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DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20260109T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20260109T143000
DTSTAMP:20260503T141509
CREATED:20250916T082207Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260112T141339Z
UID:24213-1767960000-1767969000@www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk
SUMMARY:Empathy Problems and Power: Neurodiversity\, Queerness and Relational Trauma
DESCRIPTION:About this event \nNot being understood or connected with can be traumatic\, but it’s a very common thing for people with minoritised experiences of the world. This can take the form of overt rejection but also the experience of routinely being missed and invalidated. We all enforce normative ideas about how to be a person – this workshop will explore how that is at the heart of so much relational harm\, and what we can do about it. \nThis LIVE workshop will be a mix of presentation and discussion on neurodivergent and queer folks’ experiences of relational trauma. The first half will focus on the kinds of relational trauma that our neurodivergent and queer clients may have experienced due to being different. The second half will look at how similar dynamics can play out in therapy. \nThe workshop will introduce attendees to the concept of the Double Empathy Problem as a way of thinking about dominant and minoritised experiences\, expectations\, and ways of communicating. \nWhile queerness and neurodivergence both cover a broad range of identities\, they commonly encompass ways of being that challenge societal norms. They overlap both demographically and in terms of how discrimination and lack of understanding can play out. Understanding these common threads and working to expand our sensitivity around these experiences is important in helping us really meet and empathise with a broader range of humans. \nHow might this workshop impact your practice? \nI hope that this workshop would be a starting point for participants to think about the ways in which they might expand their thinking and reflection around normative and dominant ways of being. I hope that it might help them bring more sensitivity and awareness to the ways in which their practice might support difference\, or inadvertently stifle it. \nTake Aways – Tools you’ll walk away with \n\nAn understanding of the Double Empathy Problem and its relevance to therapeutic work\nHow relational trauma can manifest for queer and neurodivergent people\nWays to make your practice less oppressive and more welcoming of difference\n\nAbout your Speaker: Sonny Hallett \nSonny Hallett is a person-centred counsellor\, supervisor\, and trainer based in Edinburgh. They are trans\, mixed race\, and autistic\, and work predominantly with clients and supervisees who are neurodivergent\, queer\, or have other intersecting and minoritised experiences. They also work on research relating to neurodivergence and communication\, and write about person-centred therapy and minority experiences. They are interested in the ways normative expectations around communication\, emotions\, interests\, distress\, etc\, can impact our lives and our relationships\, especially for people who are different. They are particularly interested in these dynamics in therapy\, and how therapeutic relationships and therapy training can both help challenge the dominance of these norms\, and harm through reinforcing them. Part of their practice also takes place outdoors\, in the woods\, and they also think and write quite a bit about movement\, nature\, and ways to reconnect with ourselves\, the world around us\, and each other. \nWho It’s For \nThis workshop welcomes those with an interest in the subject of relational trauma and neurodiversity\, including both Neurotypical and Neurodivergent people working as Counsellors\, Psychotherapists\, Psychologists\, Social Workers\, Family Therapists\, Coaches\, and Teachers. \nWhat to Expect \nFormat: Workshop\, Slides\, breakouts\, group discussion\, Q&A\, experiential activity \nVibe: Interactive\, introspective\, empowering\, philosophical\, lively \nA video of the event will be sent to you the week after the LIVE event \nEvent Details: \n🗓️ Date: Friday\, January 9th 2026 \n⏰ Time: 12:00–2:30 UK \n📍 Location: Zoom (link sent upon ticket purchase) \n💵 Cost: £35 \n🎟️ Reserve your spot now — Space is limited to keep the group intimate and safe. \n🎥 ON DEMAND – Buy The Recording: Purchase a ticket and you will receive the recording and a CPD certificate \n(Please note: CoPratice tier membership includes free access to the recording) \nWhat’s included? \n1 year access to the online Video Recording and a CPD Certificate of Attendance \nCourse Delivery \nLive online on Zoom or Via a Video Recording send out the week after the workshop \nAccessibility \nFor any accessibility requirements\, please get in touch with the organiser at events@counsellors-staffroom.co.uk\, who will be happy to make arrangements with you before the event \nRefund Policy \nRegrettably\, all bookings are non-refundable in the event of cancellation in advance by you or your non-attendance on the day \nBooking conditions: \n1. Tickets are sold via Eventbrite only \n2. Cancellation by you – All bookings are non-refundable \n3. Behaviour: \nWe all have a part in creating a positive\, welcoming space in our events. This means being open to hearing when our behaviour or language may not have landed well with others\, and contributing in ways that help keep the atmosphere respectful and supportive. If behaviour is disruptive or inappropriate\, we may remove you from the event to protect the group. For more on how we work together\, please see our Community Guidelines. \nIf you have any questions about this workshop\, feel free to email events@counsellors-staffroom.co.uk
