TRAINING & CPD FOR COUNSELLORS,
PSYCHOTHERAPISTS & STUDENTS

Invest in engaging, insightful and practical training that brings real impact to your therapy practice, and deepens your offering.

FEATURED CPD

NEW!

LIVING BEYOND STRAIGHT EXPECTATIONS:

Exploring the impact of heteronormativity on mental health & in therapeutic practice

Heteronormativity can silently shape how we relate, belong and define ourselves at all life stages - from the classroom, to the media and everyday conversations. For many LGBTQIA+ clients its ability to harm is evident, yet its broader influence on every one of us and our self-esteem often stays hidden until it’s named.

Grounded in my own lived experience and supported with research, literature and theory, this CPD for counsellors and therapists will support you to understand the impact of growing up as an outsider within a straight‑dominant world, the legacy of heterosexism, adaptive strategies which can develop to cope with shame, and the importance of cultivating queer joy, resilience and authenticity.

Heteronormativity is the system of norms which upholds heterosexuality as “default”, “normal”, “natural” or the preferred way to be. This includes the assumption that everyone is straight unless stated otherwise.

  • "I found the training life-changing".

    COUNSELLOR (TRAINING ATTENDEE)

  • "The 'realness' you brought to the training was so impactful."

    COUNSELLOR (TRAINING ATTENDEE)

  • "I found the training enlightening".

    COUNSELLOR (TRAINING ATTENDEE)

  • "I found the information in the slides useful, but also the facilitating of people's stories".

    SHULA (TRAINING ATTENDEE)

WHY THIS TRAINING MATTERS

  • Heteronormativity affects all of us - shaping our lives, relationships and self-esteem.
  • Minoritised clients may self‑edit or judge themselves against dominant norms - impacting what is explored in therapy.
  • You may be - unknowingly - reinforcing those pressures in therapy contributing to this conditioning.
  • Questioning heteronormative assumptions in ourselves and our clients can support authentic living.

HOW IT WILL HELP YOUR THERAPY PRACTICE

  • Gain an emotional and theoretical understanding of the lived experience of sexual minorities.
  • Learn to notice subtle impacts of heteronormativity to deepen your empathy, support your clients' therapeutic process and cultivate self-compassion.
  • Gain practical guidance to develop a more inclusive, LGBTQIA+ affirmative and non-assumptive practice.
  • Harness a curated resource list to share with clients for psycheducation or for your own ongoing professional development.
BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent
I developed this training because I grew up LGBTQIA+ in a world that constantly highlighted my 'difference', shaping my sense of self, safety and wellbeing from an early age. In my own counselling practice I see how often marginalised clients must educate their therapists about heteronormativity. This reality inspired me to pull the curtain back on these hidden impacts - not only as a trainer and practitioner, but a fellow human.

My hope is that, through this training, the invisible can be brought to light and you're empowered to help your clients to understand and liberate themselves from their own experience of straight expectations.”
  • Facilitated online live to harness the energy of real-time learning, meaningful reflection, and authentic dialogue.
  • Also available to organisations as 1/2 day (4 hours) or full day (7 hours) - can be delivered in person or online.
  • Includes experiential learning through creativity, discussion and group exercises.
  • Includes a range of theory and concepts, to support your understanding and use of language.
  • Trauma and shame informed, with a deep focus on inclusivity and forming a safe space for exploration.
  • Detailed slides provided to attendees including a range of further resources, supporting ongoing learning.

Training that changes you - and your practice - for good.

BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent

I'm Hamilton, an experienced and qualified counselling trainer, BACP accredited counsellor and parent to an energetic goldendoodle.

I care deeply about supporting you as a practitioner to harness new approaches which improve your clients' therapeutic journeys, to develop inclusive practices, and to re-consider your therapy space in new and exciting ways.

BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent

AN EFFECTIVE TRAINING SHOULD MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE TO YOUR PRACTICE.

I know first hand how impactful high quality trainings can be and how the ones that don't land can be draining to sit through and feel like a waste of time. This is my compass when I plan, develop and facilitate any trainings. I aim for my trainings to be fun and connecting, and for them to contribute positively to your client work with clear applications to your practice which can be embedded swiftly, smoothly and ethically.

BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent

MORE HIGH IMPACT TRAININGS COMING SOON!

Following the launch of my training on heteronormativity, I’m excited to be developing a series of new trainings — including asynchronous versions — coming soon. Be among the first to hear when they’re released and enjoy exclusive discounted rates by registering your interest at training@hamiltonsargentcounselling.co.uk.

BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent
BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent

PSSSSTTT... WHILST YOU'RE HERE...

Until then, on this page you can learn about of my training background. You can also learn more about my own counselling practice across my website. You may find some of my blog posts of interest. I hope they prove helpful.

BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent

ARE YOU A COUNSELLING TRAINING PROVIDER & WANT TO BOOK ME?

If you are a training provider and would like to discuss the trainings I can offer your students, please get in touch at training@hamiltonsargentcounselling.co.uk.

BACP Accredited Counsellor - Hamilton Sargent
Let's work to improve, enhance and deepen our client's experiences of therapy in new and exciting ways together.

My Experience

10+ years as person-centred counsellor.

9+ years experience as trainer.

4+ years in Higher Education including roles as a Counselling Senior Lecturer and Head of Programme.

2+ years designing and delivering online and phone therapy training, mapped to BACP's OPT competence framework and curriculum.

Published author (chapter entitled "Remote Counselling" in the 3rd Edition of Next Steps in Counselling).

ACTO Director & Board Member

My Specialist Areas

Online counselling
Phone counselling
Gender diversity
Sexuality and sex
Relationships
Person-centred approach
Pluralistic approach
Creative approaches

My Qualifications

PGCert HE Teaching and Learning in Counselling and Psychotherapy (Metanoia Institute)

BA (Hons) and Clinical Diploma in Person Centred Counselling (Metanoia Institute)

Certificate in Online and Phone Counselling

Creative Counselling Interventions Pathway

Latest resources

Changingness, a reliance on process rather than upon static knowledge, is the only thing that makes any sense as a goal for education in the modern world.

Carl Rogers (from Personal Thoughts on Teaching and Learning)
Hamilton Sargent Counselling icon

Wholehearted, empowering and healing therapy in
Wimbledon, Clapham, online and on the phone.

Opening Times
Monday: 12pm - 8pm
Tuesday: 10am - 4pm
Wednesday: 12pm - 8pm
Thursday: 12pm - 8pm
Friday: 10am - 4pm

Online and telephone counselling qualification

Disclaimer and transparency: I am a UK-based, BACP-accredited counsellor. On this site the term “therapy” refers solely to counselling, not clinical psychotherapy. I am not a psychologist, psychotherapist or psychiatrist, and I cannot diagnose mental conditions or prescribe medication. If a medical assessment or medication is needed, I can refer you to an appropriate professional and continue to support you alongside that care. Please see Me and My Approach page for more detail.