Where did hypnotherapy originate?

Hypnotherapy is a form of therapy that uses hypnosis to help individuals make positive changes in their thoughts, feelings and behaviours. The origins of hypnotherapy can be traced back to ancient civilisations where hypnotic-like practices were used in healing rituals.

However, the modern practice of hypnotherapy as we know it today is considered to have originated in the late 18th century with a man called Franz Mesmer. Mesmer, an Austrian physician, developed a theory of "animal magnetism," which he believed was a natural force that could be harnessed to heal the body. He used hypnosis-like techniques to put his patients into a trance-like state in order to treat a wide range of ailments. 

In the 19th century, James Braid, a Scottish surgeon, observed Mesmer's techniques and developed a method of inducing hypnosis that he called "neuro-hypnotism." Braid's method focused on inducing hypnosis through fixation of the gaze, which he believed would lead to a hypnotic state. He also used hypnosis to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, insomnia and pain.

In the 20th century, hypnotherapy became more widely accepted as a therapeutic tool, and various forms of hypnotherapy have since been developed. Today, hypnotherapy is used to treat a wide range of conditions, including anxiety, phobias, pain and weight loss.

It's important to note that hypnotherapy is not widely accepted as a mainstream treatment and not all therapists are trained in this method.