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| Origins of Hypnosis |
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| from Hypnodynamics |
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Use of hypnosis or trance healing began thousands of years ago in traditional shamanism. It was popularized in the eighteenth century by Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815) as "magnetism" or "mesmerism." Mesmer's theories were later disproven. The term "hypnosis" was coined by James Braid in the nineteenth century.
Also in the nineteenth century, hypnosis was used by field doctors in the American Civil War in place of chemical anesthetics which were in short supply (first extensive medical applications of hypnosis).
Sigmund Freud made use of hypnosis in his early career. He would have his patients lie on a couch during this process and sit behind them.This is the origin of the "therapist's couch."
In the twentieth century, the late Milton Erickson became one of the foremost hypnotists in the world and pioneered the use of indirect suggestion. He was so adept, it was difficult for onlookers or even the client themselves to realize the point at which they entered into trance. Erickson also pioneered the use of metaphor and story in hypnotherapy.
Another prominent figure in the field of hypnosis, still active today isGil Boyne, founder of the American Council of Hypnotist Examiners. Possibly no one else has done so much to legitimize and standardize the field of hypnotherapy, to the benefit of hypnotherapists everywhere.
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