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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 39m

A relationship isn't measured by whether rupture happens. It's measured by whether repair does. #CICS #RelationalHealth #RuptureAndRepair

Minimalist text graphic reading: A relationship isn't measured by whether rupture happens. It's measured by whether repair does.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

Sexual Response, in Conversation 🎙️ 'Sexy Brain, Sexy Body.' Some of us need the body first, some need the mind first. Neither is more 'normal'. #CICS #SexualResponse

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

Black History Month. We can't talk about intimacy without talking about the histories that shape how people experience their bodies and their safety in the room. #BlackHistoryMonth #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

Expect the unexpected. Advice from our graduating students to future CICS cohorts: training rarely goes the way you picture it, and that's usually where the growth is. #CICS #StudentAdvice

Graphic quote reading 'Expect the unexpected', from graduating students' advice.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 28/09/2026

Curiosity is the antidote to assumption. The moment we think we already know why someone did something, we stop asking, and stop truly seeing them. #CICS #RelationalHealth

Minimalist text graphic on a plain background.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

Meet Magdalena Piesiewicz, Tutor on our CSB Diploma. A psychosexual therapist, doctoral researcher, and contributing author to the Handbook of Compulsive Sexual Behaviour. #MeetTheTeam #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Sexual Response, in Conversation 🎙️ 'Breaks and Accelerators.' We all have an accelerator and brakes for desire. Knowing yours changes the conversation. #CICS #SexualResponse

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 21/09/2026

Instagram vs Reality: training with CICS 😅 Yes, deep clinical work that changes how you practice. But also: yes, Bill and Brenda have seen things, and yes, you might well up a bit in a role play. #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 18/09/2026

This or that: training edition 👀 Textbook theory or messy real case study? Solo reading or group supervision? Tell us your pick. #CICS #ThisOrThat

Static graphic presenting a 'This or That: Training Edition' prompt for engagement.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 16/09/2026

'Pride Before A Fall.' Julie asks whether this phrase keeps us humble, or just makes us ashamed of taking up space. What about authentic pride? #CICS #BlueSuitSeries

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Thinking about training with CICS? Our diplomas combine grounded clinical theory with real space to reflect, alongside a small cohort of colleagues. Link in bio. #CICS #TherapistTraining

Graphic outlining what a CICS diploma involves.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Sexual Response, in Conversation 🎙️ 'It's Like A Pan Of Water.' Julie explains why some of us heat up fast, and some need the right conditions first. Neither is wrong. #CICS #SexualResponse

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 10/09/2026

Applications remain open for our Cross Border Centre near Belfast. Dip PP and Dip PRT, built around the realities of practice in NI and ROI. Link in bio. #CrossBorderCentre #CICS

Graphic advertising open applications for the Cross Border Centre of Excellence.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 09/09/2026

The Blue Suit Series: 'No Failure Only Feedback.' Julie Sale considers a phrase many of us grew up with, and asks what we really mean by 'failure' and 'feedback'. #CICS #BlueSuitSeries

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 07/09/2026

Meet Annika Tamme, Tutor on our CSB Diploma. Psycho-sexologist, PhD candidate, and a CICS graduate herself, bridging academia and clinical practice. #MeetTheTeam #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

Welcome back. To new starters this September, to those mid-training, and to our graduates still doing the work out there: here's to another year of growth. #CICS

Fresh Start graphic welcoming new and returning CICS students for September.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 03/09/2026

Applications for our Diploma in Clinical Supervision close soon. If supervision's your next step, don't leave it too late. Link in bio. #ClinicalSupervision #CICS

Graphic advertising the Clinical Supervision Diploma application deadline.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

Meet Bill and Brenda, our training room bean bags! Bought after a student request so they didn't have to lug theirs in from home. Future bean bag names starting with B? Keep it clean! #CICS

Photo of two matching bean bags named Bill and Brenda in the CICS training room.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 01/09/2026

Applications for our Diploma in Compulsive Sexual Behaviours close soon. If you've been considering this course, now's the time. Link in bio to apply. #CSBDiploma #CICS

Graphic advertising the CSB Diploma application deadline.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 31/08/2026

Our CSB Diploma draws on a non-pathologising, pleasure-first approach. But CICS is a pluralistic school: one way doesn't work for everyone, so formulation always comes first. #CSBDiploma #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 28/08/2026

Advice from a CICS graduate for our new cohort. Training in clinical sexology is rigorous, transformative, and deeply rewarding. Apps open: enquiries@contemporaryinstitute.co.uk or link in bio.

Graphic saying "This is going to be such a wild ride, so buckle up"

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 26/08/2026

Sometimes CSB really is about sex: higher desire, or a preference in conflict with belief or identity. First question: is it pleasurable, consensual and legal? Then, is the problem the client or the context? #CSBDiploma #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 24/08/2026

The clients we see for CSB aren't representative of all CSB clients. Culture, identity and context all differ. There's no single CSB client, so there can't be one treatment approach either. #CSBDiploma #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 21/08/2026

In my conference era 🎤 ATSAC (Feb), IAPST Budapest (May), two BSSM sessions and UKCP (June). Conferences aren't a tick-box exercise, they're where the real thinking happens. #CICS #SexTherapy

In my conference era graphic with pictures of Julie speaking at various events, in fashionable outfits.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 19/08/2026

What can look like sexual compulsivity may actually be emotional regulation, pleasure or thrill-seeking. Neurodivergent clients may simply be finding ways to self-soothe. #CSBDiploma #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 17/08/2026

