History of Hypnotherapy

Before science studied it, our ancestors lived it.

Hypnotic states—deep focus, altered awareness—have been part of spiritual and healing traditions for thousands of years. From temple rituals in ancient Egypt to meditation-like healing practices in India and Greece, people have long used trance to shift their inner world and bring about real change.

Even early shamans and oracles entered these states to access wisdom, connect with spirit, and guide others through emotional or energetic transformation.

From Mesmerizing to Hypnotizing

As medicine and psychology evolved, so did our understanding of the subconscious mind.

In the 18th century, Franz Mesmer introduced the concept of “animal magnetism,” believing an invisible force influenced health. While his methods were dramatic and later criticized, they sparked widespread curiosity about altered states and healing.

Later, Scottish surgeon James Braid coined the term hypnosis in the 1840s. He realized the state wasn’t sleep, but a deeply focused form of consciousness. His work brought hypnosis out of the mystical realm and into the early stages of scientific inquiry.

By the late 19th and early 20th centuries, psychologists like Sigmund Freud and Pierre Janet explored hypnosis as a tool for accessing repressed memories and subconscious material—though Freud would eventually favor other methods.

From Command to Collaboration: The Hypnotherapy Shift

As hypnosis evolved, so did the way we understood healing—not as something done to someone, but as a journey taken with them.

Dr. Milton Erickson reshaped hypnotherapy in the mid-20th century by stepping away from rigid scripts and into real human connection. His sessions were built on trust, metaphor, and intuitive conversation—honoring the belief that each person’s subconscious holds its own wisdom and timing.

Later, Dr. John Kappas, founder of the Hypnosis Motivation Institute (HMI), introduced suggestibility types—the idea that people respond best when suggestions match how their subconscious naturally communicates. His work made hypnotherapy more personalized, respectful, and effective.

Their work marked a shift: from control to collaboration, from formula to flexibility.

Healing Through a Screen

This shift—from control to collaboration—naturally opened the door to something even more empowering: accessibility.

At Luminous Roots Hypnotherapy, sessions are held virtually—offering the same depth of connection and transformation, all from the comfort of your own space. Whether you're in your favorite chair, lying down with a cozy blanket, or surrounded by calming scents and sounds, being at home can help you relax more deeply and feel truly at ease.

Clients often tell me they open up faster, go deeper, and feel more in control when they're in a space that feels safe and familiar.

You don’t need to drive anywhere or dress a certain way—just a quiet place, a stable connection, and a willingness to explore.