During WW1, between 1914 and 1918, the Germans realized that hypnosis could help treat shell-shock quickly. It allowed soldiers to be returned to the trenches almost immediately. A formularized version of hypnosis, autogenic training, was devised by Dr. Schultz.
After WW2, Milton Erickson of the U.S., had a major impact on the practice and understanding of hypnosis and the mind. He theorized that hypnosis is a state of mind that all of us are normally entering spontaneously and frequently.
On the heels of Erickson’s work, hypnosis evolved into a well-respected practice, used by doctors, psychologists, business and law enforcement. It’s also used for self-help and self-improvement.
Hypnosis is a tool, not a cure in and of itself. It is used for stress management, stress related disorders, dental and medical anxiety and anesthesia, even in obstetrics. It is also used for pain management, including pain associated with cancer, as an adjunct to psychotherapy, in the management of a wide range of phobic, anxiety and other medical and psychological problems.
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