<P> Although Dave Elman (1900--1967) was a noted radio host, comedian, and songwriter, he also made a name as a hypnotist . He led many courses for physicians, and in 1964 wrote the book Findings in Hypnosis, later to be retitled Hypnotherapy (published by Westwood Publishing). Perhaps the most well - known aspect of Elman's legacy is his method of induction, which was originally fashioned for speed work and later adapted for the use of medical professionals; his students routinely obtained states of hypnosis adequate for medical and surgical procedures in under three minutes . His book and recordings provide much more than just his rapid induction techniques, however . The first heart operation using hypnosis rather than normal anesthesia (because of severe problems with the patient) was performed by his students with Dave Elman in the operating room as "coach". </P> <P> Milton Erickson (1901--1980) was one of the most influential post-war hypnotherapists . He wrote several books and journal articles on the subject . During the 1960s, Erickson popularized a new branch of hypnotherapy, known as Ericksonian therapy, characterised primarily by indirect suggestion, "metaphor" (actually analogies), confusion techniques, and double binds in place of formal hypnotic inductions . However, the difference between Erickson's methods and traditional hypnotism led contemporaries such as André Weitzenhoffer to question whether he was practising "hypnosis" at all, and his approach remains in question . </P> <P> Erickson had no hesitation in presenting any suggested effect as being "hypnosis", whether or not the subject was in a hypnotic state . In fact, he was not hesitant in passing off behaviour that was dubiously hypnotic as being hypnotic . </P> <P> In the latter half of the 20th century, two factors contributed to the development of the cognitive - behavioural approach to hypnosis: </P>

Research on hypnosis has generally supported the conclusion that