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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
2026-06-12 at 5:36 AM Pacific Time

This was a decent introduction to the history of Hypnotherapy.
T.B. from Eustis, Florida, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-11 at 6:37 PM Pacific Time

The video was very interesting and informative.
H.C. from Hoover, Alabama, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-11 at 2:59 PM Pacific Time

I found the video to be extremely detailed and interesting, it is amazing that the practice of hypnosis has been being used since early Egyptian times. To me, especially after hearing about the famous and brilliant doctors who have studied and added to the field of hypnotherapy, the possibilities of its application are possibly endless.
A.B. from North Las Vegas, Nevada, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-10 at 11:40 PM Pacific Time

Very interesting. Wish it would have went into more modern day ideas such as MK, Ultra, and other uses by CIA.
A.N. from Marion, Indiana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-10 at 10:34 PM Pacific Time

Good information and it was interesting to learn.
K.L. from Milwaukie, Oregon, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-10 at 1:53 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed it, very interesting to learn about the history of hypnosis!
S.B. from Maple Valley, Washington, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-10 at 12:48 PM Pacific Time

I thoroughly enjoyed this lesson. The content was highly informative, and the presentation was exceptionally well-executed and engaging.
T.T. from Butte, Montana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-10 at 9:36 AM Pacific Time

I thought the lesson was fascinating and enjoyed hearing names I was familiar with and seeing connections I had not seen before.
D.M. from Martinsburg, West Virginia, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-09 at 9:24 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed learning about the history of hypnosis. Although I couldn’t open my workbook to double check my answers and it usually takes me 2 times the reading to remember, I enjoyed the lesson. I look forward to being able to learn and retain the answers through the online courses!
C.B. from Lawton, Oklahoma, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-08 at 7:07 PM Pacific Time

It was interesting. I learned a lot.
M.D. from Los Angeles, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-08 at 2:05 PM Pacific Time

I found it extremely informative and it flowed nicely.
P.R. from Vancouver, Washington, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-08 at 1:51 PM Pacific Time

This lesson was very enlightening! I’m excited to start class.
A.B. from Bronxville, New York, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-07 at 4:59 PM Pacific Time

I liked it. I watched the video three times and think I can keep learning more each time I watch it. It was very interesting and definitely information I did not know before.
T.P. from Hillsboro, Oregon, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-07 at 12:23 PM Pacific Time

I found this lesson to be widely informative and useful in increasing my understanding of hypnotherapy, as well as, how it can be applied in practice for me in my own personal and professional capacity.
K.D. from Las Vegas, Nevada, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-07 at 10:49 AM Pacific Time

It was very informative and interesting.
C.C. from Oak Grove, Louisiana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-06 at 4:12 PM Pacific Time

I loved all of the information presented, as it offers a great foundation for deeper understanding of the history of hypnosis.
M.D. from Prescott, Arizona, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-06 at 3:31 PM Pacific Time

It was educational and interesting.
K.P. from Slidell, Louisiana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-06 at 11:03 AM Pacific Time

Boring but made it through it.
L.R. from Omaha, Nebraska, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-06 at 10:17 AM Pacific Time

I thoroughly enjoyed this lesson. Very informative. Thank you!
J.F. from Lancaster, Pennsylvania, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-05 at 8:09 PM Pacific Time

This session was pretty interesting to me because the literature explained more what the hypnosis was used for and why they gave the hypnosis the name that they did.
S.A. from Phoenix, Arizona, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-05 at 1:16 PM Pacific Time

Fascinating. I can't wait to learn more.
J.M. from Perth Amboy, New Jersey, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-05 at 12:22 PM Pacific Time

I liked it. It was very informative.
B.B. from Hammond, Indiana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-05 at 11:27 AM Pacific Time

Very informative. I am inspired and can't wait to begin.
L.M. from Valdosta, Georgia, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-05 at 7:12 AM Pacific Time

This lesson was insightful, helping to gain a better understanding of the origins of hypnosis.
A.M. from Savannah, Georgia, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-04 at 6:28 PM Pacific Time

Very informational class.
J.G. from Banning, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-04 at 3:21 PM Pacific Time

