A Brief History of Hypnosis
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A Brief History of Hypnosis
Introduction
Hypnosis is a captivating subject with roots that stretch back through history. Many ancient cultures have evidence of hypnotic-like phenomena. In the Bible, the Book of Genesis references hypnosis indirectly when God puts Adam into a deep sleep to create Eve. Ancient Egypt and the oracle of Delphi are also thought to have employed forms of hypnosis (Hughes and Rothovius, 1996). However, the modern history of hypnosis began in the late 1700s with a French physician, Anton Mesmer.
The Birth of Mesmerism: Franz Anton Mesmer (1734-1815)
Franz Anton Mesmer, born in Vienna, is often credited as the father of hypnosis. He coined the term "mesmerism," which involved inducing trance states through hand movements and magnets, working with what he called "animal magnetism" (psychic and electromagnetic energies). Despite many successes in treating ailments, Mesmer faced skepticism from the medical community. A French government committee, including Benjamin Franklin and Joseph Guillotine, investigated his methods and ultimately discredited his theories.
Transition to Hypnosis: James Braid (1795-1860)
Initially a skeptic of mesmerism, English physician James Braid later recognized the power of suggestion instead of "animal magnetism." He developed the eye fixation technique, known as Braidism, and coined the term "hypnosis" after Hypnos, the Greek god of sleep. Though he later tried to rename it "monoeidism" (influence of a single idea), the original name endured.
Developments in Hypnosis Theory
Jean Marie Charcot (1825-1893)
Charcot, a French neurologist, believed hypnosis was a manifestation of hysteria, clashing with the Nancy School of Hypnotism. He revived Mesmer's "Animal Magnetism" theory and identified three trance stages: lethargy, catalepsy, and somnambulism.
Pierre Janet (1845-1947)
Initially opposed to hypnosis, French neurologist and psychologist Pierre Janet later appreciated its relaxing and healing effects. He maintained interest in hypnosis during the rise of psychoanalysis.
Influential Theories and Figures
Ivan Pavlov (1849-1936)
Renowned for his work on the conditioned reflex (Stimulus Response Theory), Pavlov's research on dogs' salivation responses laid foundational concepts for linking and anchoring behaviors, especially in NLP, despite his indirect connection to hypnosis.
Emile Coué (1857-1926)
Coué, known for the Laws of Suggestion, encouraged patients to repeat affirmations like "Every day, in every way, I am getting better and better." He found that positive suggestions often enhanced medication effects, eventually focusing solely on suggestion rather than hypnosis.
Sigmund Freud (1856-1939)
Freud, after studying under Liebault and Bernheim, abandoned hypnosis as he struggled to induce deep trances and believed it stripped patients of their defenses. Instead, he pioneered psychoanalysis, affecting the prominence of hypnosis within psychological practice.
Carl Jung (1875-1961)
A student of Freud, Jung developed ideas like the collective unconscious and archetypes. Though he didn't practice hypnosis, he promoted using active imagination to transform memories, emphasizing the inner mind through various tools.
Modern Hypnosis: Milton Erickson (1932-1974)
Milton Erickson is celebrated as the father of modern hypnosis. His indirect suggestion techniques, using metaphor and confusion, bypassed the conscious mind. His innovative methods significantly influenced contemporary hypnotherapy and fostered the official acceptance by the AMA. Erickson's work, alongside the contributions of Satir and Perls, laid the groundwork for Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) by Bandler and Grinder.
Conclusion
From ancient rituals to modern therapeutic practices, hypnosis has evolved significantly over centuries. Despite initial skepticism and varied interpretations, it remains a powerful tool in psychology and therapy, continually expanding its influence and applications.
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