Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Who is Annette Sloly, and what does she offer?
A: Annette Sloly is a Registered Senior Solution-Focused Hypnotherapist and Performance Anxiety Coach (BA Hons, DSFH, HPD, CNHC, MNCH Reg), based in Bristol and London, with online sessions across the UK and Europe. She has over 14 years of experience supporting adults with social anxiety, performance anxiety, stage fright, fear of public speaking, fear of blushing, general stress, low confidence, and preparation for medical procedures or recovery from injury. Annette has helped clients build confidence to speak and perform at literary festivals, music concerts, presentations, and conferences.

Her approach combines evidence-based therapeutic techniques, including solution-focused hypnotherapy, CBT skills, mindfulness, nervous system regulation, and performance coaching, with empathy, compassion, kindness, intuition, creativity, and personal experience. She helps clients manage fear, build confidence, and develop resilience in social, work, and performance contexts.

Annette works with adults from diverse backgrounds, including professionals in law and healthcare, creatives, performers, and neurodivergent individuals, tailoring her approach to each client’s unique needs and goals.

Q: What qualifications do you hold, and what do they mean?
HPD – Hypnotherapy in Practice Diploma: A nationally recognised qualification aligned with UK hypnotherapy standards
DSFH – Diploma in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy: Trains practitioners in neuroscience-informed, goal-focused therapy
DHP – Diploma in Hypnotherapy and Psychotherapy: A broad qualification combining subconscious and conscious techniques
BA (Hons.) – Bachelor of Arts: Reflects strong communication and analytical skills

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

Clinical Hypnotherapy Practitioner Diploma (HPD) (CPHT)
Diploma in Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (DSFH)
Diploma in Hypnotherapy & Psychotherapy (DHP)
National Council of Psychotherapists Member (MNCP, Accredited)
National Council of Hypnotherapy Member (NHS Accredited Register)
Association for Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy Member
DBS Certified
Registered with the Professional Standards Authority (PSA) for Health and Social Care
Registered with the Royal Society for Public Health (RSPH)

Supporting Ethical Practice

To ensure I provide responsible, ethical, and effective support, I:

Engage in supervision – I work with my brilliant, accredited supervisor, Dorothea Read, an experienced Clinical Hypnotherapist and former NHS nurse. I work with Dorothea to reflect on my practice, explore complex cases, and ensure my work remains safe, ethical, and focused on each client’s needs. I approach supervision as an opportunity to consider how I can adapt or refine my approach to better support clients.
Commit to ongoing learning – I update my skills through CPD courses, workshops, and training to stay informed about the latest evidence-based approaches in hypnotherapy, therapy, mental health and coaching. Over the past 14 years, I’ve continued to invest in my professional development with CPD courses covering CBT, ADHD, counselling, and more. For a detailed list of nearly all the CPD courses I have taken over the last 14 years, please see my LinkedIn profile.
Prioritising self-care and reflective practice: With around 20 years of experience caring for my own well-being and reflecting on my work, I aim to stay present, balanced, and fully attentive to each client’s needs. As a late-diagnosed neurodivergent (ADD) practitioner, I’ve developed a strong awareness of my own patterns, strengths, and limitations. This self-understanding means I listen with deliberate, focused attention, stay organised and intentional in my practice, and remain highly attuned to subtle emotional cues. It also deepens my empathy for clients who may be navigating overwhelm, anxious thinking, or the process of better understanding themselves. This combination of self-awareness and lived experience supports a grounded, compassionate, and finely tuned approach to therapeutic work.

Q: How do you handle confidentiality?
A: Everything you share with me is treated in the strictest confidence. I do not disclose personal information to anyone outside our sessions, unless required by law (e.g., for safeguarding concerns). I also choose not to discuss client cases publicly for marketing purposes, even with permission, because I believe your privacy and trust should be protected at all times. My professional ethics place confidentiality at the heart of everything I do.

