Frustrated with Continuous Professional Development (CPD) courses?
There comes a stage in our psychosexual and relationship therapy practice where we find ourselves struggling to find CPD that truly advance or deepen our practice. Although there is always more to learn in this rich, fast moving and complex field, CPD’s often don’t go into the depth that experienced practitioners crave.
The CICS Advanced Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Psychotherapy directly focuses on deepening learning and skills in our wonderful specialism, providing an opportunity to both engage in independent research and to develop our clinical practice knowledge and skills, all in the environment of a supportive peer group.
Ready for COSRT Accredited Membership?
COSRT Registrants can apply for COSRT Accredited Membership three years post registration. To do so requires additional clinical practice, personal development and CPD hours, plus an in depth Case Study.
The CICS Advanced Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Psychotherapy meets and exceeds all of the COSRT Accredited Membership requirement, providing a ‘one-stop shop’ for all of your accredited membership needs.
Missing a Community of Advanced Level Practitioners?
Private practice can be lonely and even those of us working in teams and NHS settings can find there is precious little time to reflect in depth on our work with colleagues with similar levels of experience.
The CICS Advanced Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Psychotherapy provides a weekly peer group, facilitated by Senior Accredited COSRT Members, Julie Sale and John Reilly-Dixon, with in-built group supervision in which we can consider our work with the level of thinking that only comes mature clinical practice.
Short of Time?
We are all time poor these days, aren’t we? The CICS Advanced Diploma is structured around term time, weekly Monday evening two-hour meetings. No weekend commitments. No interruptions to your standard working week. Just two hours a week during school term times, to develop a space for reflective and reflexive practice in the company of like-minded, experienced psychosexual and relationship psychotherapists.
Interested in UKCP Registration?
CICS has made a formal application to become a UKCP Training and Accrediting Organisational Member, which will, once approved, allow us to provide a pathway to UKCP Registration for graduates of our Advanced Diploma. Our application will be formally assessed during 2025 and will, we hope, be in place before our first cohort of our Advanced Diploma completes. This is not guaranteed of course, as the approval process is not yet complete, but it is our commitment. This is not a future promise, or a false claim. It is an active current commitment.
Why This Course Matters
In our fast-paced, modern world, where technology often substitutes for face-to-face connection, issues around intimacy and relationships are increasingly prevalent. As a psychosexual and relationship therapist, you see this every day: couples struggling to communicate, individuals wrestling with their identities or partners yearning to rekindle a lost spark.
Our Advanced Diploma equips you to guide clients toward a more profound authentic understanding of their personhood, healthier relationships and fulfilling sexual lives, in support of your own advancing practice as experienced practitioners in this specialism.
It’s about moving beyond the surface to explore the deeper narratives that shape intimacy and offering compassionate, evidence-based support along the way.
What You’ll Gain
The CICS Advanced Diploma isn’t just about theories and frameworks (though you’ll get plenty of those). It’s about application, practice and transformation - both for your clients and, inevitably, for yourself.
Through a combination of in-depth lectures, hands-on practice, and group supervision, facilitated by senior accredited practitioners, you’ll develop expertise in areas like:
- Research, to the level of producing a publication worthy paper of your own.
- Anti-oppressive psychosexual and relationship therapy practice, ensuring you are able to provide a safe therapeutic space for clients with minoritised identities.
- Advanced biological presentations, such as working with cancer patients, clients with neurological conditions and complex skin conditions.
- Supporting clients as they consider gender transition.
- Working with intimate partners with complex trauma histories, compulsive sexual behaviours and/or high conflict relationships.
And because relationships and sexuality are never static, the course ensures you’re equipped to address emerging trends and challenges in this ever-evolving field.
The Experience of Learning
One of the things I am most proud of about CICS is its emphasis on community. You won’t just be learning from textbooks or lectures; you’ll be part of a cohort of curious, committed, experienced professionals who bring their own rich perspectives to the space.
Together, we will explore case studies, engage in open dialogue, and share those “aha” moments that make learning so powerful. As Lead Tutors, myself and John are here not just to teach but to mentor, challenge, and inspire you … and to learn with you.
Who Is This Course For?
This course is designed for qualified psychosexual and relationship therapists. You may be COSRT or NCPS Registered or a specialist psychosexual psychologist. You will have completed a diploma level training equivalent to two years part time and/or a minimum of 250 guided learning hours and 150 clinical practice hours specifically in psychosexual and relationship therapy.
An Invitation
If you’re ready to take your professional journey to the next level, to expand your skills, deepen your knowledge and make a real difference, I cordially invite you to apply to our Advanced Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy.
The next chapter of your career, and the countless lives you’ll touch, is waiting for you. We are excited to meet you!
