Even though they both fall under the umbrella of consensual non-monogamy, polyamory and open relationships are two very different things. Polyamory means having multiple romantic relationships at the same time, with the knowledge and consent of everyone involved. An open relationship is a relationship where the parties are free to take new partners. Whatever form of non-monogamy you practice or are interested in exploring, you and your partner(s) will have to navigate things like boundaries, safe sex, and jealousy. If you are running into issues or roadblocks, seeing a qualified mental health professional provides a safe and supportive space to discuss your concerns and improve communication skills. Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s polyamorous and open relationships experts today.
Maybe you haven’t dated other people since well…before you dated each other. And you’re trying to decide if non-monogamy is right for you. Or you’ve already opened up but you need help defining your boundaries and navigating jealousy. I'm here to support you on your non-monogamy journey!
— EO Mendelsohn, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in ,All relationships are honored.
— Michelle Tribe, Mental Health CounselorMy consent based approach is very applicable in addressing relationship based issues, and this has certainly been an important part of my work with clients in the past. In addition, this is something I have personal experience with as a Relationship Anarchist. In my experience, navigating a practice of love with multiple people taking into account attachment histories is sometimes very challenging but can also be very rewarding.
— Renya NeoNorton, Marriage & Family TherapistI currently receive supervision and training from advanced clinicians who specialize in working with clients on polyamorous and ethically non-monogamous relationships. I am also personally and professionally well-versed in varied polyamorous/ENM relationship structures, as well as accompanying challenges and issues.
— Mary Alice Reilly, Clinical Social Worker in Silver Spring, MDIf you are in an ethically non-monogamous relationship, chances are you’ve been asked inappropriate questions like if you all share a bed, and how the sex part works. The last thing you want to do is to have those conversations in therapy. I worked with many people in poly and open relationships and see diverse relationship structures as healthy and normal. This part of your life may or may not be the center of the work. Either way, shame and judgement won’t have any place in the conversation.
— Katie Bautch, Psychologist in Sacramento, CADo you feel like you can’t say how you really feel? Do you love your partner, and also realize no single person could, or even should be everything? Do you watch RomComs shouting “just date both of them!” You might be poly, swinging, or you might be somewhere in the middle; how you date, copulate, and relate is valid. Whether you are trying to explore who you are, come out, or do what you do better, I am here to replace the lack of Disney movies showcasing your flavor of romance.
— Cody Glover, Licensed Professional Counselor in Austin, TXPoly? Open? ENM? CNM? Triads? Quads? Hierarchical? Relationship anarchist? Prefer no label at all? No matter how your relationship is structured, I support you in feeling happier and more satisfied in your relationship(s) by helping you lay the groundwork for the foundation of any solid partnership: trust, open communication, and respect.
— Katherine Wikrent, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate in New Orleans, LAYou are experiencing jealousy and that what you want logically isn’t the same as the messy space you’re feeling inside. This can lead you to have low self-confidence which can affect what you feel about yourself in general. Therapy helps you identify your wants and needs, to parse through the feelings you’re having. We will help you develop your toolbox to help get clarity in what you want and to be able to talk about your needs in a way that is healthy.
— Open Space Therapy Collective, Licensed Professional Counselor in Los Angeles, CAAmy and has been attending teaching Ethical/consensual non-monogamy conferences and events for the last 10 years. She has experience working with clients (10-85) in the community and those interested in exploring non-monogamy, learning terminology, transitioning relationship dynamics, opening yourself up to dating, and how to break up or transition with out destroying a friendship.
— Amy Studer, Licensed Professional Counselor in , MONon-monogamy and polyamory break the conventional molds of relationships, often presenting unique challenges and requiring nuanced navigation. These relationship dynamics necessitate a complex balance of love, trust, and communication between multiple partners, and it is our mission to equip you with the tools and understanding to nurture these connections in a healthy and satisfying way. At CCC, we understand that non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships are not a one-size-fits-all model.
— Courageous Couples Counseling, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Rosa, CAIt can be difficult to seek help from someone that you feel doesn't understand your relationship structure. I have specialized training and an in depth understanding of concerns people face when adjusting to or maintaining consensual non-monogamy in their relationship(s).
— Pamela Duff, Mental Health Counselor in Maitland, FLThose who engage in non-mainstream relationships sometimes face special difficulties and challenges that many therapists are either untrained or inexperienced in addressing. Through both education and experience, I am knowledgeable about poly/ENM/open relationships, and I have experience working with diverse relationship groupings and the unique (and non-unique!) issues and conflicts that arise therein.
— Roxane Williams, Associate Clinical Social Worker in , CAI enjoy working with people in relationships that are unique and that are identified only by the people within them. That includes polyamorous and open relationships. I believe healthy communication is the key to the success of any relationship, regardless of how many people are in it or what their roles are. While I hope to offer relationship counseling in the future, I currently tend to work one-on-one with each person and sometimes combine the sessions if needed.
— Chandra Niklewski, Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor in HAGERSTOWN, MDI have been involved in the swinger lifestyle ("The LIfestyle") for several years now. I have helped numerous people understand and navigate the
— Monte Miller, Psychologist in Austin, TXAs someone who has lived experience in conscious non-monogamy I always knew that this was an issue that I wanted to support clients through. Polyamorous and Open Relationships are valid forms of relationships, but they only work when you put the work in to understand why you're drawn to it and communicate with your partners effectively. Working in relationships I utilize EFT, Gottman level 1, and Developmental Model (attachment and relationship stage based).
— Marjorie Boggs Vazquez, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in San Francisco, CAConsensual non monogamous relationships are growing every year and having a therapist who is versed and trained in this relationship structure is so valuable for people looking to enter polyamory in an informed manner, or to address issues that may arise in poly relationships. Knowing that you can come to therapy to address open relationship dynamics from a supportive, welcoming stance is the empowering experience many clients need.
— Leah Logan, Clinical Social Worker in Boise, IDRelationship structures outside of mononormative standards come with their own unique benefits and challenges. My job as a poly-affirming therapist is to dispel shame around non-monogamy and help guide you towards the most ethical and supportive practices. I have both personal and professional experience with non-monogamy and am a firm believer that we are all capable of giving and receiving the kind of love that fulfills us.
— Robin Roemer, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Los Angeles, CA