Silva was the subject of a 1990 biography. He used it on his family members and friends before launching it commercially in the 1960s. In 1944 Silva began developing his method, formerly known as Silva Mind Control. After experimenting and being convinced of his daughter's sudden clairvoyance, Silva decided to learn more about the development of psychic abilities.
He developed an interest in psychology to see if it could help him increase his children's IQ. José Silvadoros, an electronics repairman, grew up in Laredo, Texas.
It has been variously classified as a self-religion, a new religious movement and a cult. It claims to increase an individual's abilities through relaxation, development of higher brain functions, and psychic abilities such as clairvoyance.
The Silva Method is a self-help and meditation program developed by José Silva.