Does Hypnotism Work for Recovering Lost Memories?

A recovered memory is a memory that is believed to have been lost, but is recalled, usually during the course of psychotherapy treatment. Some therapists have used hypnosis to help clients recover lost or forgotten memories.

History

• The use of hypnosis to tap into the subconscious, or secret areas of the mind, dates back to the work of Sigmund Freud, the founder of psychoanalysis. Freud used hypnosis on his patients, although eventually stopped in favor of other techniques such as free association and dream analysis.

Features

• Although clients may recall lost memories while in therapy, there is substantial evidence that the use of hypnosis leads to false memories. These are memories that the client believes has happened but never did.

Significance

• The recovery of lost memories through hypnosis is one of the most controversial topics in psychology. The major controversy has surrounded therapists helping clients to recover memories of childhood sexual abuse, when these memories never happened.