A Brief History of Hypnotherapy

Hypnosis has been used for centuries by ancient Shaman and healers. In preparation for healing, the Shaman would help the patient achieve a trance-like state to concentrate an individual's personal power for spiritual healing.

In the 1700's, an Austrian doctor, Franz Anton Mesmer, recognized this ancient healing phenomenon and incorporated it into a theory of magnetism. Since Dr. Mesmer, others such as Edgar Cayce and Milton Erickson have used the therapy of hypnosis to allow the body to heal itself. They have promoted the use of hypnosis in healing, and the world is becoming more open to its power as drugs and modern medical procedures become less and less successful at healing many of today's very complicated diseases. Many AMA (traditional western) doctors are beginning, however, to be more open to the effectiveness of hypnotherapy in combating addiction problems relating to obesity or smoking, as well as help with fears and phobias.

Sheri's personal history with hypnotherapy began when she was searching for a career change as she planned for retirement. This led her to Southwest Institute of the Healing Arts (SWIHA) in Phoenix, Arizona, which began her interest in this facinating field. Please feel free to contact Sheri with any questions you may have.