Trans awareness CPD training for counsellors

Off Beat Therapy offers CPD workshops for counsellors, both student and qualified, who wish to increase their knowledge when working with the trans community. My aim, as a trainer with over sixteen year's experience of delivering diversity training and trans awareness workshops, is that they are interactive and not your bog-standard diversity lecture. I aim to centre the needs of trans clients, with a focus on trans joy, at a time when we need to be humanised as a community.

Some workshops are delivered online via video, others in-person. Please take a look at the options available below, including bespoke options for your group or organisation.

Working with trans clients

An introductory exploration of the issues counsellors may face when working with trans clients.

What is it?

Important info

Off Beat's 'Working with the trans community' workshops challenge the idea that acceptance of trans clients starts with learning long lists of terminology. In addition to learning about the difficulties faced by the trans community in today's hostile cultural climate, this half training highlights the importance of embracing trans culture and celebrating trans joy, placing empathy at its foundation.

Learning objectives

To be exposed to various trans narratives from the community (rather than about the community) in relation to clients in counselling.
To explore the barriers faced by trans clients engaging in therapy.
To consider your organisational and personal commitment to progressing work in this area.

Duration: Half day (3 hours)

Delivery: In-person or online

Understanding level: Beginner/intermediate

How to book as an individual: Please make an enquiry below and I will be in touch with date options when something is arranged in your area.

Organisations: Suitable for group sizes 5-20 (in-person) or 10-30 (online). Get in touch via the "bespoke" option below to chat about your requirements.

Express interest

Trans lived experience workshop

Want to do the work but don't have much exposure to the community? This interactive, multi-media gives you insight into the lived experiences of trans people.

What is it?

This training is an adaptable, interactive, personal exploration of trans lived experience. It centres trans voices and trans media to convey the realities of living as trans, and engaging in therapy as a trans person. It is perfect for those who lack exposure to the community and want to move away from solely relying on media representations of trans people. Suitable for qualified counsellors, students, supervisors and other similar disciplines.

Learning objectives

To be exposed to various trans narratives from the community, (rather than about the community) in relation to counselling, working, dating, parenting, ageing and living as a trans person.
To develop empathy and greater understanding of trans experiences in the UK.
To critically consider media representation and how belief systems about marginalised groups are formed.
To consider your responsibilities towards the community as a counsellor.

Important info

Duration: Full day (six hours plus lunch/breaks)

Delivery: In-person only

Understanding level: Beginner/Intermediate

How to book as an individual: Please make an enquiry below and I will be in touch with date options when something is arranged in your area.

Organisations: Suitable for group sizes 5-15, multiple spaces/rooms needed ideally. Get in touch via the "bespoke" option below to chat about your requirements.

Express interest

Trans Allyship for Counsellors

5 things to do before calling yourself a trans ally. Do you consider yourself an ally already, or are you deciding whether to tick the "gender identity" specialism on your directory profile? This video based course challenges you to examine what it really means to advertise as an ally therapist.

What is it?

This video based course outlines some actions that therapists can take before advertising themselves as "trans affirmative" or an ally.

Also available as a keynote speech or more interactive workshop.

Learning objectives

Evaluate allyship from your own perspective and from a trans client’s perspective
Consider the ethics of advertising as an ally
Explore ‘readiness’ to do this work and identify areas of necessary learning
Recentre your practice on the needs of the community

Purchase here

Important info

Duration: 3-5 hours (video based course with activities, also available as a talk.

Delivery: Online for individuals, online or in-person as a talk

Understanding level: Intermediate/advanced

How to book as an individual: You can purchase and access immediately via the button on this slide.

Organisations: Suitable for group sizes 5-20. Get in touch via the "bespoke" option below to chat about your requirements.

Bespoke training and consultation

Training workshops tailored to your organisation's needs, around the subjects of working with queer, trans or autistic clients. General DEI workshops and supplementary student lectures also available.

What is it?

Workshops or talks of various lengths, designed specifically to address the needs of your organisation or team. This could include introductions to working with various client groups within your industry, or DEI workshops aimed at any level of understanding.

What others have said

"[Josiah was] informative, patient and engaging. We all found the training incredibly eye opening and it has sparked many conversations since. We're thoroughly pleased that we chose to take part in this training and feel we can support our trans and queer clients more effectively and empathically." - 2023 organiser/ participant of a bespoke workshop

“We left with a stronger sense of purpose and renewed commitment to better understanding and supporting the trans community. Grateful for the space to reflect, connect, and grow together as a team.” - 2025 organiser /participant of Trans Lived Experience workshop

Important info

Duration: Speeches, short workshops or full day/multiple day trainings or consultation on content of e-learning modules

Delivery: In-person or online

Understanding level: All levels

Suitable for group sizes: Dependent on requirements

Enquire here

What others have said

"I really appreciated the immersive experiential approach in this training, and found the day quite powerful and overwhelming, and got so much out of it.” - 2024 'Trans Lived Experience' participant.

“So immersive, it felt incredible to feel so closely linked to a fictional character and so powerful. To learn more about the reality or trans existence was eye opening. Thank you.” - 2025 'Trans Lived Experience' participant.

"Thanks for the enlightening session.

Your insights and case examples were invaluable. The safe environment and interactive sessions greatly enhanced my understanding.

I'm excited to apply this knowledge in my practice." - 2023 'Working with trans clients' participant.

“Thank you, I enjoyed your integrity, openness and enthusiasm for wanting to share the joy of the trans community as well as the challenges faced by trans individuals within our culture and society.” - 2023 'Working with trans clients' participant.