Is hypnosis a legitimate science?
Many famous thinkers, scientists and physicians have experimented with and effectively used hypnosis. Sigmund Freud was an early proponent, but ended up abandoning its use in favor of his talk therapy (psychoanalysis). Most likely, he got uneven results because he was using the authoritarian approach to hypnosis typical of the day: “You will sleep…You will accept my commands…” Very little can be done with hypnosis used this way, because subjects reject manipulation. They’ll readily take suggestions, but may not take orders. Fortunately, over the years, techniques continued to be refined through the work of great physicians like Milton Erickson. The British Medical Association approved the use of hypnosis for psychoneuroses and hypnoanesthesia for pain management in childbirth and surgery in 1955. The Catholic Church recognized the value of hypnosis in 1956, with its acceptance by Pope Pius XII. The American Medical Association followed with a similar endorsement in 1958, and two ye
