The Hypno Bunch Men and their influence on Hypnotherapy
- Carla Pahl
- Jun 10
- 3 min read
Updated: 4 days ago
The Mind Masters of the eighteenth and nineteenth century Freud, Adler, Coué, Mesmer and Jung continue to influence hypnosis, psychology and mental health modalities today.
In the race to understand human psychology and for those of us trained in clinical hypnotherapy, a group of pioneering figures stands out for their groundbreaking contributions. I like to call them the "Hypno Bunch," a collection of brilliant minds whose theories and practices have shaped the way we understand the human psyche today.
The reason I have decided to write these eight upcoming blog pieces is in many ways due to my natural curiosity. I have practiced clinical hypnotherapy for over a decade and as a midwife and paediatric nurse I have always been fascinated with how people think , the stories they tell themselves and others, and the various modalities available as East has met West and revolutionised the mindfulness movement.
So here are my five pin up boys from the past who appear to have been very curious in nature. As I researched a little more I was side tracked with my curiosity as to why all these men had similar beards and discovered that during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, facial hair was quite fashionable among men, particularly in academic and intellectual circles. Beards and moustaches were often seen as a sign of wisdom and maturity, which might explain the similar styles among these historical figures. It was indeed a natural trend of the era!

The Quirky Mind Masters
Sigmund Freud
Freud was known as the father of psychoanalysis, he delved into the depths of the unconscious mind, exploring dream analysis and the influence of childhood experiences. His work laid the foundation for understanding complex mental processes.
Alfred Adler
Breaking away from Freud, Adler introduced the concept of Individual Psychology, focusing on social interest and the drive for personal empowerment. His holistic approach emphasised the importance of community and personal growth.
Émile Coué
A master of positive thinking with great influence over modern day Hypnotherapy modalities, Coué revolutionised the idea of auto-suggestion, using affirmations to harness the power of the subconscious mind. His methods continue to inspire those seeking self-improvement and mental well-being.
Franz Mesmer
Is often regarded as the father of hypnosis, Mesmer's theories of animal magnetism paved the way for modern hypnotherapy. His exploration of altered states of consciousness opened new avenues for healing and transformation. And, if you were not already aware we derive the word Mesmerism from his work.
Carl Jung
Jung's exploration of the collective unconscious and archetypes added depth to the understanding of human behaviour. His focus on integrating the conscious and unconscious mind continues to influence therapeutic practices today.
Together, these pioneers form the "Hypno Bunch," each contributing unique insights have enriched the fields of psychology and hypnotherapy. Their legacy lives on, providing valuable tools and perspectives for those seeking to understand and enhance the human experience.

Relevance on Hypnotherapy and modern day Hypnosis
The work of these trailblazers laid the groundwork for hypnotherapy as we know it today. Integrating these historical insights to offer personalised sessions. through their writings and teachings hypnotists of our generation can be inspired by them. Given the time of their lives, I wonder if they were considered odd balls in their day. In fact, as a hypnotherapist I believe we still are sometimes considered odd in our approach using hypnosis to t foster mental clarity, personal growth, and transformation in our clients.
Hypnotherapy can help you unlock your potential and achieve your goals and it may not be as modern and new age as it quite wrongly gets labelled..
This Blog post is the first in a series of eight as I explore the fun and interesting work of these five pioneers. They have revolutionised modern day psychology and mental health modalities and I am sure were considered quirky, out there and outright odd as they thought provoked peers and society.
If you would like to know more about my practice and how I can support with my fully online International hypnosis session you can find out more at www.clinicalhypnosiscarlapahl.com
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