Hypnosis is a captivating phenomenon that has intrigued and mystified humanity for centuries. From its ancient origins to its modern-day application in therapy, the journey of hypnosis unveils a fascinating narrative of discovery, innovation, and transformation.
When I was invited to speak to a group about hypnosis and my hypnotherapy practice last March, I asked the group’s host what they would like to know. Her answer was simply “all about hypnosis and hypnotherapy”. My talk began with a discussion about the history of hypnosis and its evolution to become the foundational technique for modern Hypnotherapists. Perhaps you may find this story informative and valuable as well.
Pre-History:
The roots of hypnosis can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where trance-like states were utilized for healing and spiritual practices. Hypnotic states for healing began in Egypt some 5,000 years ago. It spread to Greece and included herbs and special sleep chambers. Oracles also used hypnotic techniques.
Ancient Egyptians and Greeks explored altered states of consciousness through rituals and ceremonies, believing in the power of suggestion to induce healing and enlightenment. As Christianity evolved through the 17th century, it ended many of these ancient practices but kept some parts of hypnosis in rituals, including incense and songs.
Mesmerism:
In 1774, Dr. Franz Mesmer in Vienna, Austria discovered that the mind has power over the body. Mesmer's theory of "animal magnetism" proposed that an invisible force could influence health and behavior, paving the way for the practice of mesmerism. This was the basis for hypnosis. From his name MESMER comes the word mesmerize, which literally means to hypnotize or spellbind. Early practitioners were called mesmerists.
In the 19th century Mesmer's theatrical demonstrations and dramatic techniques gained widespread attention, leading to the establishment of mesmerism as a popular form of entertainment and therapy.
Clinical Hypnosis gained followers because there was no anesthesia for doing medical procedures or surgery. In 1824, Dr. Jules Cloquet performed breast surgery on a female subject under hypnosis. Doctors discovered that by “distracting” or occupying the mind, they could lessen the patient’s discomfort during surgery. Hypnosis today may be used during childbirth, dental procedures or surgeries when the patient does not want to use an anesthetic.
Hypnosis:
In 1849 James Braid, a doctor in England, gave hypnosis its name from Hypnos, the Greek God of Sleep . He is widely considered the “Father of Hypnosis”. Originally, he thought that hypnosis was actual sleep brought on by eye fatigue and that’s why people think of hypnosis as looking at a watch or bright object back and forth in front of your eyes. When he realized that it wasn’t actually SLEEP, he tried to rename hypnosis, but it was too late, the name had already taken off and has stuck to this day.
In 1895 while Sigmund Freud was studying at the university of Vienna, he was exposed to psychology and hypnosis. A contemporary of his, Dr. Breur, hypnotized a client he called Anna O to help her with symptoms she developed after the illness and death of her father. Through his work with Anna O, he developed psychoanalysis which was further developed by Freud. Early in his career, Freud used hypnosis with his patients. He later rejected hypnosis in favor of psychoanalysis. This may be why hypnosis is not taught in most medical schools.
Scientific Exploration and Evolution:
The 20th century witnessed a significant shift in the perception of hypnosis, as researchers and clinicians delved into its scientific basis and therapeutic potential. During this era, hypnosis gained recognition as a valuable tool in medicine, psychology, and psychotherapy, with applications ranging from pain management and anesthesia to behavior modification and trauma recovery. The development of standardized inductions, deepening techniques, and hypnotic interventions contributed to the growing acceptance and integration of hypnosis into mainstream healthcare.
In 1920 - Pharmacist Emile Couee used hypnosis to help his clients get maximum benefits from their drugs. When he told them under hypnosis that the drugs would be effective, they had better results from the medication. His affirmation, “Every day in every way, I’m getting better and better” has become very famous. He was a great believer in self-hypnosis.
A side note – In the 1920’s stage hypnosis became very popular from its use in vaudeville acts. Stage hypnosis and hypnotherapy are 2 very different aspects of hypnosis. You may have seen stage hypnosis where people are hypnotized to do and say things they might not do otherwise. This is simply for fun and entertainment. Hypnotherapy is for change – it’s a vehicle to help clients move forward in a positive manner.
Ernest Hilgard’s groundbreaking work on the "hidden observer" phenomenon and his research into the complexities of hypnosis spanned much of the 20th century, with notable contributions made from the 1940s through the 1990s. His research shed light on the complex interplay between conscious and subconscious processes, deepening our understanding of hypnotic phenomena. His studies paved the way for the development of innovative hypnotic techniques and therapeutic interventions, influencing the practice of hypnotherapy and psychology.
