The world of psychology, specifically the field of clinical hypnosis, has a rich history, and no one contributed more to it than the renowned psychoanalyst, Sigmund Freud. But did “Freud abandon hypnosis”? Yes, it is true.

The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis invites you to delve into Freud’s journey and understand this well-known shift in his therapeutic approach. We promise the journey will be fascinating.

The Evolution of Psychoanalysis and the Ethical Crusade of Hypnosis

Psychoanalysis has evolved considerably since the early 20th century, and so has clinical hypnosis – both disciplines have found new and more effective ways to promote people’s mental health. Initially, it may seem paradoxical to claim “Freud abandoned hypnosis” since hypnosis is commonly considered one of the many tools that contributed to the creation of psychoanalysis.

However, when delving into the topic, it becomes evident that Freud’s decision highlights the challenges of ethical and scientific approaches to hypnosis. There was a time when Freud considered hypnosis a central element of psychoanalysis – an essential tool for accessing and healing the unconscious mind.

But why did this change occur? We must investigate more deeply: from why Freud set hypnosis aside to what came after his abandonment of this practice. This article will take you on this intriguing journey. Are you ready to embark?

Hypnosis in Freud’s Trajectory

At the beginning of his career, Freud, known as the father of psychoanalysis, used hypnosis as a working tool. Hypnosis was widely used in 19th-century Europe, especially in France by professionals like Charcot, a friend and mentor of Freud.

Freud primarily used hypnosis to access repressed memories in his patients, often related to childhood traumas that normal consciousness couldn’t access, being essential in the treatment of psychological disorders.

His practice was based on classical hypnosis, a technique that focuses on inducing hypnotic sleep to access the patient’s unconscious mind. However, throughout his career, Freud began to question the effectiveness of this approach.

The doctor noticed that not all patients responded well to hypnosis; some resisted hypnotic induction or couldn’t reach the necessary relaxation state for the method’s effectiveness. Additionally, patients who could be hypnotized sometimes couldn’t bring forgotten traumatic events to memory.

These challenges led Freud to gradually abandon hypnosis and seek new methods to access the unconscious, which gave rise to the technique of free association, the cornerstone of psychoanalysis.

Why Freud Abandoned Hypnosis in His Methods

Intriguingly, many wonder why “Freud abandoned hypnosis.” The truth is that the reasons were multiple, complex, and personal.

Firstly, Freud had much difficulty in hypnotizing his patients. Hypnotization, as is known, requires certain attributes – a soft voice, a calming personality, and a careful touch – which Freud, by his own words, believed he did not possess.

However, the issue goes deeper. Freud became increasingly concerned with the lack of control hypnosis imposed on the patient’s ego. For Freud, this was in direct opposition to the control that psychoanalysis allowed.

Moreover, Freud was concerned with the suggestibility of hypnosis. He believed this flaw could encourage false memories or even the fabrication of traumatic events, which could severely undermine the validity of psychoanalysis.

These factors, combined with a personal dislike for hypnosis, led Freud to abandon this practice. But even after abandoning hypnosis, he did not entirely abandon the idea of an altered state of consciousness. On the contrary, he incorporated the idea into his theory of the unconscious – a fundamental aspect of his psychoanalysis. Thus, even though Freud set hypnosis aside, its influence on Freud’s work remained.

The Evolution of Freud’s Treatments After Abandoning Hypnosis

After Freud abandoned hypnosis, his therapeutic approach underwent a crucial phase of transformation. It was during this transition that the father of psychoanalysis gave rise to the method of ‘free association,’ promoting a revolution in the way mental disorders were treated.

Another notable development generated from this detachment was the emphasis on dream analysis, which Freud believed to be the “royal road to the knowledge of the unconscious.”

Considering the inability of patients to remember traumatic experiences, Freud introduced the concept of “resistance.” This indicated the existence of an inherent force preventing consciousness from accessing painful memories. He believed this resistance could be overcome through free association, where the patient spoke everything that came to mind without logical or critical comprehension.

Problems like hysteria, which were previously treated with hypnosis, began to be explored more deeply. Through free association and dream interpretation, Freud began to unravel the hidden components of mental pathologies, such as repressed desires and intrapsychic conflicts.

Thus, after moving away from hypnosis, Freud developed the psychoanalytic technique that we know today and that remains a reference in the field of mental health.

The Role of Hypnosis in Current Psychoanalysis

Even though Freud stopped using hypnosis as a therapeutic technique, hypnosis has found its way back into psychoanalysis today – albeit in a modernized and adapted version for contemporary times.

Using scientific and ethical methods, many health professionals have adopted clinical hypnosis as an important component in their practices. The American Psychological Association (APA) defines hypnosis as an intentionally induced state of consciousness, combining concentrated attention and reduced peripheral awareness. This enables a greater response to suggestion, making it a valuable tool for facilitating desired behavioral changes.

It is used in conjunction with other well-established therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and concepts like Daniel Kahneman’s “fast and slow” and Irving Kirsch’s “Open Placebo,” bringing great benefits to patients.

