Polyamory & Kink Therapy

What exactly is polyamory or an open relationship?

While polyamory (poly) and open relationships involve other people outside the traditional two-person relationship, there is a difference.

Polyamory involves having multiple relationships in which love and emotional connections are the driving forces. Open relationships typically show having sex with other people while not forming relationships with them.

Another way to describe these relationships is by calling them ethical (or consensual) non-monogamy. Everyone involved is aware that monogamy does not form the basis of these and can navigate their relationships with that knowledge.

Studies have shown that those who take part in ethical non-monogamy can derive just as much relationship satisfaction as those in monogamous relationships.

Is an alternative relationship style right for me?

Whether you’re in a monogamous relationship but are curious about alternative relationships or you already practice ethical non-monogamy, this is a space to explore the intricacies of your interests.

All types of relationships require communication, empathy, and boundaries, and I can help you navigate how to be successful in the relationship you desire or currently have.

Whether you’re having poly or open relationship problems and would like to come to couples therapy with your partner(s) or if you have questions about alternative relationships, this is the space to talk about it!

Living Outside the Lines

There is a deeply ingrained stigma that individuals who engage in poly or open relationships are either cheating or just not mature enough to commit; however, this idea couldn’t be further from the truth.

People in these relationships still experience commitment, trust, sexual consent, mutual respect, deep emotional connections, jealousy, lack of communication, and even disconnect from their partner(s). They experience all the things that people in monogamous relationships experience.

Another misconception comes with those interested in kink and kinky sex, a lifestyle that differs from the typical “vanilla” relationship. There are many aspects to kink – common styles of kink include, but are not limited to, BDSM, fetishes, role-playing, or power plays. Many believe kink is unhealthy or even abusive, and this is not the case. Kink still involves consent and healthy relationships with everyone involved.

Regardless of the type of sexual relationship(s) you engage in, sex can and should still be comfortable, consensual, and enjoyable. Not everyone who practices non-monogamy is kinky, and not everyone who is monogamous is vanilla. All of this is multifaceted – there’s no one right way to have the sexual or romantic lifestyle you want.

If you need help in improving your relationships – whether, for non-monogamy or navigating kink – you’re not alone.

We can help you.

No topic is off-limits in our sessions.

Perhaps you’re considering exploring a different type of relationship. We can help you understand your options, decide whether to open the relationship or not, what to do when only one partner wants to be open/poly, and how to navigate all types of communication issues.

Suppose you’re new to this type of relationship. In that case, we can guide you in negotiating contracts and agreements, setting boundaries in open/poly relationships, consent during kink, and dealing with the stigma that may come from family, friends, and society.

Or you might be hoping to take your relationship to another level. We can help you in approaching your partner about issues such as group sex, sex with multiple people, swinging, role-playing, fantasies, or other ideas you might want to try.

And we will be here for you in times of trouble such as jealousy or anger, consent violations, broken agreements, or infidelity.

Whatever’s on your mind, we are here for you – in a safe, judgment-free environment.

Contact us today!