These practices, alongside my qualifications and professional registrations, form the foundation of my ethical and client-centred approach to hypnotherapy and coaching.

About Hypnotherapy & Therapeutic Approaches

Q: What is Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH)?
A: Solution-focused hypnotherapy is a modern, practical approach that works on the mind and body. It is a combination of talking therapy and hypnosis. It combines:

Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT)
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills
Mindfulness and positive psychology
Nervous system regulation
Clinical hypnosis (used only where appropriate)
Creative visualisation and mental rehearsal

SFH focuses on your goals and strengths, rather than revisiting past trauma. I draw upon SFH in my work. Clients often find this uplifting and empowering, especially when dealing with anxiety and low confidence. This doesn’t mean I’m not trauma-informed – I take care to understand and have learnt how past experiences may shape the present, while ensuring the focus of therapy remains safe and supportive.

Q: What is Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy for Anxiety in the UK?
A: Solution-focused hypnotherapy combines neuroscience, positive psychology, and relaxation techniques to help clients reduce anxiety without needing to revisit past trauma. It is a combination of talking therapy and hypnosis. Sessions are offered across the UK, both online and in person, in Bristol and London.

Q: What is Clinical Hypnotherapy?
A: It might sound a little scary, but it’s not. Clinical hypnotherapy is a therapeutic approach that utilises guided relaxation and focused attention to facilitate beneficial changes at a subconscious level. It is not stage hypnosis; you remain in control and aware throughout. It’s used not only in private practice, but also in some hospitals and clinical settings to support:

Pain management
Preparation for surgery
IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
Recovery from injury or illness
Anxiety and phobia reduction

In my work, I integrate clinical hypnotherapy with evidence-based methods, including Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills, and mindfulness and nervous system regulation strategies. This combination helps many clients feel calmer, more confident, and better able to manage anxiety, fear, or performance pressure.

Q: What’s the difference between Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy and Clinical Hypnotherapy?
A: Clinical hypnotherapy is a broad approach that uses guided relaxation and focused attention to help facilitate positive change at a subconscious level. Solution-Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) is a modern, goal-oriented form of clinical hypnotherapy. It combines hypnosis with evidence-based techniques such as Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) skills, mindfulness, and nervous system regulation. SFH focuses on your strengths and goals while acknowledging past experiences that may influence the present, making it a practical, empowering, and solution-driven approach.

Q: What brainwaves are active during hypnosis?
A: During hypnosis, your brain shifts into relaxed alpha and theta states. During hypnosis, the brain typically enters a relaxed alpha and theta state, similar to the moments just before falling asleep. These states are associated with calm focus and increased suggestibility, which can help the brain process thoughts differently and support lasting behavioural change.

Q: What does the research say about hypnotherapy?
A: There is a growing body of research supporting the use of hypnotherapy for conditions such as anxiety, IBS, sleep issues, and pain management. Clinical studies suggest that hypnosis can help reduce symptoms by promoting relaxation, engaging the PNS, reducing stress responses, and encouraging positive behavioural change. I draw on this evidence while combining it with a compassionate, personalised approach tailored to each client.

Q: Will I remember everything from my hypnosis session?
A: Yes – you remain fully aware and in control throughout the session. Hypnosis is a natural, relaxed state of focused attention, not sleep or mind control. Most clients describe feeling calm and refreshed afterwards. I do not use regression techniques; instead, I take a modern, solution-focused approach that helps you move forward without revisiting past trauma.

Issues Supported & Getting Started

Q: Can I get help for social anxiety and confidence issues?
A: Absolutely. I specialise in helping people with social anxiety, including fear of public speaking, performance pressure, and feeling overwhelmed in social or work situations. Whether you’re avoiding presentations, struggling with meetings, or feeling anxious in group settings, I offer supportive, non-judgmental strategies to help you feel more grounded and in control.

