The Hoffman Method: Controversial Therapy Retreats Attract Wealthy Clients

The Hoffman Method is an intensive eight-day personal development program that has gained popularity among wealthy clients, including celebrities like Oprah Winfrey and Katy Perry. According to El País, Winfrey described it as equivalent to ten years of therapy in just one week, while Perry claimed it saved her life during a severe depression.

The method, founded in 1967 by Bob Hoffman, emphasizes identifying negative behaviors and emotional patterns formed in childhood. Participants undergo an immersive experience that includes sharing intimate details with strangers, and engaging in practices such as hitting pillows and tearing phone books.

The Hoffman Institute states that 95% of participants report changes in personal relationships after the retreat. Its co-director in Spain, Luis Fernando Camara, admits there is no guarantee of healing and emphasizes the intense nature of the experience, which some find beneficial while others may struggle.

Critics, including a 2006 report in Stern magazine, have raised concerns about the risk of retraumatization and severe emotional reactions, with some past participants requiring psychiatric hospitalization.

The method is available in 15 countries, with more than 150,000 participants, although its presence in Spain is modest with around 2,000 attendees. Prices for the retreats can reach up to $8,000 in the United States, making it an exclusive option for those who can afford it.

Horacio Silva, in a 2005 article for The New York Times Magazine, described the process as a whim of the fashion industry, highlighting its appeal among the privileged. The program has drawn both admiration and skepticism, raising ethical questions about the efficacy of such an intense approach to mental health, particularly for those seeking quick fixes to deep-seated emotional issues.