Hilgard founded the Laboratory of Hypnosis Research at Stanford University in the 1950s. In 1959 the subsequent development of the Stanford Hypnotic Susceptibility Scale marked the first effort to develop an empirically validated measure of hypnosis and hypnotizability and provided the basis to evaluate previously advanced theories regarding hypnosis and hypnotizability.
Milton H. Erickson, an American psychiatrist and psychologist, made groundbreaking contributions to the field of hypnotherapy throughout the 20th century. Born in 1901, Erickson developed a keen interest in hypnosis and psychotherapy early in his career, despite facing. He used self-hypnosis to overcome pain resulting from childhood polio. His innovative approach to hypnotherapy, characterized by its utilization of indirect suggestion, metaphor, and storytelling, revolutionized the practice of hypnosis and sychotherapy.
Erickson's influential work on therapeutic techniques garnered widespread recognition and acclaim. He founded the field of Ericksonian hypnotherapy, emphasizing the importance of individualized, client-centered approaches to treatment. Erickson's teachings and methods inspired generations of therapists and continue to shape the practice of hypnotherapy to this day.
John G. Kappas was a pioneering figure in the field of hypnotherapy. Kappas made significant contributions to the field of hypnotherapy from the mid-20th century through the late 20th century. He is renowned for his development of the "Theory of Mind" and the concept of the "subconscious mind." Through his extensive research and clinical practice, Kappas elucidated the role of the subconscious mind in shaping behavior, beliefs, and emotional responses. He developed a comprehensive model of hypnotherapy based on the principles of subconscious reprogramming and behavior modification, laying the foundation for modern hypnotherapeutic approaches. Kappas's contributions revolutionized the practice of hypnotherapy, providing therapists with effective tools and techniques for facilitating profound and lasting change in clients.
Modern Hypnotherapy:
As we journey into the 21st century, hypnotherapy continues to evolve and adapt to the changing landscape of healthcare and wellness. Advances in neuroscience and technology have deepened our understanding of the brain's response to hypnosis, shedding light on the neural mechanisms underlying hypnotic phenomena.
Contemporary hypnotherapy embraces a holistic approach to healing, integrating hypnosis with complementary modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), mindfulness, and positive psychology. Hypnotherapists leverage the power of suggestion, visualization, and metaphor to facilitate profound shifts in perception, behavior, and well-being.
Applications and Impact:
The applications of hypnotherapy are vast and diverse, addressing a wide range of physical, emotional, and behavioral issues. From smoking cessation and weight management to anxiety reduction and performance enhancement, hypnotherapy offers a versatile and effective approach to personal transformation and empowerment.
In addition to clinical settings, hypnosis has found its way into various domains, including sports performance, education, and entertainment. Athletes harness hypnosis to overcome mental barriers and optimize performance, while students use self-hypnosis techniques to enhance learning and memory retention.
Conclusion:
The journey of hypnosis from its ancient origins to its modern-day applications is a testament to the enduring power of the human mind and spirit. As we continue to unlock the mysteries of hypnosis and explore its potential for healing and growth, we embark on a profound journey of self-discovery and transformation. Through the art and science of hypnotherapy, we tap into the boundless potential within, guiding individuals toward greater health, happiness, and fulfillment.
Working together with your hypnotherapist using proven, researched based hypnotherapy techniques in a series of hypnosis and counseling sessions, you can discover/clarify and prioritize specific issues, problems and goals for healing and growth, envision the thoughts, feelings and activities that support your goals, craft customized personal affirmations in alignment with your goals, and establish a daily affirmations and gratitude practice that celebrates and reinforces your progress, and propels you toward successful achievement of the transformation you desire.
If you are considering working with me as your hypnotherapist, I am available for a free 30 minute consultation for new clients. You can call me at 818-929-4944 or go to cindaroffman.com to book a free consultation.
SIncerely,
Cinda
HypnoNews and Resources
Please see the following for three excellent sources of more comprehensive information on the history of hypnosis and its evolution to become the foundational technique for modern hypnotherapists.
https://www.ukhypnosis.com/2019/07/25/beginners-guide-to-the-history-of-hypnosis-timeline/
https://connect.springerpub.com/content/book/978-0-8261-2487-6/part/part01/chapter/ch01