Chemsex, Trauma and Healing

A specialized workshop for clinicians exploring the intersections of trauma, sexualised drug use, and the paths toward recovery and healing.

About the Workshop

The 'Chemsex, Trauma and Healing' workshop provides a comprehensive clinical framework for understanding the intersection of substance use and psychosexual trauma. Our methodology integrates trauma-informed care with specialized recovery strategies, designed to equip practitioners with the tools necessary for facilitating deep, sustained healing in complex client presentations.

Meet the Speakers

Beth Ashley-Smith

Simon

Beth Ashley-Smith is a psychotherapist and registered mental health nurse with over 20 years of experience across NHS and private healthcare services. She specialises in ADHD, trauma, and addictions, with a background in mental health nursing, addictions therapy, EMDR, and ADHD management. Her work also extends into clinical sexology, bringing attention to the relational, emotional, and sexual aspects of wellbeing.

Simon is a London-based therapist in private practice specialising in addiction, chemsex, and healing relational trauma in gay men. He is a qualified dramatherapist whose work also draws on the Post Induction Therapy model, Internal Family Systems, Gestalt-based inner child work, and experiential group therapy to help men build healthier relationships with themselves and others.

Beth runs a private practice where she works holistically with individuals experiencing ADHD, trauma, addictions, and related difficulties. Her combined medical and therapeutic training allows her to consider both the psychological and biological aspects of mental health, helping clients manage risk, reduce shame and loneliness, and move towards recovery. Where appropriate, she works collaboratively with a wider network of specialists so clients receive the most appropriate medical or therapeutic support.

He runs trauma-healing workshops and retreats for gay men and strongly believes that process-oriented group work can create powerful opportunities for people to feel seen, validated, empowered, and understood through shared experience. He also runs the Friday Night Group, a free monthly community wellbeing and discussion group for gay, bi, and queer men, and offers workshops and training including LGBTQ+ Mental Health, Chemsex Recovery, and Healing Childhood Trauma.

He brings both professional expertise and lived experience to his work, including long-term recovery from alcohol and drugs.

Together, the speakers bring clinical expertise, therapeutic depth, and lived insight to a sensitive and important area of practice.

Agenda & Schedule

09:00 - 10:30

Introduction to Chemsex Culture

Exploring the historical and sociological landscape of chemsex and its impact on clinical presentation.

10:45 - 12:15

The Trauma Lens

Identifying underlying developmental trauma and attachment issues in chemsex service users.

13:15 - 14:45

Harm Reduction & Clinical Interventions

Practical strategies for safer use, crisis management, and building a therapeutic alliance.

15:00 - 16:30

Healing & Long-term Recovery

Group discussion and case study analysis focusing on sustainable recovery and psychosexual health.

About Hazell Forums

Hazell Forums provide a dedicated space for clinicians and practice owners to connect, learn, and grow. Our workshops, such as the Chemsex, Trauma and Healing intensive, are designed to deepen your clinical expertise while providing practical business strategies for a thriving private practice. Join a community of forward-thinking professionals committed to excellence in mental health care and practice development.