Claire Sirmulis

Child and Family Mental Health Support

Claire is a highly experienced mental health professional specialising in supporting young people and families affected by a range of complex issues. Her expertise encompasses Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs), disordered eating, trauma therapy, suicidal ideation, anxiety, depression, self-harming behaviours, bereavement, and chronic illness. With a career dedicated to improving the wellbeing of young people, Claire also works extensively with family group dynamics, providing guidance and therapeutic support to parents and adults alongside her work with children and adolescents.

Drawing on personal experience, Claire brings a unique depth of understanding to her practice. Having supported family members through challenges such as anxiety, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), self-harming behaviours, and fluctuating health conditions, she approaches her work with genuine empathy and a person-centred philosophy. This background has shaped her compassionate approach, enabling her to connect authentically with clients facing similar difficulties.

Claire’s professional journey includes significant roles within both local authorities and educational settings. She has served in family support positions, collaborating with schools and community organisations to deliver targeted interventions for young people and their families. As an accredited facilitator for two evidence-based parenting programmes, Claire is skilled in delivering group sessions that empower parents with practical strategies to support their children’s mental health and development. Her experience in this area has provided her with a nuanced understanding of the impact that parenting styles and family environments can have on individual wellbeing.

In addition to her work in family support, Claire has held several key positions at Dorset Mind, a leading mental health charity. Her roles have included Young Person Befriending Coordinator, Young Persons Counsellor, and Counselling Lead and Supervisor for trainee counsellors. In these capacities, Claire has overseen the delivery of vital services, mentored emerging professionals, and contributed to the development of innovative support programmes for young people. She currently manages the eating disorder service, Restored, where she leads a multidisciplinary team in providing specialist care for individuals struggling with disordered eating.

Claire’s approach is rooted in evidence-based practice and ongoing professional development. She is committed to staying abreast of the latest research and therapeutic techniques in the fields of child and adolescent mental health, trauma recovery, and family systems. Her interventions are tailored to the unique needs of each client, with a focus on building resilience, fostering healthy relationships, and promoting long-term wellbeing.

Throughout her career, Claire has demonstrated a strong commitment to advocacy and education. She regularly delivers workshops and training sessions for parents, educators, and fellow professionals, raising awareness of mental health issues and equipping communities with the tools to provide effective support. Her work is characterised by a collaborative ethos, working closely with families, schools, and partner organisations to ensure a holistic and integrated approach to care.

Claire’s extensive experience, personal insight, and dedication to best practice make her a trusted resource for young people and families navigating mental health challenges. Whether providing one-to-one counselling, facilitating group programmes, or leading service development, Claire’s focus remains on empowering individuals to overcome adversity and achieve positive outcomes.

If you are seeking expert support for issues related to Adverse Childhood Experiences, trauma, disordered eating, or family mental health, Claire offers a compassionate, professional, and highly effective service tailored to your needs.