Polyamorous and Open Relationships

I help clients in poly and open relationships by supporting them as they develop a greater sense of self through relationships with others. In my work with poly clients, we explore personal needs and how they are(n't) met and consider ways that these relationships can be structured.

I believe that all of us have a right to love and relate according to what feels appropriate and fulfilling to us. I have been practicing and researching polyamory for over 16 years.

I 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.

Poly, ENM, CNM individuals, couples+ and those that have been surprised by their partner's desire to be poly, will find affirming care in my therapy room.

I have both professional and personal experience in initiating and navigating ethically non-monogamous relationships. It can be a very exciting journey full of discovery and connection but it can also be challenging. I give partners and individuals tools and resources to understand and minimize the negative possibilities and enhance the positive ones.

I like helping poly folks and families deepen their connections through understanding and having compassion for each others'attachment styles, as well as take steps to define and honor the boundaries of all involved.

Relationship 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.

If you need to talk to a mental health counselor about something that happened during a scene with your metamour, call me. I get it. With me you will find a knowledgeable and affirming ally.

All relationships are honored.

Originally inspired by Dr. Ruth Westheimer, I knew I wanted to be a sex therapist someday. I just didn't know it was possible. After graduation I learned that I could specialize in sex therapy! So I did! As a graduate of U of M's Sexual Health Certificate Program, I welcome working with people in non-traditional relationships, whether they be open, poly, or "monogamish." I "get you" and honor your path! No "side eye" from me!

Originally inspired by Dr. Ruth Westheimer, I knew I wanted to be a sex therapist someday. I just didn't know it was possible. After graduation I learned that I could specialize in sex therapy! So I did! As a graduate of U of M's Sexual Health Certificate Program, I welcome working with people in non-traditional relationships, whether they be open, poly, or "monogamish." I "get you" and honor your path!

Clients should feel affirmed that polyamory is a valid lifestyle, and my practice is welcoming towards polyamorous people. Furthermore, I have over two decades experience understanding the diverse spectrum of the consensually non-monogamy communities.

Many therapists have a difficult time understanding polyamorous and open relationships and the specific opportunities and challenges that the lifestyle brings. There are innumerable ways to have relationships and I am open to exploring all the ways that you can have healthy and happy relationships. I generally see individuals, not couples.

Having intimate relationships with different boundaries than the default comes with unique joys and challenges. I am excited to support others with navigating the communication, boundaries, emotions, and practicalities that come up in ethical non-monogamy.

We work with relationships in all iterations of poly and open. We work with relationships just opening up, in the middle of a multi-decade poly marriage, deciding to close their relationship, or ending their relationship. We also see clients who are poly, want to know we're non-judgy of their poly ways, and then rarely bring it up in session. They just want to know that if it does come up, we won't judge them. We won't.

People open up their relationships to pursue more connection. Yet, living in a society that expects and prioritizes monogamy can often make this pursuit or practice feel isolating and insecure. Whether you’re newly considering the Lifestyle or have an established Polycule, I specialize in helping individuals—partnered or solo—work through this challenging process.

Negotiating the rules for non-monogamy isn't easy. And yes, there are rules. In fact, there are often more rules in open relationships than there are in "monogamous" couples. Monogamy used to mean one partner for life. Now it simply means one partner at a time. Though I myself am monogamous, I have helped many couples navigate the expectations and boundaries of their relationships- some who have faced infidelity and others who are opening their relationships for the first time.

Whether your involved in or wanting to explore an ethical non monogamous relationship, as a couple or solo I will help not only answer but ask questions that will guide you and have you better equiped for any bumps that lay ahead. There are plenty of informative books on this topic, together we will figure out a course that is tailored to you.

I have extensive training in and personal experience with Polyamory, Open Relationships, Ethical Non-Monogamy or Consensual Non-Monogamy issues. I have provided cultural competency training to a handful of service organizations and agencies over the years. Moreover, I have developed group curriculum for addressing major issues in polyamorous configurations.