For some clients, CSB involves a moral conflict: a faith or cultural belief that solo sex or porn is wrong, followed by shame. Often the problem isn't the behaviour, it's the judgement placed on it. #CSBDiploma #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 14/08/2026

An enthusiastic "Yes" is more than a checklist item. True consent is dynamic, ongoing, and deeply relational. Our training equips therapists to safely navigate the nuances of autonomy and intimacy. Course info: enquiries@contemporaryinstitute.co.uk #CICS #Consent #Therapy

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 12/08/2026

An erotic conflict is when sexual pleasure feels out of step with your values, relationship code or cultural scripts. Left unspoken, it can lead to secrecy, shame and compulsive behaviour. #CSBDiploma #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 10/08/2026

Relationships don't stay vibrant by accident. They take quiet, consistent work: noticing, listening, and choosing to turn toward one another. We build the same principle into our training. #ReflectivePractice #CICS

Relationships don't stay vibrant by accident. They require the quiet, consistent work of noticing, listening, and choosing to turn toward one another.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 07/08/2026

We don't have a formal diagnostic criteria for 'sex addiction', only for Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder (CSB/CSBD). The debate in UK psychotherapy is whether sex can be addictive at all, and it's genuinely contested. #CSBDiploma #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 05/08/2026

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.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 04/08/2026

Proud to share Paul O'Beirne’s endorsement of our Cross Border Centre of Excellence training! This course fills a vital gap in psychosexual therapy across Northern Ireland & Republic of Ireland. Apps open: enquiries@contemporaryinstitute.co.uk or link in bio. #CrossBorderCentre

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 03/08/2026

Let's prove the algorithm wrong. Deep, reflective learning requires real attention, not short clips. Our training is built for therapists who want genuine depth and clinical excellence. #ProveTheAlgorithmWrong #LearnDifferently #PayAttention #TherapistTraining #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 01/08/2026

In our screen dominated, over productive lives we forget the importance of the small things. Spending time looking at the people we love, listen to their words, their stories about their day, their worries and concerns, their dreams. Switch off the phone, and be fully with the people you love.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 29/07/2026

Compulsive sexual behaviours are a rising client presentation, yet many therapists feel clinical anxiety tackling them. Our advanced Diploma gives you a robust, shame-free, pluralistic framework to practice with total confidence. Apply for the next intake: enquiries@contemporaryinstitute.co.uk

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 27/07/2026

Sound advice from our graduating Psychosexual Diploma students! For their final day, they created a graphic of key messages to help our incoming September cohorts prepare for the experiential, transformative journey ahead. Info: enquiries@contemporaryinstitute.co.uk #CICS

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 23/07/2026

DARVO This acronym gives us an excellent explanation of those experiences we can have when someone turns their wrongdoing back onto you. Rather than admit to being wrong and apologise some people will protect themselves from feeling shame to the grave.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

Our Diploma in Compulsive Sexual Behaviours is a specialist, qualifying pathway. You will learn to move past outdated, pathologising approaches and instead develop a deep, nuanced understanding of how these behaviours intersect with trauma, attachment, neurodivergence, and relationship dynamics.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 16/07/2026

Bringing a landmark standard of culturally attuned, specialist therapeutic training to local practitioners. Applications are officially open for our next cohorts under this exciting new initiative: Diploma in Pluralistic Psychotherapy & Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 15/07/2026

Meet Ryan Campinho Valadas, Co-Tutor for our Diploma in Psychosexual & Relationship Therapy! 🎓 Ryan is an HCPC & COSRT Registered queer-affirming therapist specialising in sexual health, LGBTQIA+ wellbeing, and consensual non-monogamy. Course info: enquiries@contemporaryinstitute.co.uk

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 13/07/2026

Ongoing professional development is what keeps psychosexual and relational health training relevant, responsive, and rooted in the realities our clients face. At CICS, our diplomas and courses are designed by practitioners, for practitioners.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 11/07/2026

World Population Day, recognised globally to reflect on reproductive health, family planning, and the wider social factors that shape people's lives. Practitioners trained to a genuinely high standard are part of a much bigger picture of public health and wellbeing.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 10/07/2026

This image was created by one of our Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy students for their ending day. In it they capture the key messages from their classmates to send to future CICS students to prepare them for their training. Lots of sound advice here!

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Our courses are built to challenge assumptions about who therapy and training are designed for, and to equip practitioners to work with the full diversity of the people who walk through their doors. Explore our accredited diplomas via link in bio.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 06/07/2026

CICS is proud to be an organisational member of UKCP Training and Accrediting, and we provide a direct pathway for our students to UKCP Registration following completion of our Advanced Diploma. Additionally, we are on the accredited register with the professional standards authority.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 02/07/2026

We are proud to share that our Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship therapy is accredited by the NCPS as an Advanced Specialist course, leading to the NCPS Specialist Relationship and Psychosexual Therapy Registers.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 29/06/2026

The second half of 2026 is shaping up. If you've been considering a specialist pathway, now is a good time to explore. #CICS #TherapyTraining

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 26/06/2026

Introducing Stephanie Bushell, Co-Tutor for our Diploma in Psychosexual and Relationship Therapy - BACP Senior Accredited supervisor & Tavistock-trained couple's psychotherapist. She trains NHS therapists for the Couples Therapy for Depression programme & BACP Expert Reference Group.

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CICS - Contemporary Institute of Clinical Sexology @cics-institute.bsky.social · 23/06/2026

Specialist psychosexual training built for Ireland. 🇮🇪 Cross Border Centre of Excellence - applications open for January 2027. #CICS #Belfast #PsychosexualTherapy

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