José Silvadoros (later shortened to José Silva), was an electronics repairman who developed an interest in psychology to see if it could help him increase his children's IQ. After experimenting and being convinced of his daughter's sudden clairvoyance, Silva decided to learn more about the development of psychic abilities. In 1944 Silva began developing his method, formerly known as Silva Mind Control. He used it on his family members and friends before launching it commercially in the 1960s. The Silva Method continues to be taught in seminars and events by accredited instructors, and in home-study courses.