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.

21/01/2026

If you’ve recently joined our community, you might be wondering where "talk therapy" ends and Psychos*xual Therapy begins. In this post, our Founder Julie Sale breaks down the core of what we do.

Psychos*xual therapy is a specialised branch of psychotherapy that addresses the complex intersection of our psychological minds and our physiological bodies. It isn’t just about "fixing" a symptom; it’s about understanding the social scripts, systemic pressures, and emotional narratives that shape our intimate lives.

At CICS, we believe that s*xual wellness is a fundamental human right. Our approach is pluralistic, anti-oppressive, and deeply reflexive. Whether you are a practitioner looking to train with us or an individual seeking support, we are here to move the conversation beyond "shame" and into "acceptance."

New here? 👋 Introduce yourself in the comments!

*xualTherapy *xTherapy *xualHealthIsWealth"

We are incredibly proud to introduce Natasha Anderson-Foster, a vital voice and Programme Consultant here at CICS.Natash...
19/01/2026

We are incredibly proud to introduce Natasha Anderson-Foster, a vital voice and Programme Consultant here at CICS.

Natasha is a senior COSRT-accredited psychos*xual psychotherapist and UKCP Registered Clinical Psychotherapist with over 15 years of specialist experience. Her work spans private practice and the NHS, where she serves as a s*xual health specialist in the West Midlands.

Natasha brings a depth of expertise in working with some of the most complex areas of s*xual health and trauma.

A member of the Black and Asian Therapist Network (BAATN), Natasha is a leading voice in exploring psychos*xual issues experienced by Black people. Her expertise has been sought internationally to discuss the historic and current s*xual health issues within Black Caribbean and Black African communities.

At CICS, we value her ability to help therapists lean into the "uncomfortable" conversations. Natasha has designed workshops specifically helping practitioners open the space for clients to share their experiences of racism within the therapeutic encounter.

Beyond her clinical work, Natasha is a COSRT-registered clinical supervisor, offering specialist s*xual health supervision. Her commitment to anti-oppressive practice is woven into everything she does, helping the next generation of therapists practice with deeper cultural humility and clinical agility.

Learn more about Natasha’s work at: utalkaboutit.co.uk

A Letter to Parents: The 85% Rule. ✉️❤️Parenting isn’t a series of highlight reels. It’s a marathon of marathons, often ...
16/01/2026

A Letter to Parents: The 85% Rule. ✉️❤️

Parenting isn’t a series of highlight reels. It’s a marathon of marathons, often filled with "shoulds," "musts," and an overwhelming pressure to be perfect.

CICS graduate and S*x & Relationship Therapist Gwendolyn Jones has a secret to share: Parenting boils down to just three jobs.

✅Keep them safe.
✅Help them learn.
✅Make sure they know they are loved.

If you hit these markers 85% of the time, you are doing your job.

Gwendolyn’s letter challenges us to be "good enough" rather than perfect.

📖 Read Gwendolyn’s full, moving letter on our blog. 🔗 Link in bio.

*xEducation

Are you finding that your current toolkit feels limited when faced with:➡️Addressing systemic oppression in the therapy ...
14/01/2026

Are you finding that your current toolkit feels limited when faced with:

➡️Addressing systemic oppression in the therapy room?
➡️Working with psychopathology in a couples context?
➡️Working with high-conflict couples?
➡️Complex biological presentations?

Our COSRT-Accredited Advanced Diploma (Starting March 2026) is designed to move you from practitioner to Researcher-Practitioner. This is Level 7 thematic training for qualified psyhcos*xual and relationship therapists who are ready to dive into the 'why' behind the 'what.' It’s about deepening your clinical knowledge to handle the presentations that others might turn away.

Advance your career. Master the complexity.

🔗 Applications for March 2026 are open. Link in bio.

12/01/2026

If you’re a qualified counsellor looking to deepen your practice, our March 2026 Diploma in Psychos*xual & Relationship Therapy is designed for you.

In the UK, these two disciplines are intrinsically linked. Why? Because they are often woven into the fabric of a relationship. By training in both, you gain the clinical agility to meet your clients exactly where they are.

Why the March 2026 intake is unique:

70% Online / 30% In-Person: This is the last time we will be offering this specific blended learning format.

