Dr. David Spiegel et al.
"Hypnosis: The Most Effective Treatment You Have Yet to Prescribe"
American Journal of Medicine
Evidence-Based · Neuroscience-Informed
The Science Behind Hypnotherapy
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention studied for decades in neuroscience and clinical research. It has been explored as a supportive tool for relaxation, stress-related activation, sleep, focused attention, and habit change.
Hypnosis Isn't Sleep. It's Focused Attention.
People remain aware and in control during hypnosis. Brain imaging studies (e.g. Faerman et al., 2024) have observed shifts in networks involved in focused attention and self-referential thinking during hypnosis.
What Happens in the Brain?
Attention Networks
Focused awareness may become steadier and more sustained.
Default Mode Network
Self-critical thoughts and rumination often feel quieter for some people.
Suggestibility
During hypnosis the mind is often more receptive to calming suggestions offered by the practitioner or recording.
Neuroplasticity
The Brain Can Change
Repeated experiences create new neural pathways. The brain is constantly adapting based on what we practice, think, and feel.
Hypnosis may help the mind and body practice steadier patterns of thought, emotion, and response — supporting a sense of calm and resilience through repeated practice. Results can vary by person, method, and context.
Research-Supported Benefits
Stress & Anxiety
Hypnosis has been studied as a supportive tool for stress and anxious activation (Valentine & Milling, 2019). It is not a treatment or cure for anxiety disorders.
Sleep & Insomnia
Studied as a supportive tool for calmer bedtime transitions and sleep quality; results vary by person and method.
Pain Management
A substantial research base explores hypnosis as a supportive approach in pain management (Jensen & Patterson, 2014). It is not a replacement for medical care.
Trauma-Informed Support
Used as a gentle adjunct alongside trauma-informed care to support grounding and present-moment safety. SomaCalm is trauma-informed, but it is not trauma therapy or a substitute for professional treatment.
Smoking Cessation
Studied as one of several supportive tools people explore when working to change smoking habits; findings vary and it is not a guaranteed method.
IBS & Gut-Brain Health
Gut-directed hypnotherapy has been studied as a supportive approach for IBS symptoms (Vlieger et al.). It is not a substitute for medical evaluation or care.
Selected Research
Selected Scientific Research
Valentine & Milling (2019)
"The Efficacy of Hypnosis as a Treatment for Anxiety: A Meta-Analysis"
International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis
Jensen & Patterson (2014)
"Hypnotic Approaches for Chronic Pain Management"
American Psychologist
Faerman et al. (2024)
"Stanford research on hypnosis and brain connectivity"
Nature Mental Health
Vlieger et al.
"Gut-Directed Hypnotherapy for IBS"
Gastroenterology
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hypnosis mind control?
No. People remain aware and in control throughout the process. You cannot be made to do, say, or believe anything against your values.
Can everyone be hypnotized?
Most people can experience hypnosis to varying degrees. Like any skill, responsiveness often deepens with practice.
Is hypnosis scientifically supported?
Yes. Clinical hypnosis has been studied for decades and appears in many peer-reviewed publications across stress, sleep, pain, and gastrointestinal health. Findings vary by condition, population, and method.
Is hypnosis safe?
Hypnosis is generally considered safe and non-invasive when used appropriately by trained practitioners or through well-designed therapeutic recordings. If you have a serious mental health condition, please consult a qualified professional before use.
"The mind is not separate from the body. Hypnosis teaches us how to use one to help the other."
— Dr. David Spiegel