What is hypnosis, and how does it help with stress, pain, and sleep?
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and heightened receptivity. In this state, the brain becomes more responsive to calming, regulating input, allowing the nervous system to shift out of fight-or-flight and into a state of safety and restoration.
For stress, hypnosis helps quiet overactive threat circuits and emotional reactivity.
For pain, it can reduce the brain’s amplification of discomfort and soften protective tension patterns.
For sleep, it guides the brain into the rhythms associated with deep relaxation and slow-wave sleep.
Rather than “forcing” change, hypnosis works by gently retraining the nervous system at the subconscious level.
Will I lose control during hypnosis?
No. You remain aware, in control, and able to stop at any time. Hypnosis is not unconsciousness or mind control. It is more like becoming deeply absorbed in a movie or daydream, while still able to hear and respond.
You cannot be made to do or believe anything that goes against your values or will.
What does hypnosis feel like?
Most people describe it as deeply relaxing, mentally focused, and physically soothing. Some feel heavy and calm, others light and floaty. You may notice slowed breathing, softened muscles, and a quieting of mental chatter.
There is no single “right” experience. Hypnosis works even if you feel alert or drift in and out of sleep.
Can hypnosis really help with chronic pain?
Yes. Research shows that pain is not only a physical signal but also a neurological and emotional experience processed by the brain. Hypnosis can reduce pain intensity, alter how the brain interprets signals, and calm the protective muscle and nervous system patterns that maintain chronic discomfort.
It does not replace medical care, but it can be a powerful complementary approach for conditions such as tension headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, back pain, jaw pain, and stress-related body pain.
Can hypnosis help if my sleep problems are caused by anxiety or a “racing mind”?
Absolutely. Many sleep difficulties are rooted in nervous system hyperarousal. Hypnosis helps quiet the mind, slow brainwave activity, and guide the body into parasympathetic dominance—the state required for falling and staying asleep.
Instead of trying to “make” yourself sleep, your system learns how to allow sleep to happen naturally.
Is hypnosis safe for people with trauma or sensitive nervous systems?
The SomaCalm Hypnosis Program is designed to be trauma-informed, gentle, and regulation-focused. Language is chosen carefully to promote safety, control, and choice.
If you have a history of trauma, it is important to move at your own pace and stop any session that feels overwhelming. Hypnosis should always feel supportive, never intrusive.
What if I don’t think I’m very “hypnotizable”?
Most people can benefit from hypnosis, even if they believe they are not easily hypnotized. Hypnotizability exists on a spectrum, and responsiveness often increases with practice.
Our quiz and personalized recommendations help match you with the style of session that best fits your nervous system and attention style.
How often should I listen to the audios?
For stress and sleep, daily or near-daily listening is ideal, especially at the beginning. For pain, consistency helps the brain learn new response patterns. Think of hypnosis like physical therapy for the nervous system—the effects build with repetition.
Can I fall asleep during a session?
Yes, especially during sleep-focused recordings. Your subconscious still absorbs the suggestions even if you drift off. Many people find this a sign their nervous system is finally allowing deep rest.Are these audios a substitute for therapy or medical care?
No. The content on this site is educational and supportive, not a replacement for professional medical or mental health treatment. Hypnosis can be a powerful complement to therapy, bodywork, and medical care, but it does not diagnose or treat disease.
Who created these hypnosis programs?
All programs are created by Dr. Melissa Stefanski, PhD, LMBT—a licensed mental health therapist, bodywork therapist, and clinical hypnotherapist specializing in nervous system regulation, stress physiology, pain, and sleep.
Her approach integrates neuroscience, somatic therapy, polyvagal-informed care, and modern Ericksonian hypnosis.
How do I know which hypnosis session is right for me?
You can start with the free Nervous System & Hypnotizability Quiz to receive personalized recommendations based on your stress patterns, sleep challenges, and nervous system profile.
Is hypnosis compatible with my spiritual or religious beliefs?
Hypnosis is a natural state of focused attention and does not involve belief systems, rituals, or ideology. It is simply a way of communicating with the subconscious mind and nervous system using relaxation and guided imagery.
What equipment do I need?
Just a quiet space and headphones (recommended for best immersion). You can listen lying down or seated comfortably. Do not listen while driving or operating machinery.
How soon will I notice results?
Some people experience immediate relief; others notice gradual improvement over days or weeks. The nervous system learns through repetition, safety, and consistency. Gentle change that lasts is the goal.
What if my mind wanders during a session?
That’s completely normal. The subconscious still receives the suggestions even if your attention drifts. Simply return to the voice when you notice, without effort or judgment.
Is hypnosis the same as meditation?
They are related but different. Meditation trains awareness and presence. Hypnosis uses focused attention to actively guide the nervous system and subconscious into new patterns. Many people who struggle with meditation find hypnosis easier and more effective.