Location: In-person sessions take place in Letchworth, Hertfordshire.

Duration: A rigorous, 2-year post-qualifying diploma.

Depth: Move beyond general counseling into subject-rich, engaging work that transforms the lives of individuals and couples.

Spaces are strictly limited and our intakes fill quickly. If you feel called to this work, now is the time to act.

🔗 Link in bio to apply for the March 2026 intake.

*xualTherapy

It doesn't mean your relationship is doomed if you don't fall asleep arm in arm. We are often told that sleeping apart i...
09/01/2026

It doesn't mean your relationship is doomed if you don't fall asleep arm in arm. We are often told that sleeping apart is a sign of a failing connection. In reality, forcing synchronised sleep can lead to resentment, exhaustion, and friction.

Prioritising your physiological need for rest - whether that’s due to different work schedules, snoring, or simply liking your own space - is an act of relational care, not distance.

When we drop the script, we make room for more intentional connection.

Applications are NOW OPEN for the CICS Advanced Diploma! 🚀COSRT Therapist Mike Mayos describes this course as a "real de...
07/01/2026

Applications are NOW OPEN for the CICS Advanced Diploma! 🚀

COSRT Therapist Mike Mayos describes this course as a "real deep dive" into high-conflict resolution and anti-oppressive practice.

Ready to challenge yourself and progress to the next level of clinical mastery?

March 2026 Intake | Apply Online Now.

🔗 Link in bio to secure your spot.

05/01/2026

New Year’s resolutions are often just a list of "shoulds" in disguise. We should exercise more, we should drink less, we should be a "better" version of ourselves.

But as CICS Principal Julie explains in her latest blog, the word ‘should’ is loaded with obligation and expectation. It leaves very little room for choice, or for lasting change.

In our specialism of s*x and relationships, the "shoulds" are everywhere. "I should want more s*x.", "My relationship should look like this.".

The CICS Challenge for 2026: What happens if you turn your ‘shoulds’ into ‘wants’? If you stop buying the gym membership or the "perfect relationship" script and start asking: What do I actually want?

📖 Read the full blog post for a deeper dive into the psychology of resolutions. 🔗 Link in Bio.

*xualTherapy

02/01/2026

Join CICS founder, Julie Sale, as she sends a New Year message to the heart of CICS - the people. As we move into another year, we want to express our deepest gratitude to our incredible team and the people who make our work possible.

To those joining us for the first time in 2026: Welcome. To those already in the thick of their studies: Keep going. And to our graduates: Your fantastic work continues to inspire us every day.

May 2026 bring you closer to the life and practice you desire, within the beautiful, complex range of what is possible.

Happy New Year! 🌟

Happy New Year! 🎉 At CICS, we believe 2026 isn't only a fresh start; it’s a fresh momentum.The greatest block to contemp...
31/12/2025

Happy New Year! 🎉

At CICS, we believe 2026 isn't only a fresh start; it’s a fresh momentum.

The greatest block to contemporary practice is inertia - the tendency to stick with familiar methods, whether it's the outdated 'blank slate' ideal or simply avoiding the challenging conversation about power and systemic harm. This year, we invite you to step into change.

Embrace the courageous resolution toward being fully present, politically reflexive, and truly pluralistic. The therapy landscape has evolved. Your practice must too.

Join the movement toward ethical, anti-oppressive excellence.

🔗 Explore our training pathways for 2026 via the link in bio.

Beyond the Basics: Deepen Your Clinical Knowledge for Complex Presentations. 🧠The most challenging cases demand the most...
30/12/2025

Beyond the Basics: Deepen Your Clinical Knowledge for Complex Presentations. 🧠

The most challenging cases demand the most rigorous training. Join the COSRT-Accredited Advanced Diploma starting in March 2026 and transition into a researcher-practitioner capable of intricate systemic diagnosis and intervention.

This Level 7 training will equip you with the advanced theoretical and clinical skills needed to navigate the complexity of polyamory, desire discrepancy, complex trauma, and s*x-related anxiety with ethical precision. It's time to truly expand your clinical scope.

Apply online now!

🔗 Link in bio for course details and application.

Address

10, Venture House, Fifth Avenue
Letchworth
SG62HW

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm
Saturday 9am - 5pm

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