The Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology

The Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology CICS was formed in 2016 with the aim of providing contemporary, research based education programmes

Cambridge Institute of Clinical S*xology (CICS) offers a Diploma in Clinical S*xology led by expert lecturers in s*xology and psychotherapy.

24/08/2026

It's easy to assume that the clients we see for CSB are representative of all CSB clients. They're not. The clients we see can differ dramatically in cultural and s*xual identity, and the reasons behind their CSB experiences will differ too.

This is a complex presentation across a varied and diverse clinical population. There is no single representative CSB client, so how can there be one representative treatment approach?

*xualBehaviour

In my conference era 🎤This year I have presented at more conferences than in the entirety of my psychotherapy career to ...
21/08/2026

In my conference era 🎤

This year I have presented at more conferences than in the entirety of my psychotherapy career to date.

I started with the ATSAC Conference in February with a presentation title, 'Putting the S*x Back Into S*x Addiction'.

In May, I had a poster presentation on 'Anti-oppressive Psychos*xual Psychotherapy Practice' at the International Association of Psychos*xual Therapists (IAPST) conference in gorgeous Budapest.

I presented at the British Society for S*xual Medicine (BSSM) conference in June with the title 'Towards an Anti-Oppressive Psychos*xual Therapy Practice'.

Later in June, I had the absolute privilege to present alongside Myira Khan at the UKCP Conference, on behalf of the Coalition for Inclusion and Anti-Oppressive Practice, introducing our 10 Guiding Principles of Anti-Oppressive Practice.

And, coming up in September, I will be presenting at the The British Association for S*xual Health and HIV (BASHH) conference on S*xual Wellness.

I've learnt a lot from each of these presentations and, although I doubt it will ever be my most favourite thing to do, due to them making me feel very nervous, I am leaning into my discomfort to share thoughts on themes I am passionate about.

Maybe I will grow to actually like it!

*xTherapy

19/08/2026

What might look like s*xual compulsivity may actually be about emotional regulation, pleasure, or thrill-seeking. Neurodivergent clients may engage in s*x-related activities more frequently than society considers 'normal', when they're simply finding ways to self-soothe or seek thrill and pleasure.

*xualBehaviour

17/08/2026

An aspect of CSB for some clients is a moral conflict with their own behaviour. They may hold a faith or culture-based belief that solo s*x or p**n is morally wrong, then feel terrible about themselves when they ma******te or watch erotic material. Again, this is a shame-based response. The problem here can be the moral judgement, not the behaviour itself.

*xualBehaviour *x

Navigating consent in relationship and psychos*xual therapy. 💬In our field, consent is often spoken about as a legal fra...
14/08/2026

Navigating consent in relationship and psychos*xual therapy. 💬

In our field, consent is often spoken about as a legal framework or a simple checklist. But true, meaningful consent is dynamic, ongoing, and deeply relational.

It is about bodily autonomy, clear communication, and the freedom to change one's mind at any point. When we work with clients to explore intimacy, pleasure, and relationships, unpacking what a genuine, enthusiastic "Yes" looks and feels like is a foundational part of the therapeutic process.

Our training equips practitioners with the clinical tools and relational warmth to safely navigate these nuanced conversations, helping clients build healthier, safer, and more fulfilling connections.

🔗 Learn more about our specialist training pathways via the link in our bio, or email [email protected].

*xualTherapy

12/08/2026

Psychos*xual Therapy Education: An erotic conflict is where you find s*xual pleasure in something that feels out of alignment with your personal values, your relationship code, or your cultural and societal scripts about 'acceptable' s*xuality.

An erotic conflict can lead to secrecy and shame, and that can lead to behaviours associated with expressing that preference becoming obsessive and compulsive.

*xualTherapy

Intentionality is the antidote to drift.They take the quiet, consistent work of noticing, listening, and choosing to tur...
10/08/2026

Intentionality is the antidote to drift.

They take the quiet, consistent work of noticing, listening, and choosing to turn toward one another, again and again.

It's the same principle we build into our training at CICS. Good therapeutic relationships, like good personal ones, aren't built on grand gestures. They're built on small, repeated moments of attention.

Our courses give practitioners the space to notice these moments in their own work, question their instincts, and keep choosing to turn toward the people in front of them.

Find out more via the link in our bio.

07/08/2026

A controversial subject within the profession of psychotherapy in the UK.

It's important to say that we don't have a formal diagnostic criteria for 's*x addiction'. The diagnostic criteria we do have is for Compulsive S*xual Behaviour Disorder, and CSB or CSBD are the terms currently supported for professional use in the UK.

The controversy pivots on the question on whether s*x can be addictive. For some professionals, taking an addiction-based approach to CSB makes sense for them and their client groups. Others strongly hold the view that an addiction approach to s*x is harmful and pathologising, and ignores erotic integration.

As the summer continues, it's worth pausing to ask: when did you last invest in your own practice? At CICS, we know that...
05/08/2026

As the summer continues, it's worth pausing to ask: when did you last invest in your own practice? At CICS, we know that good therapists are made through ongoing reflection as much as qualification.

Our diplomas offer that space to reflect, question, and grow alongside a cohort of committed colleagues.

Find out more via the link in our bio.

04/08/2026

We are proud to share this endorsement from Paul O'Beirne on the launching of the Cross Border Centre of Excellence training programme.

As Paul highlights, this is a landmark, essential course for practitioners across NI and ROI. For too long, there has been a significant gap in accessible, specialist psychos*xual and relationship therapy training that genuinely understands local community dynamics.

This programme has been meticulously designed to bridge that gap, offering a culturally attuned, anti-oppressive framework that reflects the unique legislative, historical, and religious realities of NI and ROI. It provides therapists with the exact clinical tools, rigour, and relational warmth needed to support clients effectively.

Applications for our upcoming cohort are officially open.

If you are a practitioner looking to deepen your expertise and meet the genuine needs of your community with a highly respected qualification, now is the time to apply. Spaces are limited to ensure a highly supported, collaborative learning environment.

🔗 Tap the link in our bio to download the course prospectus and submit your application, or email our team directly at [email protected].

*xualTherapy

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29, Devonshire Business Centre
Letchworth
SG61GJ

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
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