Hosted by Hazell Forums
Chemsex, Trauma and Healing: Supporting LGBTQ+ Clients in TreatmentÂ
Sat 12 Sep 2026 · 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM BST · 55 Dean St, London W1D 6AF
An immersive one-day workshop examining the complex relationship between chemsex, identity, shame, trauma, sexuality, and belonging.
A focused professional workshop for practitioners working across mental health, addiction, therapy, and LGBTQ+ support. The page should feel educational, sensitive, and relevant to clinicians and helping professionals.
About the Workshop
This immersive one-day workshop explores the complex relationship between chemsex, trauma, identity, shame, sexuality, and belonging. It is designed to support deeper understanding of the emotional, relational, and psychological dimensions that can sit beneath substance use and sexual behaviour, particularly within LGBTQ+ communities.
The session is presented as a space for thoughtful learning, reflection, and clinically relevant discussion. The tone is informed, sensitive, and grounded in affirming support practice rather than sensational language.
Sat 12 Sep 2026 · 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM BST · 55 Dean St, London W1D 6AF
Meet the Speakers
This workshop is led by experienced practitioners whose work brings together trauma-informed care, addiction support, relational healing, and LGBTQ+ affirmative practice.
Beth Ashley-Smith
Psychotherapist and Registered Mental Health Nurse
Beth Ashley-Smith is a psychotherapist and registered mental health nurse with over 20 years’ experience across NHS and private healthcare services. She specialises in working with ADHD, trauma and addictions, drawing on a background in mental health nursing, addictions therapy, EMDR and ADHD management. Beth also specialises in clinical sexology, extending her therapeutic skills into the relational, emotional and sexual aspects of wellbeing. Beth runs a private practice where she works holistically with individuals experiencing ADHD, trauma, addictions and related difficulties. Her combined medical and therapeutic training enables her to consider both the psychological and biological aspects of mental health, helping clients manage risk, reduce shame and loneliness, and move towards recovery.
Simon Marks
London-based Therapist specialising in addiction, chemsex, and relational trauma in gay men
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 with additional training in the Post Induction Therapy model developed by Pia Mellody, which addresses the developmental and relational trauma often underlying codependence and addiction. His clinical work also draws on Internal Family Systems, Gestalt-based inner child work, and experiential group therapy to support men in building healthier relationships with themselves and others. He runs trauma-healing workshops and weekend retreats for gay men based on the PIT framework. Simon strongly believes that process-oriented group work can offer powerful opportunities for gay men to feel seen, validated, empowered, and understood through shared experience and identification with others.
Who It’s For
Mental health professionals
Addiction professionals
Therapists and counsellors
LGBTQ+ affirmative practitioners
Healthcare professionals seeking a deeper understanding of trauma-informed support
What Attendees Will Gain
Deeper understanding of chemsex in clinical and support contexts
Insight into trauma, shame, identity, and belonging
Practical ideas for more affirming and informed support
Space for professional reflection and learning
About Hazell Forums
Hazell Forums creates high-quality educational events for mental health and addiction professionals, including workshops, conferences, networking events, and webinars. The brand is professional, informed, and rooted in meaningful dialogue across the mental health sector.