Therefore, even though “Freud abandoned hypnosis,” it is common to observe that current practice incorporates hypnotic techniques into psychoanalysis. Hypnosis has evolved and adapted to fit into the modern treatment paradigm, becoming an increasingly common therapeutic tool.

We can say that hypnosis, today, has a relevant role in modern psychoanalysis, being used to enable a wide range of therapeutic interventions, from pain management to the treatment of anxiety and stress disorders.

Contrasts Between Hypnosis and Freud’s Practices

Although Freud abandoned hypnosis, the practice remains a relevant tool in contemporary therapy. It is important to highlight that hypnosis practices differ in some aspects from Freudian psychoanalysis.

Freud’s psychoanalysis focused heavily on exploring patients’ pasts. Through the technique of free association, Freud sought to access traumatic events repressed in the psyche of his patients, covered by mental defenses. On the other hand, hypnosis is not limited to past experiences. It is a tool that can be used to generate changes in the present and create healthier behaviors for the future.

While psychoanalysis seeks to bring unconscious and repressed content to light to promote healing, hypnosis primarily works with the altered state of consciousness. This state allows the patient to focus attention in a concentrated and receptive manner to therapeutic suggestions. This disposition facilitates, among other things, the modification of unwanted behaviors, thoughts, and feelings.

Moreover, hypnosis promotes a more active therapeutic experience for the patient. Unlike the passive posture suggested by analysis, in hypnosis sessions, the patient actively participates in their own change, which can propel faster and more lasting results.

In conclusion, whether you are a health professional or someone interested in psychology and hypnotherapy, understanding the differences between techniques is essential to choosing the best path to help patients effectively and ethically.

Implications of Freud’s Decision for Contemporary Clinical Hypnosis

Freud’s decision to abandon hypnosis had a significant impact on the contemporary view of this practice. On the one hand, some saw this as confirmation that hypnosis was an outdated practice lacking scientific foundation. On the other hand, it prompted professionals to deepen their studies on hypnosis, seeking to better understand its functioning and therapeutic possibilities.

Spirit of Discovery

“Freud abandoned hypnosis”, but this provoked a deeper and more intense search around this technique. The result is that today we have a much more robust and rigorous understanding of hypnosis than if he had continued to use it in its original forms. The renewal of hypnosis, now based on scientific evidence, has enabled its integration into other practices and therapeutic treatments.

Respect for Therapeutic Diversity

Another important consequence of his decision is the appreciation of a more pluralistic view of psychology and medicine. There is no single approach that is the key to all the problems a human being may face. Freud’s decision highlighted the importance of the diversity of therapeutic approaches as a key element for increasingly humanized and effective psychology and medicine practice.

Clinical Hypnosis and Psychoanalysis Today: Parallels and Distinctions

Today, both clinical hypnosis and psychoanalysis are respectable methods of psychotherapeutic treatment, each with its distinct merits. Although there are fundamental differences in how each is applied, there are also undeniable similarities.

Clinical hypnosis, as practiced today, may have less emphasis on direct suggestion as in the pre-Freudian era, but the central idea of accessing a focused and highly suggestible mental state remains a fundamental pillar. The patient in hypnosis remains conscious and capable of resisting suggestions that go against their beliefs or values, and it is this ability to access and work within this mental state that allows for the implementation of various therapeutic techniques.

On the other hand, psychoanalysis today has incorporated much of Freud’s discoveries but has undergone several evolutions and refinements. The fundamental goal is to uncover the unconscious conflicts that are harming the person’s conscious life. While Freud saw hypnotic suggestion as a circumvention for this process, today’s psychoanalysts may see hypnosis as a tool to accelerate it.

In conclusion, although “Freud abandoned hypnosis,” hypnosis and psychoanalysis have evolved in ways that now make them more parallel than a substitute for each other. Each offers a unique set of therapeutic tools that, in the right hands, can greatly help those in need.

The Ethical and Scientific Use of Hypnosis in Mental Health

Although Freud abandoned hypnosis, it is not a practice that should be discarded in mental health. In reality, when used correctly, clinical hypnosis can be a powerful tool to aid in various treatments.

Hypnosis is not a magic show or mind control, as some movies might suggest. It is, above all, a clinical practice that requires training, skill, and a deep respect for the patient. Its use, when directed by qualified professionals, can be an effective way to access memories, emotions, and change automatic behaviors that are outside people’s everyday consciousness. And that’s exactly why the ethical and scientific use of hypnosis is so important.

Ethics in hypnosis refers to the care not to harm, always respecting the patient’s limits. This means it should never be used to manipulate or control a person against their will. It is a tool to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of already established treatments, and never a means of diagnosis or treatment on its own.

Regarding science, hypnosis is increasingly being validated by studies and research. This only reinforces its value and effectiveness in the field of mental health. Even though Freud abandoned hypnosis, it has not been abandoned by science – quite the opposite.

Hypnosis as a Tool for Enhancement in Health Treatments

Contrary to what some might think, hypnosis is not intended to supplant or compete with traditional psychotherapy, modern medicine, or other health practices. In fact, it is a tool that can be used in conjunction with these practices to enhance treatments and recovery processes.

