A DISTRAUGHT Leon Brackenfield could only stand by and watch as his wife slipped in and out of consciousness.

Haemorrhaging terribly after giving birth to their second child, Jasmin had picked up an infection and was struggling for survival.

It was a nightmare situation that was fast becoming critical when a friend of the family arrived and saved Jasmin's life.

Hypnotist Valerie Austin guided Jasmin into a profoundly deep state of relaxation, boosting her energy and at the same time directing that energy to where her body needed healing.

To the astonishment of the observing medics, Jasmin's soaring temperature dropped immediately, the symptoms of the infection subsided and she began to slowly but steadily recover.

Eternally grateful and at the same time inspired, Leon asked Valerie to teach him everything she knew and, two year's later, he's now practising locally using Valerie's innovative techniques.

"It's a very direct way of working with the subconscious," said Leon, who is often called upon by people looking to resolve all sorts of problems, from smoking to stress and anxiety.

"Hypnosis is similar to a day dream when the conscious mind is focused and the subconscious mind comes to the forefront. It's quite natural, an automatic reaction that people experience everynight just before falling asleep. In advanced hypnotherapy we access and converse with the subconscious mind in a structured way."

Hypnotism has an ambiguous history. Few doubt its power or potential but ever since the days of Mesmer it's been a subject that has attracted a fair share of charlatans.

A lot of people are curious about the hypnotic state and what it feels like but many people are also worried about losing control or being made to act against their will.

Talking with Leon, a very gentle and softly spoken man, I soon realised that it was impossible to hypnotise anyone against their will.

And, eager to experience the hypnotic state for myself, Leon offered to "take me under" and guide me through a deep relaxation technique.

Listening carefully to his quite but reassuring voice, it didn't take long to discover a relaxed state where my body sunk deep into the large comfy armchair.

I wasn't drowsy, it was more like a vivid daydream, a space in between waking and sleep where the mental images of your inner world are somehow more colourful and real.

I was guided into a beautiful garden where I walked barefoot across the grass, smelt the flowers and listened to the birds.

If the mind can conjure images of dread that the body responds to with nervous anticipation, or if the mere thought of a tasty meal can set the taste buds racing, it doesn't take a leap of faith to accept that this very pleasant garden image could help the body unwind and relax.

Sitting on a bench in my imaginary garden, Leon then suggested I imagine my legs slowly filling up with a warm, orange liquid. As my body filled up he suggested that this liquid could absorb all my worries and tensions. I then let this orange liquid slowly drain from my body and as I came out of the reverie I was certainly much more relaxed.

He then took me under again after I had explained that if he could do anything to help with motivation, I'd be most grateful.

Again the trance was easily induced and the guidance simple but profoundly relaxing.

Did it work? Two days later someone looking suspiciously like me was up with the birds re-enacting a scene from Chariot's of Fire - only slower.

It was a start!

For a while now, I seem to have more energy than I've had in a long, long time.

If you think Leon's hypnotherapy could help you, give him a call on 844663.