George Stimpson

Couéism is defined by Webster's New International Dictionary as, "A system of psychotherapy, introduced by Emile Coué (1857-1926), based upon autosuggestion of health and general well-being and improvement." Dr. Coué, a Frenchman, taught his patients or disciples to repeat the healing formula. "Every day, and in every way, I am getting better and better" (Tous les jours, à tous points de vue, je vais de mieux en mieux). He first announced this formula in France about 1910, but it did not become well known in America until its author visited the United States after the First World War. Coué's treatment was based on the principle that a patient who feels that he will get well has a better chance to recover than one who has given up hope.