Q: What kind of clients do you work with?
A: I work with adults from a wide range of backgrounds, including professionals in law, construction, the trades, healthcare, education, the civil service, and the creative industries. My clients also include prop artists, model makers, performing artists, musicians, and presenters. I support junior doctors preparing for exams; neurodivergent individuals, including individuals with sensory sensitivities; and clients preparing for medical procedures, recovering from injury, or managing stress-related conditions such as IBS, shy bladder syndrome, or voice disorders.

Q: How do I get started?
A: You’re very welcome to reach out for a no-obligation chat – I’m friendly, approachable, and no, I don’t use a pocket watch! To book a session or arrange a complimentary 10-minute consultation, please email hello@annettesloly.com. Whether you’re ready to begin or simply exploring your options, I’m here to help.

Q: How many sessions will I need?
A: This varies depending on your goals, the issue you’re working on, and how you respond to the process. Some people notice significant changes after just a few sessions, while others prefer to work on a longer-term basis to build confidence or maintain progress. During our first session, we’ll discuss your goals and what a realistic timeframe might look like for you. I aim to work efficiently and collaboratively, without keeping you in therapy longer than you need.

Q: Are sessions available online or in person?
A: Yes – sessions are available: Online across the UK and internationally; In-person in Bristol and London; Bath sessions are resuming soon – get in touch to join the waiting list. Every session is tailored to you, whether you need deep therapeutic work or goal-oriented coaching.

Q: How do I know if this is right for me?
A: If you’re experiencing: Social anxiety, Low self-esteem or self-doubt, Stress in the workplace, Fear of public speaking, Pressure to perform in high-stakes environments, Low confidence, Nerves, Anxiety. If you’re looking for compassionate, positive, evidence-based, and tailored support, you’re in the right place. I offer a complimentary 10-15-minute phone call to explore whether this approach aligns with your needs.

Q: Do you work with Children?
No, I work with adults aged 21 and up.

Fees & Insurance

Q: How much does Hypnotherapy cost in the UK?
A: My hypnotherapy sessions are competitively priced, with full details available during a free consultation and on my pricing page. Sessions are offered both in person and online. Costs reflect the realities of running a professional practice, including rent, insurance, supervision, professional memberships, ongoing training, and other operational expenses, while remaining accessible.

Q: Is Hypnotherapy covered by UK health insurance or cash plans?
A: Some private health cash plans may reimburse hypnotherapy. I’m registered with the relevant professional bodies; feel free to check with your provider.

Q: Does my work cover hypnotherapy?
A: Yes. Hypnotherapy is often covered under private health cash plans or workplace wellbeing and training budgets. Coverage can vary by provider, so it’s best to check your plan or employer policy for details.

Q: Where can I find Annette Sloly’s hypnotherapy reviews?
A: You can view verified client testimonials on my website and professional listings. These reflect real experiences from people who’ve worked with me on a wide range of issues. Every review is authentic – nothing is fabricated or scripted.

Scope of Work

Q: Are there any other areas you don’t support?
A: Yes. To ensure you receive the most appropriate care, it’s important to know that I do not currently offer support for:

Psychosis or schizophrenia
Complex trauma or dissociative conditions
Active suicidal risk or recent suicide attempts
Personality disorders
Sexual health or trauma-related concerns
Substance dependency, misuse, or addiction
Compulsive behaviours (gambling, shopping, sex)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) or PTSD
Chronic pain
Suspected neurological issues (e.g., tremors, seizures) and brain disorders such as epilepsy
Severe anxiety
Eating disorders, including a complex history of disordered eating or weight-related concerns
Narcolepsy

These areas often require specialist care, psychiatric support, or multidisciplinary teams. If you’re looking for support in one of these areas, I encourage you to contact your GP and investigate one of the following organisations:

BEAT – for eating disorders: www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk
Mind – for mental health information and services: www.mind.org.uk
NHS Talking Therapies – free counselling and CBT: www.nhs.uk
Rape Crisis England & Wales – for sexual trauma support: www.rapecrisis.org.uk

If you are experiencing panic attacks or sudden episodes of anxiety, I ask that you first check in with your GP before beginning therapy. This helps ensure that any possible physical causes have been ruled out, so that we can focus safely and effectively on the psychological aspects.

