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.
Times are changing, and compulsory monogamy is on the way out. So many couples are “opening up” without support or education about what that may consist of. Modern healthy relationships are consensual, communicative, and respectful, no matter what the “rules” are. How do we know what we want in our relationships when we have been taught to feel ashamed of our desires? How do we navigate jealousy or fear in a way that is beneficial to our relationships? Let's explore boundaries and preferences!
— Lauren Sill, Marriage and Family Therapist AssociateI 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, COMy expertise with Polyamorous and Open relationships: I have worked with multiple couples exploring opening up their relationships, as well as navigating the complications that come from open relationships. I firmly believe that non-monogamy is not for everyone, and I am thrilled to help couples and moresomes navigate this rewarding way of engaging in relationships.
— Kelley O'Hanlon, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Redmond, WAI work with both individuals and couples who practice polyamory/non-monogamy (and otherwise). I have experience working with these relationship dynamics, and find the needed skills useful in many other areas of an individual's life.
— Jack Harmelin, Licensed Master of Social Work in Philadelphia, PAI work with people in all types of relationship structures. Whether you are a monogomous couple, a monogomous couple considering opening your relationship, partners in a newish ENM relationship that are struggling with issues around jealousy or boundaries setting, or you are in a long-tern poly relationship and navigating new triad dynamic, I can assist with navigating all of those complex dynamics. -Kink/Fetish/BDSM positive -LGBTQAI+ ally
— Anissa Bahrenburg, Sex Therapist in Portland, ORNon-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 welcome consensually non-monogamous partners. Whether it's just one of you or the whole polycule, I can help you find a way to love each other better.
— Anna Khandrueva, Therapist in Broomfield, COWhile ethical non-monogamy can be incredibly rewarding, it can also come with its own set of challenges. I offer a non-judgmental space where we can work together on those challenges. I work with folks experiencing jealousy, struggling to communicate their needs and boundaries, or just looking for support and guidance as they navigate the ups and downs of a relationship style that doesn’t always have a clear road map.
— Julia Markovitz, Marriage & Family Therapist in Philadelphia, PAMost of my clients are ENM and I have worked with a wide range of structures and experiences, whether just starting out or several decades in.
— Asel Kulmeshkenova, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Eagan, MNWhether navigating opening a monogamous relationship, engaging in consensual non monogamy, or practicing polyamory, it is critical to have the ability to make and keep agreements with your partners. Open relationships require strong communication and the ability to be vulnerable. I believe that a wide variety of relationship structures can work, and I enjoy teaching effective skills and tools for communication and emotional regulation.
— Adrien Monti, Sex Therapist in Roanoke, VABeing polyamorous can be difficult in a society that shames nonmonogamy. Many people incorrectly judge polyamory to mean someone is promiscuous, attention-seeking or lacking commitment. On the contrary, polyamory simply involves the belief that you can love more than one person at a time. The way that people chose to incorporate this belief into their relationships varies highly. Some people choose to have open relationships while others do not. Interested in learning more? Give me a call!
— Christina Kafalas, Clinical Social Worker in Tempe, AZMy personal and professional experiences with polyamorous relationships have led me to specialize in working with others within the community. I'd love to support you on your journey and help you navigate concerns about your poly relationships.
— Misty Gibson, Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Seattle, WAI help individuals and couples navigate the complexities and joys of non-monogamous, open, and polyamorous relationships. Clear goals, boundaries, trust, respect, consent, and communication are vital but not sufficient aspects to success in these partnerships. Whether you are newly considering opening up your relationship or have been a part of the community for some time, I’d be happy to help you explore, create, and thrive in the relationship structure that best suits your needs.
— Eric van der Voort, Sex Therapist in San Diego, CAThere remain many misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding this way of living. As a person with lived experience in this community, I am sensitive and attuned to the complex challenges (and rich rewards) that can come with polyamory.
— Timothy Rasmussen, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist Intern in Seattle, WAI work extensively with consensual non monogamy and help to identify boundaries, engage in emotional healing, and move towards connection.
— Samantha Tenner, Therapist in Denver, COBeing in a polyamorous or an open relationship can be rewarding and enriching. Feeling loved and connected to more than one person offers a variety of positive experiences and support. However, isn’t all sex and fun. Open relating is a lot of work, especially in the beginning. Are you thinking of opening up but don't know how to go about it? Or maybe you have opened up but it isn't going well. When it comes to polyamory, I walk the walk and talk the talk.
— Christine Falconer, Licensed Clinical Social WorkerPolyamory, open relationships, and swinging are becoming more accepted ways of creating and maintaining relationships in lieu of traditional monogamy. If you're non-monogamous, you may prefer to create and maintain connections with multiple partners. I specialize in working with individuals and poly families who need help with improving communication, sorting out hierarchies of relationships, addressing jealousy with metamours, healing infidelity/ broken agreements, and rebuilding trust.
— Tammy 'Kaia' Bruski, Sex Therapist in Denver, CO