Why Did Hypnotherapy Fall Out of Popularity in the 1980s?
Hypnotherapy has experienced both widespread acceptance and deep skepticism throughout its history. While it has long been recognized as a valuable tool for mental and physical health, the 1980s marked a significant decline in its credibility. This shift was largely due to the misuse of hypnosis in memory retrieval, the hysteria of the Satanic Panic , and the rise of cognitive science . So, Why Did Hypnotherapy Fall Out of Popularity in the 1980s? Despite this setback, hypnotherapy has made a remarkable resurgence in recent years. A crucial part of its revival lies in the importance of modern training in evidence-based protocols , ensuring practitioners are well-equipped to use hypnosis responsibly and effectively. The Role of the Satanic Panic and False Memories The 1980s saw a moral hysteria known as the Satanic Panic , fueled by sensationalist media, religious fear-mongering, and highly publicized (but unfounded) cases of ritual abuse. Books like...