The History of Modern Hypnotherapy:

The History of Modern Hypnotherapy:

The person most often called the father of modern hypnotherapy is Milton H. Erickson (1901–1980).

Erickson revolutionized hypnosis by moving away from the rigid, authoritarian “You are getting sleepy…” style and toward a flexible, conversational, and highly individualized approach. He used storytelling, metaphors, and indirect suggestions, tailoring each session to the patient’s personality, needs, and unconscious communication style.

That said, the title is sometimes also given to James Braid (1795–1860), the Scottish surgeon who coined the term hypnosis and brought it into medical practice in the 19th century. Braid is often called the father of hypnotism, while Erickson is credited with shaping modern hypnotherapy.

Here’s a short timeline tracing how James Braid’s early work in hypnosis evolved into Milton Erickson’s modern hypnotherapy:

Early Foundations

• 18th century — Franz Anton Mesmer (1734–1815):
   Promoted “animal magnetism,” an early theory of hypnosis. Though discredited, he popularized trance-like healing practices.

Scientific Beginnings

• 1840s — James Braid (1795–1860):
• Coined the term hypnotism (from Greek hypnos, “sleep”).
• Shifted hypnosis from mystical “magnetism” to a psychological and physiological phenomenon.
• Emphasized focused attention and suggestion, laying the groundwork for hypnosis as a medical practice.

Medical Integration

• Late 19th century — Jean-Martin Charcot (1825–1893):
   Studied hypnosis in relation to hysteria and neurology in Paris.
• 1880s–1900s — Hippolyte Bernheim & Nancy School:
   Focused on suggestion as the core of hypnosis, using it therapeutically.
• Early 20th century — Sigmund Freud (1856–1939):
   Briefly used hypnosis, then moved toward free association and psychoanalysis.

Modern Shift

• 1930s–1980s — Milton H. Erickson (1901–1980):
• Considered the father of modern hypnotherapy.
• Reframed hypnosis as a natural, everyday state of focused attention.
• Developed indirect hypnosis: using metaphors, stories, and indirect suggestions instead of direct commands.
• Stressed tailoring techniques to each client, emphasizing collaboration and the unconscious mind’s resources.

 In short:

• Braid: Defined hypnosis as a scientific process (attention + suggestion).
• Charcot & Bernheim: Expanded hypnosis into medicine and psychology.
• Erickson: Revolutionized it into a flexible, therapeutic art, forming the basis of modern hypnotherapy.

Shervan K Shahhian