If you’re ever unsure whether this is the right service for you, please don’t hesitate to contact us. I’ll always do my best to point you in the right direction. The key principle is always: ‘Do no harm. Refer when in doubt. Collaborate where helpful.’

Q: Can I get a referral from my GP to work with you?
A: You don’t need a referral from your GP to work with me; I’m a private practitioner, and clients are welcome to self-refer. While hypnotherapy and coaching currently fall outside standard NHS referral pathways, I’m fortunate that some GPs do recommend me to patients they believe could benefit from this kind of support.

Your GP may also:
Support your decision to seek private help
Help rule out any underlying medical concerns
Suggest supplementary options or private referrals if you ask

A GP referral may be more appropriate if you’re experiencing:
Complex trauma, psychosis, or risk-related concerns
A need for psychiatric input, formal diagnosis, or medication
Uncertainty about whether your symptoms are medical or therapeutic in nature

If you’re ever unsure about the type of support you need or feel overwhelmed, speaking with your GP is a good first step. They can help you make informed decisions and direct you to the most suitable care.

How do I get started?
You’re very welcome to reach out for a no-obligation chat. To book a session or arrange a complimentary 10-minute consultation, please email hello@annettesloly.com. Whether you’re ready to begin or simply exploring your options, I’m here to help.

Will Bagnall

17:17 09 Feb 26

I've been working with Annette for 8 months now and have experienced significant shifts in my attitude towards alcohol. I don't have anywhere near the same levels of cravings or FOMO around other drinkers - so temptation has significantly reduced. Annette has helped me unpack things and rewire my brain to enjoy life without alcohol. I highly recommend working with her. Her rates are also very reasonable.

C D

18:05 17 Sep 25

Annette has helped me tremendously with my confidence at work and with public speaking. I have been putting myself out there so much more and have had a huge shift in my mindset. I’ve tackled things that I would have avoided at all costs in the past! She’s an amazing therapist and it’s been a joy working with her.

Chris Smith

17:54 16 Sep 25

I have been having sessions with Annette for the past 3 months or so. I have always really struggled with crippling anxiety when it comes to public speaking and unexpected high pressure situations. The catalyst for me reaching out was the approaching date of my wedding. My aim was to not only overcome my fear but to be able to embrace and enjoy these situations. My wedding has now passed and I feel worlds away from where I was at the beginning of this process. It was the perfect day. To perform a speech to over 100 people and feel completely comfortable whilst doing it was an incredible feeling.

I approached this with an open mind and didn’t really know what to expect. Annette is extremely good at making you feel comfortable and explaining how each step can help towards your end goal, and ways of controlling the negative feelings you sometimes get. You learn to relax and put your mind into a comfortable space where before you might have struggled to focus.

It’s definitely something I wish I had done 20 years ago. It’s held me back for a lot of my life and in the past I have done anything I can to avoid the potential of these situations arising. Whist nerves and anxiousness are a part of being human, I do feel I am now able to change my mindset when these things occur.

I would definitely recommend Annette to anyone who is looking to improve in similar areas and don’t just let time go by when there is help. I’ve had a great experience with her and I honestly cannot thank her enough.

Amy Iles

16:44 09 Sep 25

Annette has a very calm nature and she helps you to unravel what is troubling you in your life through hypnotherapy.

I enjoyed my time with her and feel better prepared to cope with life’s stresses.

