José Silva was an American parapsychologist and self-taught researcher best known for developing the Silva Method. He started a self-help and meditation program designed to harness the power of the subconscious mind. His work laid the foundation for modern techniques in mind control, alpha brainwave training, and intuitive development.
Born in Laredo, Texas, on 1914. Silva faced numerous hardships in life. He lost his father early in life. He stepped up to support his family and had limited formal education but he committed himself to self-study, especially in electronics and psychology. These two passions shaped his future work.

The Beginning of the Silva Method
José Silva worked as an electronics technician, where he developed a deep understanding of frequencies and systems. He applied this knowledge to the human brain, seeing it as a receiver that operated on various brainwave frequencies—beta, alpha, theta, and delta.
In the 1940s, José Silva began to study psychology, hypnosis, parapsychology, and the science of brainwaves. He believed that the human brain operates like a radio on different frequencies and could be “tuned” for better performance.
Silva spent over 20 years testing and refining and later he applied these ideas to help his children improve their learning. He taught them relaxation techniques, mental focus, and how to tap into the alpha brainwave state. He noticed that his children performed better in school and showed stronger intuition.
Public Recognition of José Silva
In 1966, he officially introduced his system as Silva Mind Control, which gained widespread popularity. He began teaching seminars across the United States and later expanded internationally. His first book, The Silva Mind Control Method, published in 1977, became a bestseller and introduced millions to his revolutionary ideas.
Silva’s teachings emphasized that everyone has the ability to develop their intuition, creative visualization, and inner guidance. He believed that by learning to tap into the subconscious mind, individuals could heal themselves, solve problems more effectively, and live more fulfilling lives.
Influence and Legacy of José Silva
José Silva’s work influenced generations of personal development coaches, healers, and spiritual seekers. The Silva Method remains active today, taught in over 100 countries and translated into more than 30 languages. His concepts of alpha level training, dynamic meditation, and mind empowerment continue to resonate with people seeking transformation and self-mastery.
José Silva passed away in 1999, but his legacy lives on. His daughter Laura Silva and certified instructors around the world continue to teach the Silva Method both online and in-person. The method remains one of the most practical and effective systems for unlocking the potential of the subconscious mind.