Deepen your specialist skills
Study sexual function, compulsive sexual behaviours, kink, fertility, intimate partner therapy and trauma.
January 2027 · Near Belfast · Northern Ireland & Ireland
Train in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy near Belfast
Develop specialist clinical skills with the CICS Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy, designed for practitioners across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Explore the full diploma →For qualified general counsellors and psychotherapists.
NCPS Advanced Specialist training recognition
The CICS Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy has been given Advanced Specialist training recognition by the National Counselling & Psychotherapy Society. This course alone is not a route to the Society’s Accredited Register, nor does it guarantee a change in registrant grade or a higher entry grade when applying to the Society.
Specialist qualificationNCPS Advanced Specialist training recognition.
Inclusive by designTraining reflects the cultural and legal contexts of Northern Ireland and Ireland.
Practice-led learning200 supervised clinical practice hours and 50 hours of personal therapy.
Why this diploma?
Specialist therapy training for Northern Ireland and Ireland
The Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy develops specialist knowledge and skills for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists. The programme explores sexual function, relationship concerns, diversity, trauma and work with couples and multiple-partnered people.
CICS delivers the programme in partnership with A Safe Space to be Me at the Cross Border Centre of Excellence near Belfast. Teaching is adapted to the cultural, historical, political and legal contexts of practice in Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Read the full course informationWhat makes CICS different
Specialist clinical skills with regional relevance
Develop a pluralistic approach to sexual and relationship health. The programme brings biological, psychological and social perspectives together with an understanding of clients’ individual contexts.
Practise, reflect and grow
Develop clinical skills through experiential teaching, reflection and 200 hours of supervised practice.
Work inclusively
Explore gender, sexuality, relationship diversity, culture, disability and neurodivergence in specialist practice.
The Cross Border Centre of Excellence
Learn with a specialist community near Belfast
The programme combines CICS’s specialist psychosexual training expertise with A Safe Space to be Me’s experience in mental health, neurodivergence and training in Northern Ireland.
Immersive practiceWork with complex clinical material in a supported environment.
Real communityStudy alongside practitioners from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
Cross-border contextExplore the cultural contexts and distinct legal frameworks relevant to practice across both jurisdictions.
The course comprises 51% in-person training and 49% live online learning. At least 51% of the course must be attended in person. Home-study resources are available through the e-learning centre.
Is it right for you?
For qualified therapists ready to specialise
- You are a qualified general counsellor or psychotherapist.
- You want to work confidently with psychosexual and relationship concerns.
- You value a pluralistic approach to specialist practice.
- You can commit to teaching weekends, supervised clinical practice and personal therapy.
Common questions
Psychosexual therapy training near Belfast: your questions answered
Who is this psychosexual therapy course for?
The Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy is designed for qualified counsellors and psychotherapists who want to develop specialist skills in sexual and relationship therapy. Contact CICS to discuss your qualifications and suitability.
Where is the course taught?
The CICS Cross Border Centre of Excellence is based near Belfast, Northern Ireland. CICS delivers the programme with A Safe Space to be Me for practitioners across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland.
How much of the course is in person or online?
The course comprises 51% in-person practical training and 49% live online learning. At least 51% of the course must be attended in person. The synchronous hybrid format allows in-person and online access, alongside e-learning resources for home study.
When does the January 2027 intake start?
The first teaching weekend is 23 and 24 January 2027. Scheduled teaching takes place on Saturdays and Sundays, 10am to 5pm, with weekends listed through November 2028. Check the full course page for individual dates.
How much does the psychosexual therapy diploma cost?
The total course fee is £7,800 including VAT. The payment plan comprises a £600 deposit followed by 24 monthly payments of £300.
What will I learn?
The curriculum covers sexual function, sexual medicine, compulsive sexual behaviours, kink, sexual health and fertility, intimate partner therapy, relationship diversity, cultural diversity, disability, neurodivergence and trauma. Teaching uses a pluralistic approach and considers the contexts of practice in Northern Ireland and Ireland.
What clinical practice and personal therapy are required?
The programme requires 200 hours of supervised clinical practice and 50 hours of personal therapy. Read the full course information and discuss the clinical requirements with CICS before applying.
What does NCPS Advanced Specialist recognition mean?
The CICS Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy has NCPS Advanced Specialist training recognition. This course alone is not a route to the Society’s Accredited Register. It does not guarantee a change in registrant grade for existing members or a higher entry grade when applying to the Society.
Can practitioners from the Republic of Ireland apply?
The programme is designed for qualified practitioners across Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The curriculum considers the distinct cultural and legal contexts of practice across both jurisdictions.
What if I have not yet qualified as a counsellor?
CICS’s Diploma in Pluralistic Psychotherapy near Belfast provides core general counselling practitioner training and a foundation for progressing to specialist psychosexual and relationship therapy training. Check its entry requirements and contact CICS to discuss your route.
Psychosexual therapy training · January 2027
Ready to take the next step?
Apply for the January 2027 intake near Belfast or contact CICS to discuss your specialist training plans.
