About Anni Stonebridge
My journey
My career path has been more like a river system than a road-full of twists, turns and unexpected shifts of course. Over the years, I’ve experienced both planned and spontaneous changes. While some have been challenging, they’ve provided invaluable opportunities for growth and reflection.
The feedback I receive highlights my natural curiosity, calmness and my ability to listen deeply and connect with others. I am deeply passionate about lifelong learning and supporting others through their journeys.
Background
I completed my BSc in Psychology in 2000, followed by over a decade of work in substance use and addiction research, supporting families, communities and volunteers.
Later, I transitioned into a parallel career in equestrianism, where I combined my love for nature with my interest in human and animal relationships, communication and wellbeing. This shift allowed me to explore the concept of growth and reintegration on a deeper level.
I was commissioned with a friend to write a book ‘Barefoot Horse Keeping’, which came just at the time I sustained a serious injury from a horse at work. The discipline of writing and reflecting led to the conclusion of that career, and an understanding of what a privilege it is to be able to work at a deeper level with other people and animals.
Turning to counselling
After my injury, I decided to rekindle my passion for psychology and completed my Diploma in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The personal experience of becoming more self-aware was challenging but as this skill has developed, it has grown into a live, muscular, dynamic and useful response that helps me to hear my clients and step into their experiences therapeutically. My biggest motivators as a counsellor are the people I work with, their bravery in sharing their world with me, their curiosity, humility, and belief that they can make life enhancing changes.
My offer to you is to support you to explore your own strengths, courage and resilience and find a way forward together so you can find meaning, and get more from your own life.
Why I believe in therapy
In simple terms, therapy works. In a safe and nurturing place, with the support of a trained professional, it is possible for you to find healing and reconciliation in difficult times. Counselling and psychotherapy have been truly transformative when I have faced overwhelming feelings in my own life, which is a very human reason I encourage others to experience counselling for themselves.
It is a privilege to walk alongside my clients and support them in creating meaningful change. The trust they place in me is something I value deeply.
