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. I have come to see that change is inevitable, not always comfortable, but it will happen whether we like it or not! While some changes in my life have been really difficult and painful, they’ve provided invaluable opportunities for transformation, growth and learning.
My biggest motivator as a counsellor is you! Your bravery in being here and reading this, sharing your world with me, your curiosity, humility, and belief that it might be possible that with the right person you can make life enhancing changes.
When you train as a counsellor part of the process is to do the work on yourself to really understand who you are. This isn’t always comfortable either, because part of my role is to be able to make a safe space for you to explore really difficult feelings and emotions. The people I work with say I am a warm, calm and caring person who they can trust, and the work they have done with me has worked for them.
I am really curious about other people, and I am a massive believer that you have more strength and abilities to get through difficult times than you know.
Background
My love for animals was my gateway into mental health, and an inspirational course in how horses think led to a complete change of direction. I completed my BSc in Psychology in 2000, followed by working with people recovering from addiction, exploring their journey into and out of alcohol and drug use, and supporting families, communities and volunteers.
Later, I transitioned into a parallel career with horses, 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 transformation 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 was a positive way to move away from my physical work, to working in a different way, holding the 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, it was time to follow a long held intention and study for my Diploma in Pluralistic Counselling and Psychotherapy.
The personal experience of training involves going through a therapeutic journey. It was challenging but as this skill has developed, it has grown into a live, muscular, dynamic and useful response that helps me to hear you and offer therapeutic support.
My biggest motivator as a counsellor is you! Your bravery in being here and reading this, sharing your world with me, your curiosity, humility, and belief that it might be possible that with the right support you can make life enhancing changes.
My offer 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 what you deserve 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.
