Budd Hopkins
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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 abductions which were supposedly suppressed. Hopkins has written several popular books about abduction claimants, notably Missing Time.
For about the first seven years of his investigating the abduction phenomenon, Hopkins himself conducted no hypnosis sessions. Rather, he secured the aid of licensed professionals. He notes that three of these 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 Hopkin's motives or sincerity, critics charge that Hopkins 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)
The 1992 film Intruders (film) was based on Hopkins research, and realistically portrayed abduction scenes.
[edit] 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 0-7006-1032-4)
- Philip Klass: UFO Abductions: A Dangerous Game
