training course, so he knows how to teach others to teach AT, including the principles for hands-on work. This may be of interest for massage therapist. Aside from that, Mark is cross-trained in craniosacral therapy, which he sometimes applies to AT tablework, particularly if the student has some severe neck or head pain. He has also been trained as a transformative life coach, and he uses those insights for those students who want to go beyond the physical aspects of the Alexander Technique. The Alexandrian principles of awareness, inhibition, and direction can be used to transform one's everyday life, much like it is done in Zen buddhism, and here Mark's training as a life coach is of much help. He understands, for example, the ideas of nonviolent communication or the many techniques of reframing one's view on a particular life situation. Overall Mark has a wealth of experience as a teacher and as a practitioner of AT. He has been teaching full-time for over a decade, and has many satisfied students from all works of life. He understands pretty much all of the various aspects of the Alexander Technique, yet tries to present it as clearly and cleanly as possible. I definitely recommend him for anyone wishing to study the Alexander Technique in a one-on-one or in a group setting. Lastly, be sure to check out his website. It has countless blog posts written by Mark himself. You can even subscribe for the mailing list to receive regular tips about the technique. read more

Mark has changed my life. He delivers immediate, tangible results - he has incredible hands and literally enables you to free your neck, lengthen, and use your body more efficiently. He is also an exceptional teacher who provides you the tools, understanding and ability to help yourself lengthen, release tension and use your body more effortlessly, mindfully and gracefully in daily life. He has extensive expertise, and he manages to make it all feel completely accessible. Each and every lesson I've taken with Mark has been extremely productive, comprehensive unto itself and 100% worthwhile. I cannot recommend him more highly, and I feel genuinely lucky and truly grateful I found him! read more

I've been struggling with intense back and leg pain for over 3 years now and after less than a month with Mark it is almost completely gone. Everyone should work with Mark. His knowledge of the Alexander Technique is extensive, but he keeps the lessons straightforward enough that you are never bogged down in theory. He blends the mental and physiological aspects of Alexander Technique easily so that nothing is too daunting or complicated. The work will feel like magic and you will feel happier, hopeful, less tense, more comfortable, and recommitted to your own body. Go see him. He will absolutely help you, but even more importantly, he will really care about helping you too. read more

Mark is a great teacher, and I've enjoyed learning the Alexander technique from him. The few lessons I've taken so far have helped me to improve my posture and alleviate discomfort in my neck and back. read more