What is the history of hypnotherapy?

The origin of hypnotherapy can be dated back to the 1700s to a physician named Franz Anton Mesmer. Mesmer used magnets as part of his hypnosis technique to treat people. The term "mesmerize" evolved from his name. However, the hypnotic technique that he espoused was rejected. It was not until 1958 that hypnosis was recognized as a valid treatment technique by the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association. The most significant difference between Mesmer's technique and today's practices is that modern day hypnosis does not stand alone as a treatment; rather it is one part of a conventional course of treatment.