BOSTON -- Mentally preparing for surgery can be a nerve-wracking experience, but now there may be a way to regain some control after you go under anesthesia.

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Arnold Singer isn't dreading his upcoming surgery -- he's preparing for it.

"I think if I had nothing to do, I'd just be wound up tight because I'd be focused on worrying about the operation, whereas this way, I was focused on healing," said Singer.

Before his surgery, Singer focused on an audiotape that tells patients to imagine themselves as healthy and healed.

"Imagine the healing process that's going on until you can see and feel yourself completely recovered and healthy," the tape tells patients.

Psychotherapist Peggy Huddleston developed the audiotape therapy and also wrote a book outlining five steps she believes not only calm preoperative nerves, but help to speed recovery.

"When you get deeply relaxed, your body produces more T-cells. Those create a stronger immune system, and then you heal faster," said Huddleson.

First, she said, use relaxation techniques in the days before surgery and try to visualize yourself healed. Then, she recommends organizing a support group.

"I contacted about 30 of my best friends and relatives, and I asked them to think about me right now, right as we speak (just prior to surgery) and to wrap me in a blanket of love," said Singer.

Susie White claims the unique therapy worked for her. Four months after having her hip replaced, she still wears the scarf her daughter made as a memento of her surgery.

"Susie, you are wrapped in a soft, richly textured blanket of love," White read from the words written on her scarf.

"I started out not being able to move my leg that was operated on and, within a few hours, I could get up and get myself out of bed," said White.

She also did step four and met her anesthesiologist before surgery to establish trust.

White asked her anesthesiologist to read healing statements before and after the operation.

"As their anesthesiologist says the statements to (the patients), it's like hypnosis," said Huddleson.

Dr. Ben Bierbaum recommends the program to his anxious patients. He can't fully explain why it works, but said his patients get tangible results.

"They're much more relaxed. They take less pain medication. They seem to be out of the hospital at an earlier time, and the whole experience is a positive one," said Bierbaum.

The five-step program is being offered at New England Baptist Hospital and is also working its way into other area medical centers.