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Why is it called Feldenkrais®? What does the name mean?

The Feldenkrais® Method was developed over 40 years of research by Dr. Moshe Feldenkrais. He was a scientist and an athlete, as well as one of the first Europeans to earn a black belt in Judo. He applied his rigorous scientific approach to the study of movement in order to explore how we learn and how to improve our lives.

How does the Feldenkrais® Method work?

Through subtle movement, directed attention, and repetition, your brain grows new connections between neurons and "prunes out" old inefficient neural networks that supported your old habits. In this way, you learn with mind and body simultaneously, much like playing an instrument, speaking a new language, or cooking recipes by heart. You identify and put your attention on the relevant information and repeat it consistently to achieve mastery.

How quickly will I feel a difference from work with the Feldenkrais® Method?

Usually clients feel a difference at the end of the first session or group class, though this varies. Your personal situation, the nature and longevity of your condition, and your level of sensitivity will play a role. The benefits build with practice and repetition. Your ability to use and practice what you learn during the sessions can make the benefits last for weeks at a time.

Can I combine it with acupuncture or chiropractor treatments?

Yes. We recommend spacing out your sessions in between your acupuncture or chiropractor treatments, and please avoid having them on the same day. If you are in severe pain or experiencing a chronic condition, you may want to just do Feldenkrais® sessions so you can measure their benefits directly.

How is Feldenkrais® different from physical therapy?

Physical therapy exercises take a mechanical approach to rehabilitation. Feldenkrais® goes a step further, by integrating precise biomechanical movements into a holistic understanding of your body's central nervous system. In this way, your body and mind work simultaneously to rewire the neural pathways that trigger pain and restriction so you can move more freely, without discomfort.

Can I combine it with playing a sport, yoga, or other exercise?

Yes. Feldenkrais® is designed to improve your activity and make it easier, more efficient and enjoyable. This is particularly useful for sports and activities that require full range of motion such as golf, tennis, and yoga. You can learn to do what you already do well, more easily, with less effort, so there is energy left over to go even further. Many of Feldenkrais' biggest adherents are professionals who strive to be their best, including Yehudi Menuhin, Martina Navratilova, and Dame Judi Dench, to name a few. Weight lifters find the weights seem lighter, tennis players and golfers find their swing more effortless, runners go farther, and performing artists feel they can dance or play the night away.

Are the classes or sessions strenuous?

No. The group classes and private sessions, which are taught one-on-one, are slow, gentle explorations of movement that can be done by anyone, at any level of fitness.

I am currently in pain. Are the sessions or classes painful?

A wonderful thing about the Feldenkrais® Method is that it is about exploring learning strategies. If you have difficulty with one side, you can work with the other side. If you cannot lie down, you can sit. And even students with paralysis have found that working with their imagination can create new neural links to improve their quality of life.

I am so busy! How much time does it take to practice?

Once you learn to replace painful, inefficient movement, counterproductive thinking, and destructive feeling patterns with new and effortless ease, your body will naturally want to practice more. The thing to keep in mind is that this is not an exercise program that requires time in a gym. The simplicity of the movements make it easy to practice anytime, anywhere.

How are Feldenkrais® practitioners trained and certified?

After successfully completing 160 days of training spread over at least 36 months, graduates are eligible to become certified by the Feldenkrais® Guild® of North America. They maintain that certification by fulfilling continuing education and professional practice requirements each year.

Are sessions conducted with clothes on?

Yes, both the private sessions and group classes are done with clothes on. We recommend wearing layers and socks, since changes in body temperature are common once you relax.

How long does it take to see results?

Results will depend on how consistent you are at implementing the recommendations. We typically see benefits from week 1. Depending on how much time you put into it, how open-minded you are to the information you're receiving, and how much you practice, you will see a different result.

Do I have to remember everything?

Not at all. Our role is to make sure you remember all the relevant information and to put it in the format that will help you succeed. You may be a visual or auditory learner, and we will make sure to present the new material in the best format for you, as well as to remind you of all the important details.

How much time commitment does it involve?

The recommended course of action is a one-hour weekly session (includes an assessment) and 20 minutes daily for your movement practice. If you decide to join an accountability group, you will be invited to a weekly 30-minute session.

I don't like group sessions. I'm very private with my stuff.

Most of our clients are very private as well. The reason for the group sessions is to have a live forum where we can present questions in real-time that can be addressed. You can turn off your camera, and if you seek anonymity, you can remove your name from the screen. The point of the group sessions is to find support, establish a community, and benefit from your cohort. It is not a requirement that you speak or share anything private.