It’s easy to understand why. Stress and anxiety are constants in modern society, and these factors are known to impair various treatments and health practices. This happens because they prevent the patient from being in an ideal state of relaxation and receptivity.

This is where hypnosis can come into play and make a difference. By being able to induce the patient into a state of intense tranquility and focus, hypnosis provides the necessary conditions for them to reap the maximum benefits from the treatment. The patient becomes more open and receptive, facilitating the assimilation and effectiveness of therapy.

Additionally, hypnosis can assist in pain management, something fundamental in various medical contexts. Moreover, some studies suggest that the use of hypnosis can even accelerate the body’s healing process.

It is important, however, to note that we are not talking about a “magic cure.” It is an additional tool, to be used within the ethical and professional limits of each field of practice. And, like any tool, it is necessary that it be applied by trained and properly prepared professionals.

The Brazilian Society of Hypnosis’s Commitment to Ethics and Science in the Use of Hypnosis

As a representative of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis (SBH), I affirm with conviction our commitment to adopting scientific and ethical practices in the application of hypnosis. We understand the importance of professionalizing and legitimizing this field of practice, as well as ensuring that the practice of hypnosis is conducted responsibly.

We respect international guidelines and believe that the use of hypnosis should always be based on scientific evidence. In our hands, hypnosis is seen as a powerful tool to improve patients’ quality of life, but always within an ethical and regulated framework.

We affirm our strong stance against miraculous promises and practices not scientifically proven. Our approach is transparent: we treat with hypnosis those issues we can treat professionally without it. We understand our technical capabilities and our field of practice. And we constantly encourage our professionals to develop their skills and knowledge in the area, always seeking the best for the patient.

At the same time, we seek to continue clarifying concepts and demystifying stereotypes linked to the field of hypnosis. We avoid terms like “subconscious” or “mental reprogramming,” preferring to focus on “automatic thoughts or behaviors” and discussing how we can help patients change their interpretations and reactions to the environment around them.

Committed to ethics and science, we will continue to strive to increasingly align the practice of hypnosis with the best practices in mental health.

Conclusion: Why “Freud Abandoned Hypnosis” and What Came After

This article discussed why “Freud abandoned hypnosis” and its implications in the fields of psychoanalysis and clinical hypnosis to this day. Freud’s abandonment of hypnosis does not invalidate it as an effective therapeutic tool. Instead, it paved the way for a deeper exploration and evolution of hypnosis practices, making it an integral and respected part of modern therapies.

At the same time, Freud’s psychoanalysis developed as a field in itself, continuing to progress and still being a widely used therapeutic approach today. Both practices have their place in the field of mental health, each with its own merits.

Currently, the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis recognizes hypnosis as a valuable complement to psychotherapy when used ethically and scientifically. With the proper use of hypnosis, it is possible to enhance health treatments and help patients achieve better results in their recovery.

So, if you are interested in learning how to use scientific hypnosis as a complement to your professional practice, or even as a new profession, I invite you to learn more about the evidence-based hypnosis training and postgraduate courses offered by the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis. Visit the link: https://www.hipnose.com.br/cursos/ and discover how hypnosis can transform your professional practice and enhance your results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Freud decide to abandon hypnosis in his methods?

Freud had technical difficulties in hypnotizing his patients, but his decision to abandon hypnosis went beyond that. He was increasingly concerned with the lack of control hypnosis imposes on the patient’s ego, as well as the suggestibility that could encourage false memories. The lack of control and the potential for false memories were counterproductive to the central goal of psychoanalysis of uncovering unconscious conflicts causing problems in the patient’s conscious life.

Is hypnosis a less effective psychotherapeutic treatment method than psychoanalysis?

Not necessarily, clinical hypnosis and psychoanalysis are psychotherapeutic treatment methods, each with its own merits. Hypnosis allows the therapist to access a focused and highly suggestible mental state, facilitating the implementation of various therapeutic techniques. Experiences with hypnosis can vary depending on the individual and the problem being treated.

Nowadays, would it be unethical for a psychology professional to use hypnosis?

No, according to the general perspective of the Brazilian Society of Hypnosis, using hypnosis in psychology is perfectly ethical, as long as it is used correctly and by a trained professional. Hypnosis is a practice that requires a high degree of skill and knowledge to avoid adverse effects and ensure it is beneficial for the patient.

Was Freud opposed to hypnosis or did he just not consider it ideal for his therapeutic approach?

Freud was not opposed to hypnosis itself. He used it in his early years of practice. However, he encountered technical difficulties in applying hypnotic procedures. Additionally, he had ethical and theoretical concerns that led to his decision to abandon hypnosis. Despite this, Freud never denied the effectiveness of hypnosis for certain purposes.

Can hypnosis replace other forms of treatment?

Hypnosis should not be seen as a substitute for other forms of treatment, but rather as an additional tool. Hypnosis can help improve the effectiveness of traditional therapies and can be incorporated into a broader treatment plan to achieve the best possible results.

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