Freud and Hypnosis
Sigmund Freud was born May 6, 186 and died September 23, 1939. He was a neurologist who studied at the University of Vienna in 1881 conducting research relating to cerebral palsy and microscopic neuroanatomy. He is also known as the Father of Psychoanalysis.Freud went to Paris to study with Jean Martin Charcot, who was also a neurologist but was using hypnosis in his scientific research, which intrigued Freud. Charcot often displayed patients in front of an audience and practised hypnosis.
Freud was impressed with Charcot work and the use of therapeutic hypnosis for the treatment of neurotic disorders. Freud often referred to this experience as a catalyst in his future work, turning from neurology to psychopathology.Freud believed that the unconscious mind was the key to unlocking repressed thoughts and memories. He stated that thoughts stayed in the mind, but although not clearly remembered, would show themselves in negative behavioural patterns.Sigmund Freud used hypnosis when he was practising privately in 1886.
He often used hypnosis to help patient recall events that they had âforgotten”. As Freud continued to develop his psychoanalysis system (that is still used today), he discarded hypnosis treatment in favour of dream analysis and free association.Sigmund Freud diligent research and study presented a new way to view the human nature and his legacy lives on today.
