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Hypnosis in History

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Free Hypnosis in History Course

Login or Register to watch the video, take the online quiz, and receive your free Hypnosis in History eBook and CEU Certificate.


The American Hypnosis Association (AHA) in conjunction with HMI’s Nationally Accredited College of Hypnotherapy is proud to present this FREE online course, Hypnosis in History.

This 45-minute video documentary presents the revealing and fascinating history of Hypnosis and Hypnotherapy. Starting with the ancient Egyptians and Greeks, our story guides you through the pivotal pioneers of Mesmerism and Hypnosis in Europe, and then into the 21st Century.

This illuminating story is a must see for any student of Hypnosis or Hypnotherapy.

Hello, and welcome to…

Hypnosis in History

Produced by the American Hypnosis Association, this short but fact filled documentary, is the first step in your HMI College of Hypnotherapy journey.

This online course also includes a workbook, and online quiz which serves as a prerequisite, for your application to HMI’s Accredited Hypnotherapy Training.

It is recommended to have your workbook open for reference, while taking the online quiz.

We thank you for your interest in Hypnotherapy and hope you enjoy your journey through Hypnosis in History.

5,000 Years Ago – Ancient Hypnosis

HMI Student Comments

Hypnosis in History
2026-07-30 at 9:25 PM Pacific Time

It was very interesting to learn about the history of hypnosis.
N.A. from Brooklyn, New York, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-30 at 2:54 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed it and found it very interesting! I'm excited to learn more, definitely wanted more of a deep-dive into some of the content.
T.R. from Spokane Valley, Washington, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-30 at 12:35 PM Pacific Time

Good course. Very informative. Learned a lot.
S.G. from Boise, Idaho, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-30 at 9:27 AM Pacific Time

It was an enjoyable experience.
B.M. from San Tan Valley, Arizona, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-30 at 8:56 AM Pacific Time

I liked it a lot. A lot of information and very interesting.
M.F. from Abilene, Texas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-30 at 7:29 AM Pacific Time

I found it very informative!
N.P. from Rogers, Arkansas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-29 at 5:05 PM Pacific Time

Should've trusted my gut, I did have all the correct answers the first time through. Better safe than sorry and going through everything twice really locks information into the brain. Really enjoyed the lesson. Thank you.
R.S. from Loysville, Pennsylvania, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-29 at 4:01 PM Pacific Time

It was very enlightening.
M.G. from Mount Vernon, New York, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-29 at 10:18 AM Pacific Time

It was lovely! I enjoyed the video and the document is a great resource!
A.M. from Sacramento, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-28 at 3:39 PM Pacific Time

This was a great, very informative video. I did NOT know that breast cancer dates back that long. I had to look it up and see that it was even further back than that. I took notes to research a few other topics; I really enjoyed it. Thank you.
L.V. from Harker Heights, Texas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-28 at 5:14 AM Pacific Time

Thank you. I liked it. Very informative.
C.S. from Lebanon, Missouri, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-27 at 9:37 PM Pacific Time

Pretty informative and engaging.
V.L. from Oakland, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-27 at 7:53 PM Pacific Time

Very informative and helpful.
M.B. from Takoma Park, Maryland, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-27 at 2:48 PM Pacific Time

The lesson gave me a new insight to household names like Sigmund Freud, Alexander the great, and Benjamin Franklin, on how they influenced the world of hypnosis or were influenced by it themselves. But also show how an idea from one individual could spawn the expansion of consciousness on a global scale.
B.M. from Noblesville, Indiana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-27 at 12:47 PM Pacific Time

I love it, it was very informative!
M.B. from Union, South Carolina, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-27 at 9:58 AM Pacific Time

Fun video. I really like it explaining the history of this.
K.S. from Dana Point, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-27 at 9:20 AM Pacific Time

It is disappointing that I never learned about this when I was younger. This history of it is beyond fascinating! I especially enjoyed the rivalry of the two French schools. Charcot's school and the Nancy school had such opposing stances on the matter. Then a German student came to study each side. The student was Sigmund Freud, and his findings pivoted his academic focus from neurology to psychology! I did not realize what a significant amount of medical research has been done on hypnosis. It makes sense, though. When it comes to our relationship between the mind and body, you could perform tests for decades and consistently unravel new findings. It seems like the more I know, the less I know. How did I like this lesson? I loved it. I appreciate the recommendation of using the workbook while taking the quiz. The lesson itself was captivating. It seriously left me wanting to know more.
A.O. from Hixson, Tennessee, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-27 at 9:17 AM Pacific Time

This video was absolutely fascinating! I had no idea Hypnotherapy went back so far. It was very interesting seeing how it changed forms in various ways throughout history! I think hypnosis is a powerful healing tool (as proven throughout history) and I cannot wait for this to become my life! This is why I am here. This is my purpose.
M.M. from Pittston, Pennsylvania, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-26 at 2:03 PM Pacific Time

