Course Philosophy

In line with specialist ScoPED and revised COSRT psychosexual and relationship therapy competences, the training is run at postgraduate Level 7. All NAOS trainees must already be qualified generic practitioners prior to starting (minimum 2 years counselling, psychotherapy, or psychology training, or equivalent).

At the heart of the course is the intentional use of self and "beyond schoolism" (Clarkson 2010) — the programme is formational rather than "information" based.

Key Philosophical Commitments

Strong commitment to all communities and client populations, with deepened sensitivity to a wide range of gender, sexuality and relationship expressions

Acknowledgement of the complexity and richness of human experience

Recognition and valuing of intersecting identities that clients bring to the therapeutic space

Graduates are called to serve everyone, be they "mainstream" or "erotically marginalised"

Critical awareness of power dynamics, systemic inequalities, and the lived experiences of both privileged and marginalised communities

Joint cultural enquiry based on cultural humility, intersectionality, and GSRD principles

Each module is designed to align with this philosophy, whether focusing on clinical assessment, the therapeutic relationship, or addressing psychosexual concerns. The aim is to develop practitioners acutely aware of the social, cultural, and political contexts that shape the lives and relationships of their clients, while also being able to exercise clinical judgement.

NAOS wholly endorses MoU2 and, alongside its accrediting bodies, agrees that ethical practice requires the practitioner to have adequate knowledge and understanding of gender and sexual diversity and cultural differences, and to be free from any agenda that favours one gender identity or sexual orientation.

Over the past 85 years or so, sexual and relationship therapy has developed beyond the original parameters of the work. The course has moved the field from more traditional medical approaches toward encompassing issues that impact the client's total environment, including relationship and gender status, family, professional, cultural influences, and trans-generational issues.