Toby Braithwaite

13:11 29 Aug 25

Attended a series of sessions with Annette this year to deal with long-standing anxiety issues around flying, ahead of a family holiday. While I'm never exactly going to enjoy flying, the results were notable & I felt mostly OK throughout the journey, even during some of the more critical & historically triggering parts such as take-off/climb. For the first time in 20 years, it's something I can face without reliance on heavy tranquilizers, which is quite a result.
Almost as a bonus, the selection of tools Annette taught me as part of the process can be applied to deal with general day-to-day anxieties- something I had perhaps neglected previously.
Would recommend :)

Timothy Hawkins

22:02 26 Aug 25

Annette was a huge help to me when overcoming a fear of flying. She was patient, kind and empathetic. She took the time to understand my situation and tailored everything to support me. Strongly recommend if you are feeling helpless!

Samantha

11:23 11 Feb 25

Highly recommend Annette. Through her support and coaching I've made some real lasting change that's had a massive impact on my personal and professional life. thank you

R Renard

00:27 08 Nov 24

Annette was excellent in helping me address anxiety in work meetings and presentations, which had become very limiting for me. She helped me with effective exercises and techniques to use before, during and after stressful events. She also used hypnotherapy to help me relax, develop a more positive outlook, and be more composed. The nerves are still there but I now feel much more able to manage them and communicate better in challenging work situations. I thoroughly recommend Annette as a highly-skilled and effective practitioner, and only wish I had contacted her sooner!

Mike

16:03 21 Aug 24

Annette is a gifted therapist, who holds space in a thoughtful, generous and inuitive way. I learned a lot during my sessions with her and always felt carefully supported throughout the entire process. This was my first experience of hypnotherapy, and it was one of the best introductions I think I could have hoped for.

Shontay Designs

15:40 17 Apr 24

I was recommended Annette via a friend. I was a little apprehensive at first, as I had never experienced Hypnotherapy before. I needn't of worried. From the first appointment Annette made me feel relaxed - also that I wasn't stupid (which is how i felt with my particular issue) She has taught me tools that I use to this day, I also always use the recording she provides every night!! I would definitely recommend her services to anyone and everyone!

J. W.

09:24 22 Mar 24

From the moment I met Annette I felt instantly comfortable, she is very empathetic and never judgemental. Annette offers a great mix of discussions around practical, progressive actions with time to simply talk, reflect and process. Having been to life coaches and counsellors in the past, I find Annette’s approach to be somewhere between the two and very flexible in that she really grasps what I need each session and adapts her approach to best support me in that moment. I had never tried hypnotherapy before but I have found it to be very relaxing and beneficial. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed and would like some support, I’d definitely recommend Annette!

Will Braithwaite

14:04 12 Dec 23

I came across Annette as someone close had mentioned hypnotherapy is a great tool to help with coping during times of stress and anxiety. I'd read up a bit about it but didn't know what to expect really. When I first met Annette, I was under a lot of stress due to potential health issues, young family, juggling multiple jobs, renovating a house etc. The list goes on. I was severely struggling and had become extremely anxious. I was experiencing quite severe panic attacks in the strangest of situations. I think within around 4-5 sessions with Annette, I had got to a point where I could see myself noticeably calmer. I was able to absorb all of the unknowns and stress around me and just cope more positively. I still get panic attacks, and am still anxious but the edge has gone. It's not as intense. I'm going to continue working on myself through meditation and general well being alongside continued support from Annette. She really has changed my perspective on myself and I feel this is only the start of my journey. I couldn't recommend more highly.

Dave W.

16:28 26 Oct 23

Annette helped me massively through a very turbulent 18 month period in my personal and professional life. I received expert therapy and coaching from Annette, who I believe has a unique ability to listen deeply and quickly understand what you are experiencing - and is then able to provide a warm, encouraging and positive style of questioning and advising to help you find a way to progress in a forward direction. I’d like to offer my deepest gratitude to Annette, who I would highly recommend to anyone experiencing a difficult time in their life.