URL:https://www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk/event_detail/empathy-problems-and-power/
CATEGORIES:Past Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251208T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251208T150000
DTSTAMP:20260503T141509
CREATED:20250916T080819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251208T141636Z
UID:24208-1765198800-1765206000@www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk
SUMMARY:Understanding Diet Culture and Weight Loss Injections
DESCRIPTION:About this event \n\n\nDiet culture shapes so much of how we relate to food and our bodies\, but the rise of GLP-1 weight-loss injections like Ozempic\, Wegovy\, and Mounjaro has added a new layer of complexity. Therapists are increasingly meeting clients who are navigating these medications\, and the questions they raise can be challenging. \nThis two-hour online training will unpack how weight-loss injections intersect with diet culture\, weight stigma\, and disordered eating\, and what this might look like in the therapy room. \nTogether\, we’ll explore: \n\nHow cultural narratives and fears can create pressure to use weight-loss drugs\nThe potential risks and harms\, particularly for those struggling with eating and body image\nKey concepts such as “food noise\,” binge eating\, and the short- and long-term impact of weight-loss injections on relationships with food\n\nClients may be at any stage: considering injections\, currently using them\, or thinking about stopping. We’ll look at how to meet them wherever they are\, supporting their choices while helping them navigate the wider impact of diet culture\, thin ideals\, and weight stigma. Most importantly\, we’ll consider how to foster self-acceptance and compassion in the therapy process. \nLearning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event \n\nUnderstand the psychological\, emotional and wider social implications of weight loss injections\, and how they intersect with weight stigma and disordered eating behaviours.\nExamine the impact of diet culture and weight stigma on mental health\, body image and disordered eating\, and how this may present in the therapy room.\nConsider approaches to support clients navigating diet culture and thin ideals\, and supporting those at any stage of using or stopping weight loss injections.\n\nWho is This Workshop Appropriate For? \n\nCounsellors\, psychotherapists\, trainees and other mental health professionals\n\nHow May This Workshop Impact Your Practice? \n\nGreater confidence in recognising the influence of diet culture and weight stigma\, understanding the implications and potential harms of weight loss injections\, and supporting clients in navigating weight loss pressures and thin ideals.\n\nRecording  \n\nThis event will be recorded and you can use the ticket function to pre-purchase the recording before the event. This will be useful for colleagues who are not able to attend the event live and also for those who attend the event live and want to watch it again.  The recording will available in the CoPractice CPD library for members with CPD library access. \nZoom \nThis event will be hosted on the Zoom meeting platform where we will use our cameras and microphones to interact with each other as a group. \nSELF-SELECT FEE \nThe self-select fee is a radical inclusion policy to open learning for all colleagues. The guide price for this event is £20.00\, however\, we appreciate that income varies greatly in different locations and circumstances. Please contribute what you can to help us maintain inclusive professional training. \n___________________________ \nAt Onlinevents\, we and the presenters we collaborate with are committed to working in a way that aligns with the ethical codes and frameworks of our respective professional organisations. We expect all colleagues attending our events to uphold the ethical principles of their professional membership. \nIf you are not a member of a professional organisation\, we ask that you participate in a way that is both authentic and respectful\, fostering a space of mutual learning and professional engagement. \nBy registering for this event\, you agree to be present and interact in a manner that reflects these principles. \nMel Ciavucco \n\n\n\n  \nMel Ciavucco is an integrative counsellor\, writer and trainer\, specialising in eating disorders and body image\, and also domestic abuse and sexual violence. She has worked in mental health charities for over a decade\, including domestic abuse services and eating disorder charities. Mel writes informative content on her blog about disordered eating\, domestic abuse. \nWebsite | www.melciavucco.com \nFacebook | Mel Ciavucco \nX | @melciavucco \nInstagram | melciavuccocounselling \nLinkedIn | Mel Ciavucco
URL:https://www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk/event_detail/understanding-diet-culture-and-weight-loss-injections-mel-ciavucco/
CATEGORIES:Past Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20251003T120000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20251003T143000
DTSTAMP:20260503T141509
CREATED:20250819T174422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251005T190230Z
UID:24156-1759492800-1759501800@www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk
SUMMARY:The Neurodivergence-Trauma Connection
