Polyamory & Ethical Non-monogamy Therapy

Perhaps you are an individual or member of a couple that is ready to explore what non-monogamy might look or feel like for you. Maybe you suspect you might have a nonmonogamous relationship orientation or are simply curious. Perhaps you are in a previously monogamous relationship and wish to explore opening. While there are many resources out there (perhaps even an information overload), therapy can provide a unique tailored approach to your individual needs and vulnerabilities in the process.

One partner wants to open up and the other does not. This is an incredibly common reason why couples come to us for therapy. With empathy, tenderness, and curiosity, we begin to explore the deeper desires and unmet needs, attachment wounds and insecurities that bubble to the surface in a difficult situation such as this. Through this work we help couples assess and understand themselves and each other to determine the course forward for each partner.

Intimate relationships expose the most vulnerable parts of ourselves, often triggering childhood attachment wounds and behavioral patterns from past traumatic experiences. This can be especially challenging when there isn’t as much support and broader knowledge of understanding how to navigate these issues within multiple relationships or polycules. Communication issues and conflict resolution are some of the top reasons couples seek therapy, but these challenges must be addressed and explored uniquely for people practicing ENM or other alternative relationship styles.

Each of the therapists in our practice has their own unique style, but we all have shared values in working with ENM and alternative relationship structures. We understand relationships as complex systems, considering how any characteristic, behavior, or change within one individual impacts every other part of the relational system. We understand how developmental attachment trauma, internalized shame, systemic oppression and societal marginalization can shape and negatively impact an individual’s ability to build and maintain healthy relationships. This is an exceptionally unique experience for those who chart their own course by choosing to live and love outside of the norms of mainstream culture.

Every therapist at our practice identifies with some form of alternative relationship structure, from relationship anarchy to solo polyamory. Whether you are new to this world or well-seasoned and practiced, you can expect to talk to someone who can provide empathy, shared understanding, and authentic personal and professional experience.