13:41 21 Aug 23

Working with Annette was a brilliant experience. A naturally anxious person, I found that hormonal changes had made things much worse and was determined to take back control. Having tried self-hypnotherapy many times over the years via YouTube/CDs etc, I was open minded and hopeful but not convinced I’d be able to ‘switch off’ enough for it to work. In actual fact, I relaxed from our first session! Annette is a hugely positive and reassuring presence but also very solution focussed. In addition to the actual hypnosis, the sessions are geared around giving you the tools needed to manage anxiety. I have emerged feeling optimistic, more in control and so much calmer. I feel that I am better equipped to manage situations I find difficult and that is very empowering. My sleep has improved greatly too which is brilliant! Having considered hypnotherapy for years, I’m so glad I took the plunge with Annette and would thoroughly recommend her.

The Aura Den

20:23 10 Apr 23

I started seeing Annette to help me overcome performance anxiety and a fear of teaching. I decided a few years ago I wanted to start running workshops and wellness events but I physically couldn't bring myself to teach a class due to crippling self-doubt. It was not only affecting my business but all areas of my life, from driving to cooking someone dinner.

After only 7 weeks of working with Annette, I not only taught my first class but I also held a big corporate event - which I would not have been able to do prior to having hypnotherapy.

For the first time in a long time, I am starting to progress and it feels great. I feel much more in control now, more rational and I don't allow fear to get the better of me. It's very liberating.

Thank you so much Annette, our work together has really changed my life.

M G

15:23 20 Nov 22

As a lifetime anxiety, health anxiety and depression sufferer during the latest crisis, I've found Anette based on good reviews. It was the last attempt of me trying to avoid pharmaceutical options and treat my problems in a more holistic way. I'm glad I did because I feel hopeful, much stronger, healthier and even happy which is amazing. I was given the tools to accept the way I am but also to improve. I am doing so much better now than when I booked my first appointment with Anette and I am very grateful to her for that.

Emily Barrett

16:40 27 Oct 22

Annette helped me for around 12 weeks at the start of the year with agoraphobia (large venues/ transport) and public speaking anxiety. We had sessions virtually and the mix of talking and hypnosis was great. She discussed the theory behind why I feel these things and helped me to come up with solutions for tackling my fears. It's nice to have her as a resource for when I need support in the future. Thank you!

Owen Films

21:45 02 Oct 22

I was in a pretty dark place when I first met Annette and felt that I was unable to get myself out of it, but after several sessions I found that I was able to manage my emotions and now I’m making positive changes on my own. Highly recommend Annette to anyone in a similar position x

Elizabeth

19:13 12 Aug 22

Annette is reliable and her sessions were very helpful. Annette worked with me for a couple of months and in that time she helped me recognise causes of my unwanted habits and used hypnotherapy to reduce the frequency of them so that I can manage them better on my own. She also helped me manage stress during my accounting exams which helped build my confidence and performance. Annette was approachable, flexible and was willing to answer any questions, I would highly recommend her to anyone hoping to better manage unwanted habits that they’ve had for years. Thank you Annette!

Alice Williamson

16:19 04 May 22

I have been working with Annette for 3 months now and have seen huge improvements in my wellbeing. Having had lots of different types of therapy in the past for anxiety and insomnia, it's safe to say that I have finally found one that works and I would recommend Annette to anyone struggling with similar issues. I leave every session (whether in person or online) with a 'floaty' light feeling and feel that I have truly relaxed and let go of any issues I was holding onto when entering. Annette brings a positive, solution-based approach to the sessions which I find really beneficial. She also gives you a lot of tools you can use outside of the sessions which is great - the guided meditation has done wonders for my sleep. I have noticed a huge improvement in the way I relate to anxiety, I am able to see the positive in situations more easily and things don't seem to overwhelm me as much.

L O

19:36 15 Feb 22

I worked with Annette for 12 weeks and she has helped me to develop the tools and awareness to overcome significant barriers in my personal and professional life. She is highly skilled and her experience and expertise have been invaluable to me. She has helped me to build confidence in my professional and social life which has made me very excited and optimistic about the future. I can't recommend Annette enough, she is great.