What is the History of Hypnosis?

Many Sports Psychology Coaches implement aspects of hypnosis and guided imagery for their clients.  The following is a comprehensive story of the origins of hypnosis.

Before we explore the uses of hypnosis for your future, we need to look to the past. It is important to understand the history of hypnosis if for no other reason than to be able to communicate to your client in an articulate and intelligent manner. You will hear comments from your potential clients that range from, “Hypnosis is old and out of date…” to “Hypnosis is untested, and too new to risk experimenting with.” The fact is, most people know very little or nothing about hypnosis other than what they have seen in the movies and at night clubs where hypnotists make people bark like dogs or quack like ducks. 

The fact is hypnosis has been an accepted form of treatment in the medical communities since 1955 and 1958 through the British Medical Association, and the American Medical Association respectively. This may seem like hypnosis has been accepted by medicine for a very long time, but considering how long hypnosis has been around, it’s surprising that it took so long for the formal institutions to actually recognize it – especially considering that all modern medical practices evolved from one place – hypnosis. [Read more…]