William S. Kroger

William S. Kroger, an American physician born in 1906, was a trailblazer in the medical application of hypnosis. While initially trained as a gynecologist and obstetrician, his work extended across numerous medical disciplines, including psychiatry, endocrinology, and neurobiology. Kroger was instrumental in establishing professional organizations dedicated to psychosomatic medicine and medical hypnosis, co-founding the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis and the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis. His influential textbook, "Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis," became a cornerstone for the field, shaping its understanding and acceptance as a legitimate medical practice. He also authored other significant works, such as "Psychosomatic Gynecology, Including Problems of Obstetrical Care" and "Hypnosis and Behavior Modification: Imagery Conditioning."

Kroger's early fascination with hypnosis began in childhood after witnessing a demonstration. He pursued this interest through his education, studying psychoanalysis and earning his medical degree from Northwestern University. Throughout his career, he actively demonstrated and documented the use of hypnosis in medical procedures, including surgery and childbirth, often through educational films. His research and practical applications contributed significantly to advancing the understanding and integration of hypnosis within the medical community, despite initial resistance. He also lent his expertise to law enforcement, aiding in investigations through hypnotic techniques.

William S. Kroger dedicated much of his career to advancing the use of hypnosis within the medical field. Trained as a gynecologist and obstetrician, he recognized the potential applications of hypnosis across a wide spectrum of medical specialties. He was a key figure in the formation of professional bodies such as the Society for Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis and the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, aiming to foster research and clinical practice in this area. His seminal textbook, "Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis," published in multiple editions, is considered a foundational text that helped legitimize hypnosis as a therapeutic tool, moving it from a perceived novelty to a respected medical option. Kroger also produced educational films demonstrating hypnosis in surgical and obstetrical settings, further serving as an aid for medical education.

Beyond hypnosis, Kroger made significant contributions to psychosomatic medicine, exploring the intricate connections between the mind and body in health and illness. His work encompassed areas such as psychiatry, endocrinology, and neurobiology, reflecting a holistic approach to patient care. He co-founded the Institute for Comprehensive Medicine and the Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine, institutions dedicated to understanding and treating conditions where psychological factors play a significant role. His textbook "Psychosomatic Gynecology, Including Problems of Obstetrical Care," co-authored with S. Charles Freed, argued for the integration of hypnosis into gynecological and obstetrical practices, highlighting its merit in addressing complex patient issues. Kroger's research and writings consistently emphasized the profound impact of psychological states on physical well-being.

Kroger's expertise in hypnosis extended beyond clinical medicine into the realm of law enforcement. He collaborated with the FBI, authoring "Hypnosis in Medical Investigation" with agent Richard C. Douce, and was consulted on the use of hypnosis to elicit information in criminal investigations. A notable case involved his assistance in the Chowchilla kidnapping, where hypnosis enabled a witness to recall crucial details of a license plate, leading to the kidnappers' conviction. Kroger trained FBI agents in hypnotic techniques and assisted in numerous cases, also consulting for the Los Angeles Police Department and other agencies. His work demonstrated the utility of hypnosis in extracting reliable information for major crime investigations.

“I felt no pain. I could only feel pressure and what seemed like tugging at my throat.”