Budd Hopkins
From The Black Vault Encyclopedia Project
Budd Hopkins is a central figure in Abduction Phenomenon and related UFO research.
Hopkins is a painter and sculptor by profession; his works have been featured in some prestigious galleries and museums.
In the 1970s, Hopkins became interested in tales of alleged alien abduction, and he eventually began using hypnosis to uncover memories of abuductions which were supposedly suppressed. Hopkins has written several popular books about abduction claimants, notably Missing Time.
For about the first seven years of his investigation of the abduction phenomenon, Hopkins performed no hypnosis himself. Rather, he secured the aid of licensed professionals. He notes that three of the therapists who conducted hypnosis sessions (Drs. Robert Naiman, Aphrodite Clamar and Girard Franklin) were quite skeptical of the reality of abduction claims, yet all uncovered detailed abduction scenarios from their patients. (Hopkins, 218)
Controversy has been a persistent feature of Hopkins' career in alien abduction and UFO studies. While few seem to doubt Hopkins' motives or sincerity, critics charge that he is out of his element when he uses hypnosis, thereby aiding his subjects in confabulation: the blending of fact and fantasy. However, Hopkins insists such criticism is specious. He writes, "... I have often frequently invited interested therapists, journalists and academics to observe hypnosis sessions. Theoretical psychologist Nicholas Humphrey, who has held teaching positions at both Oxford and Cambridge Universities, and psychiatrist Donald. F. Klein, director of research at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and professor of psychiatry at the College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University, are but two of those who have observed my work firsthand. None of these visitors ... have reported anything that suggested I was attempting to lead the subjects." (Hopkins, 238-239)
Budd Hopkins has authored four books on the subject of UFOs. They are: Missing Time, 1981; Intruders, 1987; Witnessed, 1996; and Sight Unseen: Science, UFO Invisibility, and Transgenic Beings (with Carol Rainey), 2003.
Sources
- Budd Hopkins; "Hypnosis and the Investigation of UFO Abduction Accounts"; pages 215-240 in UFOs and Abductions: Challenging the Borders of Knowledge, David M. Jacobs, editor; University Press of Kansas, 2000; ISBN 0700610324)
External links
- IntrudersFoudation: Hopkins' Official Site
- A PBS Interview with Hopkins
- B. Hopkins biography at Ufopsi
Copyright
"Original data received from Wikipedia on April 01, 2006. Credit given to original authors can be seen Here."
