The History of Hypnosis: Relevance for Research and Practice
Presented by Barbara S. McCann, PhD
Recorded on Friday, July 12, 2024
Access provided upon registration on “My Courses” page
A description of the history of hypnosis usually follows the path of Western influences on medicine and psychology. Tracing the development of modern hypnosis from Anton Mesmer to our current era often seems like an obligatory chore of sifting through a dry narrative of names, places, dates, and people – – or paying our dues before getting to the good stuff of learning to do hypnosis. However, a closer look at this history affords us an opportunity to understand the origins of the myths and misconceptions that we continue to face – – and may inadvertently promote – – in our research and practice. During the Enlightenment period, when Anton Mesmer developed animal magnetism, medicine and related fields were dominated by reason, empirical observations, and the scientific method. In this context the rejection of his work is understandable, yet that rejection conflated the “why” with the “what,” failing to appreciate that something fascinating had occurred.
When James Braid picked up the thread of animal magnetism, he shed Mesmer’s mystical, supernatural mantle, emphasized the roles of attention, suggestion, and relaxation, and coined the term hypnosis. Yet something captivating in Mesmer’s work remained and is evident along with the emergence of psychiatry and psychology as distinct yet related disciplines. The integration of biological and psychological perspectives in the 20th century and our understanding of placebo, nocebo, and expectancy continues to inform our understanding of hypnosis and related states. As medicine and psychology evolve to current times, we see another shift toward integrative medicine, which reflects recognition of the interconnectedness of mind and body. Evidence-based practices, ethical considerations, and a patient-centered approach remain core tenets and continue to shape research and practice. An examination of the neglected roots of hypnosis in ancient cultures, spiritual traditions, and parallels in contemporary indigenous and non-Western cultures sheds light on the need for a broader understanding of the phenomenon Western thinkers have come to label hypnosis, and ironically, brings us back to where we started, with Mesmer.
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 1.5 CEs for Psychologists, 1.5 IL CEUS for Counselors and Social Workers, or 1.5 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSW, and LMFTs.
A description of the history of hypnosis usually follows the path of Western influences on medicine and psychology. Tracing the development of modern hypnosis from Anton Mesmer to our current era often seems like an obligatory chore of sifting through a dry narrative of names, places, dates, and people – – or paying our dues before getting to the good stuff of learning to do hypnosis. However, a closer look at this history affords us an opportunity to understand the origins of the myths and misconceptions that we continue to face – – and may inadvertently promote – – in our research and practice. During the Enlightenment period, when Anton Mesmer developed animal magnetism, medicine and related fields were dominated by reason, empirical observations, and the scientific method. In this context the rejection of his work is understandable, yet that rejection conflated the “why” with the “what,” failing to appreciate that something fascinating had occurred.
When James Braid picked up the thread of animal magnetism, he shed Mesmer’s mystical, supernatural mantle, emphasized the roles of attention, suggestion, and relaxation, and coined the term hypnosis. Yet something captivating in Mesmer’s work remained and is evident along with the emergence of psychiatry and psychology as distinct yet related disciplines. The integration of biological and psychological perspectives in the 20th century and our understanding of placebo, nocebo, and expectancy continues to inform our understanding of hypnosis and related states. As medicine and psychology evolve to current times, we see another shift toward integrative medicine, which reflects recognition of the interconnectedness of mind and body. Evidence-based practices, ethical considerations, and a patient-centered approach remain core tenets and continue to shape research and practice. An examination of the neglected roots of hypnosis in ancient cultures, spiritual traditions, and parallels in contemporary indigenous and non-Western cultures sheds light on the need for a broader understanding of the phenomenon Western thinkers have come to label hypnosis, and ironically, brings us back to where we started, with Mesmer.
After attending this introductory-level program, participants will be able to:
- Trace contemporary myths and misconceptions regarding hypnosis to key historical figures dating back to 18th century Enlightenment
- Articulate reasons for continued fascination with the mystical origins of hypnosis.
- Articulate the reasons why ancient and cultural hypnotic-like practices were abandoned during the Enlightenment.
- Discuss why we have come full circle in placing hypnosis within the framework of contemporary integrative research and practice.
This program meets APA’s continuing education STANDARD 1.3: Program content focuses on topics related to psychological practice, education, or research other than application of psychological assessment and/or intervention methods that are supported by contemporary scholarship grounded in established research procedures.
This program meets APA’s continuing education GOAL 1: Program is relevant to psychological practice, education, and/or science.
General Admission: $65.00
SCEH Members: $55.00
Students: $15.00*
(*Please email [email protected] for coupon code)
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Barbara S. McCann, Ph.D.; Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mental Health Counseling and Hypnosis Endowed Chair, University of Washington, Seattle
Barbara S. McCann PhD is Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Mental Health Counseling and Hypnosis Endowed Chair at the University of Washington in Seattle. Her clinical psychology practice is based out of Harborview Medical Center, where she treats individuals with depression, anxiety, trauma, and insomnia. Her research and scholarly interests are in hypnosis, depression and anxiety, sleep disorders, mental health and performance, and functional neurological disorders. Dr. McCann teaches medical students and psychiatry residents therapeutic communication strategies, cognitive behavioral therapies, and hypnosis, and has received numerous teaching awards. She has published over 60 journal articles and book chapters.
Dr. McCann is President of the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and Certified as an Approved Consultant by the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis. She serves on the Board of Editorial Consultants for the International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis.
Colloca, L., & Barsky, A. J. (2020). Placebo and nocebo effects. The New England Journal of Medicine, 382(6), 554-561. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1907805
Lynn, S. J., Kirsch, I., Terhune, D. B., & Green, J. P. (2020). Myths and misconceptions about hypnosis and suggestion: Separating fact and fiction. Applied Cognitive Psychology, 34(6), 1253-1264.
https://doi.org/10.1002/acp.3730
Pesic, P. (2022). Composing the crisis: From Mesmer’s harmonica to Charcot’s tam-tam. Nineteenth-Century Music Review, 19(1), 7-30. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1479409820000087
Target Audience: Hypnosis practitioners, psychologists, physicians, nurses, LCSWs, MFTs, LCPCs, all mental health disciplines, health care professionals, graduate students welcome.
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available 1.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 1.5 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 1.5 hour of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to to determine if they will accept these CEUs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
Non Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to [email protected]. There is no commercial support for this program nor are there any relationships between the CE Sponsor, presenting organization, presenter, program content, research, grants, or other funding that could reasonably be construed as conflicts of interest.