A polyamorous relationship is a form of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) where individuals have multiple romantic partners simultaneously, with the explicit knowledge and consent of all involved. This differs from casual dating in that the relationships are typically long-term, intimate, and emotionally committed.

Key elements often include:

• Honesty and Transparency: Open communication is the bedrock.
• Ethical Practices: All parties agree on the structure and agreements, which are often referred to as ethical non-monogamy (ENM).
• Relationship Diversity: Structures can vary widely (e.g., V-structures, triads, kitchen table polyamory, parallel polyamory).

Polyamory therapy is a supportive space for anyone involved in non-monogamous relationships who is seeking professional guidance. This therapy is for:

• Individuals who are curious about opening their relationship, struggling with jealousy, or needing support in asserting their boundaries.
• Established Couples (The “Anchor” or “Primary”) who are transitioning from monogamy to ENM and need help managing the shift in dynamic and agreements.
• Relationship Units (Dyads, Triads, Quads) seeking to improve communication, resolve internal conflicts, or establish clearer group agreements.
• New Relationships where a partner is new to the ENM dynamic and needs tools to integrate into an existing structure.
• Anyone feeling the isolation of navigating a non-traditional relationship in a mononormative society.
• Anyone feeling monogamish or interested in exploring the numerous possibilities available to relationships today.
• Couples in mono/poly relationships, or sometimes hybrid relationships, where one partner identifies as monogamous and the other as polyamorous. In this dynamic, the polyamorous partner has multiple relationships with the full knowledge and consent of the monogamous partner, who chooses to remain sexually exclusive with them.

Why seek out a therapist who specifically understands polyamorous dynamics? While general relationship counseling is helpful, an ENM-affirming therapist provides specialized expertise, leading to deeper, more effective outcomes:

• Mastering Communication: Learn tools like active listening, non-violent communication, and effective conflict resolution, which are essential when managing multiple partners’ needs.
• Managing Jealousy & Insecurity: Shift from seeing jealousy as a failure to seeing it as a message. We help you explore the roots of “compersion blocks” and develop self-soothing techniques.
• Setting Healthy Boundaries: Create and uphold clear, sustainable boundaries around time, intimacy, safer sex practices, and emotional investment that honor all partners.
• Processing Social Stigma: Gain validation and tools to cope with misunderstandings, judgment, or a lack of support from family, friends, and society.
• Defining Your Unique Structure: Gain clarity on what structure (e.g., hierarchical, non-hierarchical, solo poly) truly works for you, rather than conforming to external expectations.