About Claudia Smith
Hello, I'm Claudia Smith
Qualified nutritionist & positive psychology coach specialising in mental health
Hi, I'm Claudia Smith
Qualified nutritional therapist & positive psychology coach specialising in an integrative approach to depression.
Mental health has always fascinated me, but it wasn’t until I was suffering from depression myself that I got to understand how extremely painful and terrifying poor mental health can be.
I was in my early twenties – a time when you’re supposed to feel on top of the world, ready to take on any challenges that come your way. Having fun, taking things easy. And I did have a great time but then slowly I noticed myself drifting into depression.
Right in the middle of my two years of suffering my experience was a very painful one: I was feeling empty and alone, far beyond sad. I felt like I was locked inside a cage with no key and unable to enjoy things I once loved doing. Always feeling worse on sunny days when surely everyone but me was having a great time. I was extremely tired, my chronic eczema got so much worse and my hip started to hurt very badly, too. Each time I looked in the mirror I couldn’t recognise myself anymore: where was I? And being depressed, I didn’t think I’d ever get better again.
What got me out of this hole wasn't talk therapy or antidepressants, but instead a radical change in diet, new lifestyle choices, natural remedies and a real mindset shift.
I still remember the moment when I discovered a book on healing with nutrition in my husband’s bookshelf. A big lightbulb went off: I wasn’t suffering because I had faulty genes, because I was weak or because I was unlucky or destined to do so.
I discovered that it was my poor diet, lack of exercise and self-care, my limiting beliefs about myself, and my lacking resilience and compassion that all contributed to my depression.
So in the months that followed, I radically changed what I ate, started running, really delved into mindfulness and worked on my thought patterns. I built new friendships, changed jobs and tried out new hobbies.
I stopped feeling so low and gradually started to enjoy life again. I returned to my former self – if not stronger than ever before! The colour in my life had returned.
It’s been 6 years now and I haven’t suffered from depression since, nor do I feel like it’s lurking in the background. Am I always 100% happy? Of course not, no one ever is. But you and I know the difference between a blue day or two, and full-blown depression.
Now a trained nutrition and lifestyle medicine practitioner as well as a positive psychology coach, I help others to improve their mood and mental health too. My approach is integrative/holistic and very much action-oriented with huge doses of compassion.
"Every woman with depression should know about this work."
My qualifications
I spent three years studying for my diploma in Nutritional Therapy and as a registered practitioner I am constantly updating my knowledge through conferences, online seminars and relevant reading.Â
I am upgrading my diploma in Nutritional Therapy with an MSc degree at Worcester University.Â
The diploma is enough to qualify a practitioner to work with clients, but I simply love learning all that I can!
I have studied for the certificate in Positive Psychology Coaching with the brilliant Wholebeing Institute. It was a nine month long and highly interactive programme that put the science behind human flourishing and happiness front and centre.
A lot of “coaches” out there have never done any formal training, and I’m really pleased that I have. The benefit to my professional work has been enormous!
I am always deepening my knowledge in functional medicine, and have studied under highly experienced UK-based practitioners within their Applied Functional Medicine Mentorship Programme.Â
To find out what functional medicine is and in how far it can help with depression, read my post here.
I have also completed the Level 3 Counselling certificate with Heartwood College in England.Â
Other things about me
- Born and raised in Germany
- Mum to one lovely girl
- Wife to an organic veg grower
- At home on a tiny island, Isles of Scilly, UK
I wish I could take the colours from a rainbow and place them into your heart so you would remember what beautiful feels like and know there is hope in the dark.
Book a free call
If you would like to see whether my work is right for you, feel free to schedule a half-hour call with me. It’s free and with no strings attached.Â
Book a free call
If you would like to see whether my work is right for you, feel free to schedule a half-hour call with me. It’s free and with no strings attached.Â