DESCRIPTION:About this event \nThis LIVE workshop offers an introduction to neurodiversity and neurodivergence\, as well as the key foundational principles of neurodiversity affirmative and trauma-informed practice. \nWe will explore why being both neurodiversity and trauma-informed matters when working with neurodivergent clients and what therapists may need to be aware of to build safe working alliances. \nLed by Liz Smith\, Founder of Free2BMe Training – MBACP Accred\, Therapist and Supervisor. \nWhat this isn’t: A list of diagnoses and symptoms and how to work with them. \nLiz’s work at Free2BMe Training always starts with getting curious about the mindset we approach our work with. A key part of this workshop is developing our understanding of how expectations of neuronormativity impact all aspects of neurodivergent life\, including in the therapeutic space. \nTakeaways – Tools you’ll walk away with \n\nAn understanding of how trauma and neurodivergence intersect\, including neurodivergent vulnerability to relational trauma\nKey principles for building therapeutic relationships with neurodivergent clients\, including the confidence to name neuro-differences in the room\nAn understanding of how trauma may present differently in neurodivergent clients and begin to consider how to adapt practice.\n\nAbout your Speaker: Liz Smith\, MBACP Accred\, Therapist\, Supervisor and Trainer \nLiz was recently described on an away day as “Mostly approachable with enough coffee. Bit Northern. Takes a lot of pictures of goats.” As well as enjoying the company of goats as a rescue animal care volunteer (there is a reason for the goat pictures)\, Liz is a neurodivergent therapist based in West Yorkshire. \nShe had autistic and ADHD diagnoses in adulthood and began to specialise in working with neurodivergent clients after completing her MA at the University of Leeds in 2019. \nLiz now works part time as a clinical lead for a UK-wide mental health service provider\, has a small private practice including clinical supervision\, and runs Free2BMe Neurodiversity\, a training business focusing on providing neurodiversity training to therapists\, coaches and health professionals/organisations. \nWho It’s For \nThis workshop welcomes those with an interest in the subject of relational trauma and neurodiversity\, including both Neurotypical and Neurodiverse people working as Counsellors\, Psychotherapists\, Psychologists\, Social Workers\, Family Therapists\, Coaches\, and Teachers. \nWhat to Expect \nFormat: Workshop\, Slides\, breakouts\, group discussion\, Q&A\, experiential activity \nVibe: Interactive\, introspective\, empowering\, philosophical\, lively \nVideo of the event will be sent to you the week after the LIVE event \nEvent Details: \n🗓️ Date: Friday\, October 3rd 2025 \n⏰ Time: 12:00–2:30 UK \n📍 Location: Zoom (link sent upon ticket purchase) \n💵 Cost: £35 \n🎟️ Reserve your spot now — Space is limited to keep the group intimate and safe. \n🎥 ON DEMAND – Buy The Recording: Purchase a ticket and you will receive the recording and a CPD certificate (Please note: CoPratice tier membership includes free access to the recording) \nWhat’s included? \n1 year access to the online Video Recording and a CPD Certificate of Attendance \nCourse Delivery \nLive online on Zoom or Via a Video Recording send out the week after the workshop \nAccessibility \nFor any accessibility requirements\, please get in touch with the organiser at events@counsellors-staffroom.co.uk\, who will be happy to make arrangements with you before the event \nRefund Policy \nRegrettably\, all bookings are non-refundable in the event of cancellation in advance by you or your non-attendance on the day \nBooking conditions: \n1. Tickets are sold via Eventbrite only \n2. Cancellation by you – All bookings are non-refundable \n3. Behaviour: \nWe all have a part in creating a positive\, welcoming space in our events. This means being open to hearing when our behaviour or language may not have landed well with others\, and contributing in ways that help keep the atmosphere respectful and supportive. If behaviour is disruptive or inappropriate\, we may remove you from the event to protect the group. For more on how we work together\, please see our Community Guidelines. \nIf you have any questions about this workshop\, feel free to email events@counsellors-staffroom.co.uk
URL:https://www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk/event_detail/the-neurodivergence-trauma-connection/
CATEGORIES:Past Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=UTC:20250820T130000
DTEND;TZID=UTC:20250820T150000
DTSTAMP:20260503T141509
CREATED:20250722T121819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250820T140307Z
UID:22453-1755694800-1755702000@www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk
SUMMARY:Contextualising Autistic Experience: 4 Life Domains in Therapy
DESCRIPTION:About this event\nContextualising Autistic Experience: 4 Life Domains in Therapy Workshop with Vauna Beauvais and Eoin Stephens\nThere is now rapidly growing awareness that many more people than we previously knew\, of all ages\, are autistic (probably about 4% of the population). \nIn this workshop\, Eoin and Vauna of Vanguard Neurodiversity Training will be expanding on this growing understanding by exploring the reality of being autistic in the context of 4 domains of life and experiences: The Personal\, The Interpersonal\, The Societal and The Political. And we focus on how holding the 4 domains in mind leads us to attune to autistic clients\, empathise\, read their concerns appropriately\, and respond with attuned therapeutic responses relevant to each individual client. The 4 domains will bring a layer of clarity to questions such as the following (and more)”How do you hold space for a client’s anger about societal treatment without pathologising their entirely reasonable responses to oppression (whether they can make sense of this yet or not)?” “What does it mean for your therapeutic work when your client realises their