I am not an Executive or professional. Is this for me?

You don't have to be an executive or professional to find value in our services. However, the majority of our successful clients are in high-stress positions and we excel at working with them.

I am not in pain. Is this for me?

Absolutely! Our favorite aspect of wellness is that it provides continuous incremental improvement, no matter how good you feel to begin with. There is always room for more energy, more joy, balance, and connection.

I've bought other training programs and it's hard for me to complete them. How do I know that I will finish this one?

We have a very high completion rate because we keep our videos short and to the point. We are not here to lecture you or to bore you with too many details, but to provide useful, actionable information that you can use right away. We also have group support calls to help you get through any bumps on the road, and stay consistent and accountable.

I'm not sure this is for me.

If you're doubting about working with us or not, please take a moment to ask yourself what makes you curious about it? And what are the doubts that you have? Are they in our process? Or are you doubting that you can do it? Are these doubts showing up in other areas of your life? You are always welcome to reach out. Sometimes a brief conversation is enough to know whether this is the right path for you.

What is the Feldenkrais® Method?

The Feldenkrais® Method is a form of somatic education that uses gentle movement and directed attention to help people learn new and more effective ways of living. It improves physical function, reduces pain, and enhances overall well-being by increasing self-awareness through movement.

What should I wear to a session?

Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing that allows you to move freely. For Feldenkrais® and massage sessions, layers work well so you can adjust to be comfortable. No special equipment is needed.

How long is a typical session?

Individual sessions are typically 60 minutes. Some specialized sessions or first-time consultations may run 75-90 minutes to allow for a thorough assessment and discussion of your goals.

Do I need a referral from a doctor?

No referral is needed. However, if you have a specific medical condition or are recovering from surgery, it can be helpful to let your healthcare provider know you are exploring somatic and bodywork modalities.

Is the Feldenkrais® Method the same as physical therapy?

While both address movement and pain, the Feldenkrais® Method takes a different approach. Rather than prescribing exercises to strengthen specific muscles, it works with your nervous system to help you discover more efficient, comfortable movement patterns. Many people find it complements physical therapy well.

What is Functional Integration?

Functional Integration is the one-on-one, hands-on form of the Feldenkrais® Method. The practitioner uses gentle touch to guide you through movement sequences tailored to your specific needs, helping your nervous system find new, more comfortable ways of moving.

What is Awareness Through Movement?

Awareness Through Movement (ATM) is the group class format of the Feldenkrais® Method. A practitioner verbally guides you through a sequence of gentle movements, helping you explore new movement patterns and build greater body awareness.

Can the Feldenkrais® Method help with chronic pain?

Yes. The Feldenkrais® Method is well-known for helping people with chronic pain. By improving how you move and increasing body awareness, it can reduce strain on painful areas and help your nervous system shift out of protective pain patterns.

What is Reiki?

Reiki is a gentle, non-invasive form of energy healing that originated in Japan. The practitioner channels universal life energy through their hands to support the body's natural healing processes, promote deep relaxation, and restore energetic balance.

Do you offer virtual sessions?

Yes. Feldenkrais® Awareness Through Movement lessons, coaching, breathwork, and some consultation sessions can be done virtually. Hands-on modalities like Functional Integration, massage, and Reiki are available in person at the Doylestown studio.

How many sessions will I need?

That depends on your goals and situation. Some people experience significant shifts in just one or two sessions, while others benefit from an ongoing series. After your first session, we will discuss a plan that makes sense for you.

Is this covered by insurance?

Most insurance plans do not cover Feldenkrais®, massage, or Reiki directly. However, some FSA/HSA accounts may be used for these services. You may also be able to get a superbill for out-of-network reimbursement. Check with your provider for details.

What is the cancellation policy?

Please provide at least 24 hours notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Late cancellations or no-shows may be charged the full session fee.

Who is Dayana Pereira?

Dayana Pereira is a Guild-Certified Feldenkrais® Practitioner (GCFP), Reiki Master, and XPT Life Coach with a background in corporate leadership and a deep commitment to holistic wellness. She combines multiple modalities to help clients achieve lasting physical, mental, and emotional health.

What is the membership program?

The membership program gives you ongoing access to guided Feldenkrais® lessons, breathwork sessions, mindfulness practices, and exclusive content through the Dayana online platform. It is designed to support your wellness journey between in-person sessions.

Where is the studio located?

The studio is located at 16 N. Franklin St., Suite 201, Doylestown, PA 18901. It is in the heart of downtown Doylestown, easily accessible with nearby street parking and public lots.