THE SHORTLIST : STRESS TREATMENTS

Middle Piccadilly Natural Healing Centre: Holwell, Nr Sherborne, Dorset. The Champneys of stress relief, specialising in Metaform, a healing process involving geometry and crystals. Clients include Ken Russell, Maureen Lipman and Anna Pasternak. Two-day treatment: pounds 179 (tel: 01963 23468)

Stress Management: How to Balance Pressure and Performance: Two-day course aims to improve work performance. It's run by the Industrial Society, so you might even get your employer to pay. The next course is on 14 & 15 November at The Industrial Society, 3 Carlton Terrace, London SW1; then on 29 & 30 October at 49 Calthorpe Rd, Edgbaston, Birmingham. Costs pounds 460 & VAT for members, pounds 552 & VAT for non-members (tel: 0121 454 6769)

The Mindcare Foundation: Weekend courses in four-star hotels around the country specialise in NLP (Neuro-Linguistic Programming, or positive thinking) and relaxation techniques. The next course is in Darlington, 2 November. The pounds 249 fee includes lunch, refreshments, audio tape and a book on stress management (tel: 01642 566887)

Women and Stress: Women-only one-day workshop that concentrates on recognising stress symptons. Methods include the Alexander technique, visualisation, and psychosynthesis (mind and body interaction). On 2 November at the Mary Ward Centre, 42 Queen's Square, London WC1. pounds 15/pounds 7.50 concessions (tel: 831 7711)

Mind Essentials: The course "Attracting Your Soul Mate" claims to stop work-related stress affecting your romantic chances. Three-night evening course, open to both sexes; costs pounds 60 (tel: 0181 840 2905)

The Complete Health Care Centre: 160 City Road, London EC1. Doctor- led clinic that guides patients through the maze of complementary therapies to alleviate stress. Choose from 16 therapists specialising in everything from aromatherapy to meditation. From pounds 30 (tel: 336 0466) for appointment.