Diploma in Pluralistic Practice for Compulsive Sexual Behaviour Disorder

Our course is divided into three 4 day modules:

1. Introduction to working with CSBD
2. Working with contexts and underlying issues
3. Maintaining recovery and beyond.

Each module provides distinct skills for working with different levels of compulsivity and client groups.

To see a detailed breakdown of each module, please take a look at our prospectus which is available in the 'Downloads' section below.

Attendance at all three modules is required to receive the diploma.

All applicants need to hold a diploma in counselling or therapy (to at least Level 4) or an equivalent professional qualification in a related field.

We run the course twice a year, one beginning in September (blended in-person and online) and the other beginning in February (online only).

Our training space for in-person sessions is based in Leamington Spa, Warwickshire.

February 2027 dates (Online only)

September 2027 dates (Blended)

Our September courses are delivered in a blended in-person and online format whereas our February courses are exclusively online. All of our training is live and direct with course tutors.

Cohorts are strictly limited to 16 trainees to ensure time and opportunity for reflection, interaction and experiential study and learning.

Accreditation requires attendance at all three modules within the same cohort and completion of three reflective mini assignments, a theory essay, a 2500 word casework assignment (based on 12 hours of supervised client work) and a learning portfolio.

We are also COSRT accredited (Level 7) and ATSAC approved.

The blended (in-person and online) September cohorts of this diploma are also recognised by NCPS with 'Advanced Specialist' status*.

Our online only February cohorts are recognised by NCPS with Quality Checked Online recognition**. (Please note, the content of the online course is identical to the blended one, but NCPS only award 'Advanced Specialist' status to courses with some in-person teaching. This is why the recognition is different).

*This course alone is not in and of itself a route to NCPS's Accredited Register nor does it guarantee a change in registrant grade for registrant members, nor does it guarantee a higher entry level of registrant grade on application to the Society.

**This course alone is not a route to the Accredited Register, nor does it equip a participant to refer to themselves as a qualified counsellor or as a ‘specialist’ in this area of work unless they have obtained relevant qualifications and experience to do so.

The fee for the course is £2750.

There is a 5% discount for students who are funded by a non-profit organisation.

There is also an early bird fee of £2450 for those who submit their application and pay their deposit in advance. The early bird deadline for the September 2026 cohort is 7th August.

Places are offered, subject to satisfactory references, following receipt of an application form, a recent photograph and a £500 non-refundable deposit.

The balance of the fee is payable at the start of the course though we can, by arrangement, accept payment of the balance in ten equal monthly instalments from the start of the course (interest free).

If you're ready to apply, please complete our online application form.

"This diploma has been a very comprehensive learning opportunity across the range of issues necessary to understand and work with sex addiction. I feel very invested and familiar with the key areas to enable me to develop skills as a therapist."

"This course has been packed full of information, and has given me lots of ideas regarding my own development and options for supporting ongoing work. I found the experiential elements really helpful in gaining insight, additional skills and knowledge that I will take forward into practice, and I feel this will be of real benefit to the clients I work with."

"Fully comprehensive and engaging course. Excellent delivery by expert practitioners in the field. The course has allowed and encouraged enormous personal growth and exploration. The graded exposure to material and techniques and real clients from module one helped to instil confidence to practice right from the start."

"Having undertaken quite a range of therapy and counselling trainings over a span of nearly thirty years, I would go so far as to say that the Laurel Centre level 5 training is one of the very best trainings I have experienced. The course content had appropriate depth and breadth and was presented in a lively and engaging way by all the tutors. I appreciated the respect the tutors showed for the prior experience of all the participants, and the way they demonstrated how this specialist training in working with compulsive sexual behaviour and sex addiction can best be used to build on, extend and enhance our existing practice. The expertise of The Laurel Centre and its tutors was evident throughout. Highly, highly recommend."

Read more testimonials.