Anita Smith | Accredited Counsellor | Lowestoft | NCPS

Anita Smith

Member Status: Accredited

Member No: NCS14-00898

Location: Lowestoft

Mates in Mind

After 14 years in a challenging and competitive sales environment I decided to retrain.

I sought counselling after an abusive marriage break up and realised a lot of how I ended up in that relationship was due to my dysfunctional childhood. I was diagnosed with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and through counselling I was able to work through, my negative and self-destructive behaviours, poor coping strategies as well as past and present trauma.

Therefore, when I decided to retrain, I knew I wanted to become a counsellor and move people forward as I had. From 2002 -2006 I trained and succeeded in becoming a counsellor. Since then, I have qualified as a PARKS inner child Practitioner, Life / Performance Coach, Master practitioner of NLP, a degree in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and a diploma in Hypnotherapy.

I have been a counsellor for over 16 years, during this time I have worked with homeless people young and old, young people aged 7 onwards, LBGT, trauma both past and present and same sex couples. I draw on my personal life experiences and the tools, strategies, and techniques I have learnt through the various studies I have undertaken. Below is a small selection of areas I cover:

- Addictions
- Anxiety / depression
- Bi-Polar
- low self-esteem/ confidence,
- Self harm
- grief, bereavement,
- Childhood abuse
- Relationship issues
- Domestic violence
- Trauma past and present, PTSD
- Phobias
- Goal setting and much then, more.


As your therapist I will be your guide, helping you to address your issues at your own pace and offer time and space for you to fully engage within a therapeutic relationship.

You will learn how to identify and challenge unwanted negative thoughts which may cause maladaptive behaviours that affect depression, anxiety, phobias, relationships and more. It's about you are finding the resources within; I will give you the tools to improve your life as well as gaining a better work/life balance at the same time as improving your confidence and self-esteem. I can help you to cope and deal with stressful situations and periods in your life in a healthier and calmer manner.

I am a registered member of a British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP), an accredited member of National Council of integrative Psychotherapists (NCIP) and an accredited member of the National Counselling society (NCS). Therefore, I am fully competent and adhere to the ethical framework, guide for good practice and code of conduct. I have regular supervision and continually, strive to update, learn new skills and ways of working.

  • Qualifications & Experience
    I have a BA in CBT, HND in counselling, I am a master NLP practitioner, a Diploma in life coaching a Diploma as a PICT practitioner, Diploma in Hypnotherapy, Diploma in OCD awareness, a Smoking Cessation Hypnotherapy Practitioner certificate and a certificate in couples counselling.
  • What I can help with
    • Abortion
    • Abuse – Emotional, Physical, Sexual
    • Addiction (e.g. Alcohol, Computer games, Drugs, Food, Gambling, Sex, Smoking)
    • Adolescence
    • Adoption
    • Ageing and related issues
    • AIDS / HIV
    • Anger Management
    • Anxiety
    • Assertiveness / Self-confidence / Self-esteem
    • Autistic Spectrum Disorders
    • Bereavement / Loss
    • Bullying
    • Cancer
    • Carers
    • Childbirth: labour
    • Children / teenagers
    • Chronic fatigue syndrome / M.E.
    • Cultural issues
    • Depression
    • Disability
    • Divorce & Separation
    • Driving tests
    • Emotional issues
    • Exams
    • Family
    • Financial difficulties
    • Gender identity
    • Generally unhappy with your life
    • IBS / Digestive Issues
    • Illness and dying
    • Immune system support
    • Job interviews
    • Mindfulness
    • Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
    • Panic attacks
    • Parenting skills
    • Phobias
    • Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder / PTSD
    • Pregnancy related issues
    • Public speaking: stage fright
    • Relationships
    • Relaxation
    • Self-defeating behaviours
    • Self-esteem
    • Self-harm
    • Sexuality Identity
    • Shyness / Social Phobia
    • Sleep
    • Spirituality
    • Start exercising
    • Stop smoking
    • Stress
    • Suicidal feelings
    • Tinnitus
    • Trauma
    • Violence / Victim support
    • Young people and children
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