An Introduction to Psychosexual Therapies
Wed, 22 January 2027 | 9am – 6pm | £95
Despite the prevalence of sexual difficulties in clinical populations, affecting up to one in five clients, these concerns remain among the most under-discussed in therapy rooms. This one-day intensive training provides a comprehensive introduction to the theory, assessment, and formulation skills essential for psychotherapists seeking to work competently with sexual and intimacy issues.
Moving beyond a narrow focus on dysfunction, the course adopts a biopsychosocial framework, recognising that sexual wellbeing is shaped by the dynamic interaction of biological health, psychological history, relationship dynamics, and cultural or religious narratives. You will explore how to differentiate between these domains, construct compassionate and clinically robust formulations, and build the confidence to open conversations that many clinicians avoid.
Suitable For: Qualified Psychotherapists
Duration: One Full Day (7 CPD Hours)
What You Will Learn:
- A grounding in the biological, psychological, and social contributors to common sexual difficulties
- An introduction to the cultural and religious dimensions of sexuality and their impact on shame, meaning-making, and healing
- A practical, step-by-step guide to biopsychosocial formulation, using the predisposing–precipitating–maintaining–protective framework
- Clear guidance on assessment techniques and when to refer for medical or specialist psychosexual intervention
- Increased clinical confidence in creating safe, non-judgemental spaces for sexual disclosure
Who Should Attend?
This course is designed for qualified psychotherapists, counsellors, and psychoanalytic practitioners, medical doctors, nurses and healthcare persons who wish to develop foundational competencies in psychosexual work. It is an ideal first step for those considering formal specialist training or accreditation with bodies such as COSRT or the Institute of Psychosexual Medicine, and equally valuable for general practitioners who wish to better address the sexual concerns that arise in their everyday caseloads.
Key Themes Covered:
- Sexual medicine and the psychotherapy interface
- Psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioural, and integrative approaches to sexual difficulties
- Gender, sexuality, and relationship diversity (GSRD)
- The role of religious background and cultural narratives in shaping sexual identity and experience
- The PLISSIT model as a triage tool for intervention
- Complex case formulation and multidisciplinary working
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this training, participants will be able to:
- Articulate a biopsychosocial understanding of sexual functioning and dysfunction
- Conduct a comprehensive psychosexual assessment and construct a dynamic formulation
- Differentiate between biological, psychological, relational, and cultural/religious contributors to sexual difficulties
- Create a therapeutic environment conducive to sexual disclosure
- Make informed decisions about intervention, referral, and further training needs
Delivery Style:
This interactive day combines didactic teaching, clinical case discussions, small-group formulation exercises, and reflective practice. Participants are encouraged to bring questions from their own clinical work (anonymised) for group discussion.
“This training transformed how I think about sexuality in my therapy room. The formulation model gave me a structure I could immediately apply, and I finally feel confident opening these conversations with clients.”
— Previous Delegate
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