I did like it. The video was quaint.
J.T. from Paducah, Kentucky, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-25 at 11:08 AM Pacific Time

Had to retake test but overall really enjoyed course. I am very motivated to learn more!
R.W. from Portage, Indiana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-25 at 3:20 AM Pacific Time

I found it very interesting and would want to learn more about hypnosis the lesson was very helpful and opened up a world of interest that i find amazing. Thank you for your time.
S.C. from Kelso, Washington, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-24 at 3:08 PM Pacific Time

Two thumbs up, very informative and entertaining.
A.S. from Orange, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-24 at 11:04 AM Pacific Time

This lesson was very interesting, however, I would also like to have some understanding of how a certified hypnotherapist is able to practice without a psychology degree.
R.D. from Kapolei, Hawaii, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-23 at 8:02 PM Pacific Time

I loved the lesson, how informative it was, the guided workbook and reading.
K.H. from Tyler, Texas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-23 at 7:34 PM Pacific Time

Interesting! I enjoyed the presentation. There are many layers to some of this history, and this was a brief overview.
L.D. from Portland, Oregon, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-23 at 6:50 PM Pacific Time

The information in this lesson was clearly offered and the main ideas were highlighted in ways that made accurate and quick recall of facts possible. The mini-quizlets throughout the lesson helped to reinforce important themes and ideas within the text. Thank you for the free resources!
C.H. from Paris, Texas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-23 at 11:28 AM Pacific Time

It was a great study lesson behind the history of hypnosis.
B.F. from Phoenix, Arizona, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-23 at 10:39 AM Pacific Time

It was very informative and I did not know a lot of what was covered before.
S.R. from Bonney Lake, Washington, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-23 at 8:29 AM Pacific Time

I enjoyed it very much. I did not realize hypnotism had been around for that long. It was very interesting and I would love to learn more.
S.L. from Collinsville, Illinois, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-23 at 1:47 AM Pacific Time

I really enjoyed this video, I couldn’t wait to dive into the history!
B.W. from Little Rock, Arkansas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 9:26 PM Pacific Time

I really enjoyed this lesson a lot.
A.G. from Atlanta, Georgia, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 8:42 PM Pacific Time

Interesting how hypnosis evolved over time.
P.L. from Apple Valley, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 6:26 PM Pacific Time

I like the different modalities of delivering the materials and their content.
J.S. from Clemmons, North Carolina, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 5:27 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed learning about hypnosis very much.
J.L. from Lenoir City, Tennessee, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 4:49 PM Pacific Time

Very insightful introduction to the history of hypnosis. I learned so much and I love Coue!
Z.B. from Miami Beach, Florida, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 1:36 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed learning about the study of Hypnosis, and how it can help many situations throughout the world of our problems and situations that we have faced or is facing now. I am fascinated with knowing that I can learn a rewarding foundation for helping people with pain, smoking, sleeping disorders and more.
G.A. from Pasadena, Texas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 12:53 PM Pacific Time

Interesting session and history.
H.B. from Garfield Heights, Ohio, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 7:23 AM Pacific Time

Very informative and interesting.
S.C. from Mt Juliet, Tennessee, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-22 at 7:19 AM Pacific Time

Interesting, but I'm not sure why I would need to know the names/practices of past practitioners.
H.G. from Stuart, Florida, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-21 at 8:41 PM Pacific Time

It was very informative and I learned a lot that I never knew about hypnosis.
V.A. from Cincinnati, Ohio, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-21 at 5:55 PM Pacific Time

Very insightful. You learn a lot about the origins of hypnosis.
M.B. from Starkville, Mississippi, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-21 at 2:17 PM Pacific Time

The lesson was interesting and informative.
E.S. from Wilton, Connecticut, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-21 at 11:36 AM Pacific Time

Very informative and interesting.
M.W. from Santa Clara, Utah, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-21 at 11:23 AM Pacific Time

This lesson was very informative. It's fascinating to see the progression from where hypnosis started to where it is today.
H.J. from Madison, Alabama, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-20 at 11:09 PM Pacific Time

I love to learn new intriguing things.
C.S. from Arkansas City, Kansas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-20 at 8:28 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed the video, especially the ancient history.
S.L. from Studio City, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-20 at 6:43 PM Pacific Time

Somewhat a lot of information squeezed in the video but definitely fascinating.
J.A. from Studio City, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-20 at 1:55 PM Pacific Time

Fascinating. Really enjoyed it.
M.R. from Jelm, Wyoming, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-20 at 8:19 AM Pacific Time

I enjoyed this lesson. It gave me a lot of interesting information.
M.P. from Conway, Arkansas, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-07-19 at 9:20 PM Pacific Time

Loved the video. It was very interesting and educational in the best way.
D.K. from Marina del Rey, California, US