It was very clear and concise on the evolution of hypnosis throughout the time.
J.C. from Lauderdale Lakes, Florida, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-04 at 11:31 AM Pacific Time

I enjoyed this lesson very much and found it very informative.
A.M. from Hope Mills, North Carolina, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-03 at 11:31 PM Pacific Time

The lesson was very informative and the questions throughout were great to help remember the information.
A.H. from Willow Springs, Illinois, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-03 at 9:34 PM Pacific Time

I really liked this lesson. It was full of very interesting history. I enjoyed it very much.
N.G. from Mountain Rest, South Carolina, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-03 at 7:31 PM Pacific Time

Love it! Great video! Thank you.
C.B. from Ocala, Florida, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-03 at 5:03 PM Pacific Time

It's nice to know the history.
P.S. from Oakley, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-03 at 10:48 AM Pacific Time

Absolutely love history and past time. Finding out hypnosis goes so far back into time was very interesting.
A.T. from Manchester, New Hampshire, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-02 at 10:32 PM Pacific Time

I am content with the lesson. I did not struggle to stay on task and was able to keep my interest, which is the key to my way of learning.
K.G. from Warren, Ohio, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-02 at 10:18 PM Pacific Time

I find it to be very intriguing and the fact that it could be used to heal that’s great!
N.P. from Carrizozo, New Mexico, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-01 at 5:47 PM Pacific Time

A lot of the information that was shared in this lesson I was not aware of. I think I got little smarter.
A.N. from Northridge, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-01 at 10:48 AM Pacific Time

It was a good start, I am ready to learn more.
W.V. from Greenwood, Indiana, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-01 at 7:48 AM Pacific Time

It was interesting and it motivated me to want to learn more.
T.S. from Neenah, Wisconsin, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-06-01 at 6:34 AM Pacific Time

I found it very intriguing.
T.K. from Modesto, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-31 at 1:14 PM Pacific Time

I have to get these questions right.
J.M. from Fresno, California, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-30 at 2:36 PM Pacific Time

Wow, that was actually very interesting, and has given me more inspiration to study Hypnosis more than my 2 years of study! Thank you!
M.C. from Hamburg, New Jersey, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-29 at 6:08 PM Pacific Time

I thought it was very interesting. The parts featuring BIPOC individual felt like a bit of an afterthought. I think there could be a better balance between that and the Europeans featured.
F.L. from Pocatello, Idaho, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-29 at 2:50 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed learning about the history of hypnosis. It is very interesting to see the different approaches through the years and how the techniques and understanding have changed.
Z.B. from Lake Wylie, South Carolina, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-29 at 1:17 PM Pacific Time

Very interesting. Easy to understand.
B.V. from Kissimmee, Florida, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-29 at 7:30 AM Pacific Time

I'm interested in learning more.
S.M. from Glen Burnie, Maryland, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-29 at 6:40 AM Pacific Time

Thank you so much! It was a really fascinating lesson. The workbook does an incredible job of tracing the history of hypnosis—from ancient practices like Temple Sleep and the Oracle at Delphi, through Mesmer’s fluid theories and Abbé Faria's early psychological insights. It was also great to review the debates between the Nancy School and Charcot, and see how that rivalry paved the way for modern pioneers like Coué, Elman, and Erickson. Going through the quizzes together was a wonderful experience. The material beautifully demonstrates how hypnosis evolved from ancient ritual into a validated branch of behavioral science.
K.Y. from Minatoku, Tokyo, JP


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-29 at 1:44 AM Pacific Time

It was pretty easy, very clear and direct!
N.G. from Ripley, Mississippi, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-28 at 5:44 PM Pacific Time

I liked it, very interesting.
R.S. from Cordell, Oklahoma, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-28 at 10:49 AM Pacific Time

I very much enjoyed learning the history of hypnosis and find it quite fascinating!
S.R. from Nampa, Idaho, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-27 at 6:11 PM Pacific Time

I enjoyed this lesson. It was fairly short yet packed with tons of useful information which some of it caught me by surprise.
B.S. from Phoenix, Arizona, US


Hypnosis in History
2026-05-27 at 2:45 PM Pacific Time

Very interesting and informative.
J.G. from Bodfish, California, US