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.
I have done a number of trainings related to poly and ethically non-monogamous relationships in addition to being in a ENM relationship myself. I know the difficulties with feelings (especially jealousy!), communication, and dealing with metamours. I can help you work through these issues on your own because you need to own these feelings. Remember, they're just feelings; how you handle them is what matters!
— Kylie Peele, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Raleigh, NCI have personal and professional experience with both poly and open relationships. There's more potential relationship structures than therapists to process them; therefore, I bring an open mind to what your particular structure is, how it changes over time, and how it serves you as you strive to live a unique life.
— David Lieberman, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Boulder, CONon-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, CAI have had the pleasure and privilege of working with clients with all kinds of relationship orientations. I have seen the beauty and expansiveness of non-monogamy first hand. I believe that all relationships are valid and deserve the chance to thrive and flourish. Unfortunately we live in a society that still has a very narrow vision of what relationships should be. In my practice, however, all relationships will be celebrated, supported, and affirmed.
— Danielle Goldstein, Marriage & Family Therapist in Denver, COI specialize in supporting individuals and couples navigating polyamorous and open relationships. I understand that these relationship structures can bring unique challenges and complexities, as well as opportunities for growth and fulfillment. I provide a non-judgmental space to navigate issues such as jealousy, communication breakdowns, establishing boundaries, managing time and commitments, and negotiating agreements that work for all parties involved.
— Catherine Liang, Clinical PsychologistI enjoy working with people who have a great capacity for love. When forming relationships, it's easy to get caught up in the moment and make statements like "forever" or "never" and later realize that it wasn't a promise you could keep. There are so many different ways to love and so many different kinds of relationships and kinds of fulfillment that we get from all those possibilities, it can be difficult to be tied to just one. I'm here to help you navigate the desires of your whole heart.
— Kristy Hayes, Licensed Professional CounselorAs a therapist in East Tennessee, I know that finding polyam-friendly providers can still be a challenge. Everyone deserves to have a non-judgmental and informed space to process. It would be a privilege to navigate your story with you, whether you are exploring non-monogamy for the first time, working through relationship issues in an established polyamorous relationship, or just wanting a therapist who understands that non-monogamy is part of your life.
— Lauren Green, Mental Health Counselor in Knoxville, TNWhether you're new to ethical non-monogamy or you’re experienced in practicing ENM or polyamory, I provide an affirming space to work through jealousy, boundary negotiation, and to process how your past experiences may be impacting your current relationships. I am an enthusiastically kink affirming and experienced clinician. Through gentle but intentional therapeutic process, you will gain clarity and safety in your expansive relational and sexual life. I love working with ENM couples!
— Alicia Dlugos, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Philadelphia, PAIf you're exploring various forms of ethical non-monogamy, kink, or other alternative lifestyles, I can support you in creating healthy relationships with yourself and partner(s). My specialization lies in working with individuals and relationship(s) who seek assistance in navigating issues around trust, communication, intimacy, hierarchy, veto power, jealousy, and sexual health. Mutual trust, consent and collaboration are at the heart of these lifestyles.
— Tammy 'Kaia' Bruski, Sex Therapist in Denver, COI 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.
— Jamila Dawson, Sex Therapist in , CAI work with individuals navigating consensual non-monogamy. Some of the common issues I work with include: deciding whether or not to open a relationship, working through jealousy, dealing with "new relationship energy", structuring your open relationship, time management, communication issues, etc.
— Meghan Arroyo, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Pasadena, CAI work with individuals, couples, triads, and polycules of all configurations to achieve healthy communication, reduce jealousy, negotiate boundaries, and resolve common conflicts experienced in non-traditional relationship styles. I work extensively to provide education to (and on) the polyam, ENM, CNM community and see these relationship styles as valid and healthy, not psychopathological.
— Farrah Bonnot, Licensed Professional Counselor in Denton, TXI 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, MDNon-Traditional relationships are one of my favorite areas to work with because they can present some of the ripest opportunities for personal growth. Going against the grain of society will always come with challenges. Communication and working with jealousy and insecurity are at the core of open relationship health. But let's also make sure this isn't a way of reinforcing avoidant attachment styles! Lots of growth to be had in this arena. Buckle up and lets do it in a healthy way!
— Theo Kuczek, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Oakland, CAI provide a judgement-free zone for couples who identify as non-monogamous. Like any relationship, it is important to maintain effective communication with your partners. Are you exploring what you want your relationship to look like? Do you need help establishing boundaries? Is there a transition in your life that has caused distress? I can empower and guide you towards living the life you want.
— Cassandra Hesse, Counselor in Austin, TXEvery relationship is different and has a unique dynamic. My experience with polyamorous and open relationships helps inform my perspective of working with you and members of you personal circle no matter how big it is, nor which genders it is comprised of.
— Beck Pazdral, Counselor in Seattle, WAMany individuals find joy in having close relationships on both sexual and emotional levels with multiple partners. These relationship styles require honest communication and healthy boundaries. As a trained sex therapist, I work with participants to strengthen communication skills and utilize resources that best support the sustainability of consensual and ethical non-monogamous relationship styles.
— Janice Leonard, Licensed Professional Counselor in Addison, TXNearly a quarter of my caseload has been centered around relationships that are practicing ethical non monogamy, transitioning into opening or closing their relationships, and other conversations around the impacts of society’s expectations for monogamy.
— Ajay Dheer, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern in Beaverton, ORWhether 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.
— Gwen Lotery, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in Santa Monica, CA