Julie Parker
Alexander Technique | Performance & Life Coaching | Research & Lecturing | Meditation

Profile

Biography

Born and educated in Zimbabwe, Julie Parker holds a degree in Mathematics from the University of Cape Town. She began her career in Investment Fund Management, but persistent headaches and a growing interest in self-development and bodywork led her to the Alexander Technique. The profound transformation she experienced inspired her to complete the rigorous three-year training to become a certified teacher.

Alexander Technique (AT)

Since qualifying, Julie has taught the Alexander Technique to individuals from diverse backgrounds. She offers both Performance & Life Coaching and Alexander Technique lessons to undergraduate and postgraduate students in the School of ACT, and has worked with staff from departments including the Institute for Effective Education (IEE), Health Sciences, Technology, History, Energy Conservation, and Music.

Julie maintains a private practice and regularly delivers workshops and talks on the Alexander Technique in higher education, both nationally and internationally. She contributed to the Department of Health Sciences’ ATLAS Clinical Trial—a three-year, £720,000 study investigating the effectiveness of the Alexander Technique and Acupuncture in treating chronic neck pain. The results were published in 2016.

Coaching

In 2007, Julie completed an ILM Level 7 accredited course in Relational Dynamics Coaching through Coaching at Work, graduating with distinction. This approach differs from traditional coaching by focusing on how we relate to ourselves and others. The training supports leadership, facilitation, and mentoring, and qualifies her to work one-to-one as a Relational Dynamics Coach.

Action Learning Sets (ALS)

Julie has facilitated Action Learning Sets for several national Doctoral Training Partnerships (DTPs) and has trained executive leaders in Australian higher education to self-facilitate ALS.

Interdisciplinary Research

Julie has authored a new protocol synthesising her skills and experience, which has been piloted in interdisciplinary research funded by YorVoice. She was also part of the winning team in a Dragons’ Den-style competition, securing seed funding for a project focused on environmental sustainability.

Lecturing

Julie has delivered the Creative and Professional Practice module for third-year music students and contributed to the same module for second-year students.

Meditation

She has led a stretch and meditation class for eight years—originally in person at the university and, since the pandemic, online. 

Change Management and Life Transitions

Having lived and worked across continents, cities, and cultures, Julie brings a deep understanding of change management and an empathetic approach to life transitions. With over 25 years of professional experience, she integrates a rich mix of practices to support creativity, transformation, and growth at both personal and systemic levels.

To arrange a talk, workshop, individual lesson, or introductory coaching session, please get in touch.