I refer to Jeni Connibeer's article on giving up tobacco in last week's paper, and in particular her references to the Austin Technique. This method was devised by Valerie Austin and uses advanced structured hypnotherapy.

Hypnotherapy has been proven to be one of the most safe and effective ways of stopping smoking.

May I correct the point about the level of charges. The pricing structure for the 'stop smoking in one hour' is £250 for London and £175 for outside London. These prices are set by Valerie Austin, and apply to all practitioners of the Austin Technique.

As to why the hypnotherapy did not work for Jeni, I offer two possible explanations. Firstly for those clients who do not stop smoking in one session, I offer a free back-up session. The back-up session is integral to the treatment. It is regrettable that Jeni did not avail herself of this session. Secondly, the success relies to a certain degree on the desire and commitment of the person wishing to stop smoking. In Jeni's case, her motive for having the treatment was primarily to write the article, rather than to stop smoking.

Brian M Jacobs

Great Bushey Drive, Totteridge