The International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association® (IMDHA) was founded in 1986 by Anne H. Spencer, a visionary pioneer in the field of hypnosis. Spencer's journey began in the early 1980s when she discovered the Silva Mind methods and recognized the potential for helping others. With her background in education and a deep passion for remedial work, she began offering stress management and relaxation training to her family and friends.
Spencer's dedication to the field led her to become a certified hypnotherapist and a sought-after speaker at hypnosis conventions across the United States. In 1982 she started a two-year process to become a state licensed, post secondary hypnosis training school in Michigan. In 1985, while facing a family crisis, she realized the profound potential of hypnosis in healthcare settings. Inspired by her father's successful use of hypnosis during surgery, Spencer envisioned a world where hypnotherapists were recognized as valuable members of the healthcare team.
With this vision in mind, Spencer founded the IMDHA, aiming to establish a professional organization that would bridge the gap between traditional medicine and the transformative power of hypnosis. The IMDHA quickly gained recognition for its rigorous training programs, certification standards, and commitment to promoting the benefits of hypnosis in healthcare.
Under Spencer's leadership, the IMDHA expanded its reach, attracting a growing number of licensed healthcare practitioners who were eager to incorporate hypnosis into their practices. The association also established relationships with leading medical and dental affiliates, raising awareness of the potential benefits of hypnosis in various healthcare settings.
In 2007, after twenty years of dedicated leadership, Anne H. Spencer passed the torch to the dynamic team of Robert and Linda Otto. With their extensive experience in hypnosis and a shared passion for the field, the Otto’s were well-equipped to take the IMDHA into the next decade.
Under the Ottos' guidance, the IMDHA continued to flourish, expanding its educational offerings, strengthening its global network, and promoting the benefits of hypnosis through various initiatives. The organization's commitment to excellence and innovation has ensured its continued success and relevance in the field of hypnosis.
This transition marked a new chapter in the history of the IMDHA; filled with anticipation and confidence in the Otto's’ passion and dedication to the field. Robert, a charismatic speaker with two decades of hypnosis experience, was poised to lead the association to new heights. Linda, an astute organizer and visionary with formal hypnosis training, was appointed executive director. Together, their complementary skills and shared passion for the field provided a solid foundation for the IMDHA's continued growth and expansion.
The International Medical and Dental Hypnotherapy Association® has a rich history, rooted in the vision and dedication of its founder, Anne H. Spencer. Over the past four decades, the IMDHA has played a crucial role in advancing the practice of hypnosis in healthcare, empowering professionals, and improving client/patient outcomes.
Today, under the direction of Robert & Linda Otto, the IMDHA remains a leading organization in the field, committed to its mission of promoting the integration of hypnosis into mainstream healthcare. Through its ongoing efforts, the IMDHA continues to shape the future of hypnosis and its potential to enhance the lives of individuals around the world.