natural way of being has been hidden for survival\, and they seek to undo this\, but also that a lot is still hidden from self ?” “When a client describes workplace difficulties\, how do you\, as therapist\, determine whether this reflects potential discrimination\, organisational inflexibility\, or that therapeutic exploration is more relevant for that person?”How do we know whether to pursue unexpressed despair\, or not – and if so\, how might we go about it?” We will present materials as well as hold space for a discussion. And\, if you are new to seeing autistic clients\, or already established with this client group\, we hope that you join us as we articulate the good work that you are already doing and deepen insights to enrich our work. \nLearning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event \n\nDemonstrate improved therapeutic attunement by reading autistic clients’ communications more accurately and responding with contextually appropriate interventions that validate their experiences within broader social realities.\nDevelop enhanced clinical decision-making skills for determining when and how to explore unexpressed emotions\, workplace difficulties\, identity questions\, and disclosure concerns with autistic clients.\nEnjoy a discussion with other therapists\, like you\, who are already doing good work with autistic clients\, and care deeply\, and seek to talk and share and enrich an appreciation of the work we do.\n\nWho is This Workshop Appropriate For? \n\nTherapists of all modalities and depth or levels of experience\, who work with autistic adult clients\, or seek to do so.\n\nHow May This Workshop Impact Your Practice? \n\nWhen we enhance our awareness\, insights and appreciation of real lives\, and join together to discuss approaches and generate meaning-making\, this cascades through our personhood into the work with our clients for growth and enrichment there\, too.\n\nRECORDING\nThis event will be recorded and you can use the ticket function to pre-purchase the recording before the event. This will be useful for colleagues who are not able to attend the event live and also for those who attend the event live and want to watch it again. \nZOOM\nThis event will be hosted on the Zoom meeting platform where we will use our cameras and microphones to interact with each other as a group. \nSELF-SELECT FEE\nThe self-select fee is a radical inclusion policy to open learning for all colleagues. The guide price for this event is £20.00\, however\, we appreciate that income varies greatly in different locations and circumstances. Please contribute what you can to help us maintain inclusive professional training. \nAt Onlinevents\, we and the presenters we collaborate with are committed to working in a way that aligns with the ethical codes and frameworks of our respective professional organisations. We expect all colleagues attending our events to uphold the ethical principles of their professional membership. \nIf you are not a member of a professional organisation\, we ask that you participate in a way that is both authentic and respectful\, fostering a space of mutual learning and professional engagement. \nBy registering for this event\, you agree to be present and interact in a manner that reflects these principles. \n\n\n \nVauna Beauvais\n\n\nMSc Psychotherapy\, Post Graduate Certificate Autism\, Certified Transactional Analyst\, Certified Cybertherapist\, PGCDip Counselling. UKCP registered Psychotherapist supervisor\, and trainer at Vanguard Neurodiversity Training. \nVauna is a psychotherapist specialising in working with neurodivergent adults. She has been seeing clients for over 25 years in private practice. She is also a clinical supervisor for counsellors and psychotherapists who are seeing neurodivergent clients and for therapists who are autistic themselves. \nDiscovering at over 40 years old\, that she is Autistic with ADHD herself\, she turned her interest toward understanding the autistic experience and what that means for therapists\, trainers\,supervisors and for autistic clients. Along with colleague Eoin Stepehns she produces a YouTube video series of professional chats about autistic wellbeing and therapy called “Autistically Speaking. \nLinkedIn | VAUNA BEAUVAIS \n\n\n\n\n \nEoin Stephens\n\n\nBA Psychology\, Dip Counselling\, MA Cognitive-Behavioural Counselling\, MIACP\, MACI. Therapist\, supervisor\, and trainer at Vanguard Neurodiversity Training. \nEoin is a Counsellor/Psychotherapist and Trainer who has worked in the areas of disability\, addiction treatment\, lecturing/training\, and counselling/psychotherapy private practice for over 30 years\, integrating elements of Person-Centred Therapy\, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy\, Motivational Interviewing\, and Compassion-Focused Therapy. He has also worked at a senior level in Counselling/Psychotherapy education and served as vice-chair of both the Irish Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy and Addiction Counsellors of Ireland. His work is currently focused on understanding the problems faced by autistic adults\, and their specific therapeutic needs. He is autistic himself\, having made the discovery in 2012. Along with colleague\, Vauna Beauvais\, he produces a YouTubevideo series of professional chats about autistic wellbeing and therapy called “Autistically Speaking. \nLinkedIn | Eoin Stephens\nLinkedIn | Vanguard Neurodiversity Training\nYoutube | Vanguard Neurodiversity Training\nWebsite | www.vanguardneurodiversitytraining.com
URL:https://www.counsellors-staffroom.co.uk/event_detail/contextualising-autistic-experience-4-life-domains-in-therapy/
CATEGORIES:Past Events
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