Open Relationships Non-Monogamy Therapists in Fort Severn, ON
My career as a therapist started as a career in theatre and film due to my love of narrative and storytelling. Over time, I became more interested in how the stories we believe about ourselves shape how we live our lives. I use scientifically supported treatments like CBT to explore these stories and see how helpful or not they are. Of course, we often already know that something isn't working, but it can be hard to believe anything different. To that end, our sessions usually include seeking out new experiences to develop new perspectives. My clients tell me they're surprised by how much more they can do than they first thought.
My career as a therapist started as a career in theatre and film due to my love of narrative and storytelling. Over time, I became more interested in how the stories we believe about ourselves shape how we live our lives. I use scientifically supported treatments like CBT to explore these stories and see how helpful or not they are. Of course, we often already know that something isn't working, but it can be hard to believe anything different. To that end, our sessions usually include seeking out new experiences to develop new perspectives. My clients tell me they're surprised by how much more they can do than they first thought.
Reaching out for help can be scary, so I am glad you are taking the first step. We all face times in our life where things seem overwhelming, stressful or hopeless. Whether you are feeling that way because of anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, bullying or parenting challenges, I am here to help. With over 7 years of experience working with individuals with developmental, intellectual and learning disabilities, I know everyone moves at their own pace and that is okay! If you are facing problems that seem too big to handle on your own, we can work together to find solutions that work for you.
Reaching out for help can be scary, so I am glad you are taking the first step. We all face times in our life where things seem overwhelming, stressful or hopeless. Whether you are feeling that way because of anxiety, depression, self-esteem issues, bullying or parenting challenges, I am here to help. With over 7 years of experience working with individuals with developmental, intellectual and learning disabilities, I know everyone moves at their own pace and that is okay! If you are facing problems that seem too big to handle on your own, we can work together to find solutions that work for you.
Open Relationships Non-Monogamy Counsellors
Why might an individual want to see a therapist specialising in open relationships and consensual non-monogamy?
A client seeking help with an open or consensually non-monogamous relationship will prefer to talk with a professional whom they can count on to be nonjudgmental. Talking with a supportive therapist may on its own help relieve some of the stigma and challenges partners face. That said, the most important factor in the success of any type of therapy is the ability of the client and practitioner to form a strong, trusting bond. For this reason, an individual or couple could find success with a therapist who does not specialise in non-monogamous relationships but with whom they can build trust.
When should open or consensually non-monogamous partners seek counselling?
Like other couples, polyamorous partners typically seek counseling when they face relationship challenges they can’t solve themselves. In non-monogamous relationships, this could include breaches of trust, including infidelity; unclear rules or violations of boundaries; jealousy of outside partners; the stress of juggling the needs of multiple partners; or the effect of high partner turnover on children. Like those of other couples, polyamorous bonds can be threatened by increasingly frequent arguments, poor or dysfunctional communication, diminished emotional or physical intimacy, or the feeling that something is wrong, even if they don’t know what it is.
Do therapists have special training to gain expertise in open relationships and consensual non-monogamy?
No, but individuals seeking help with non-monogamous relationships would most likely consult a licensed professional with specific training in couples counseling or couples therapy. Couples counselling and couples therapy both involve teaching concrete strategies to navigate conflict in relationships. A good therapist can engage both partners as they explain these approaches but can also work with a single partner.
How long does therapy for consensually non-monogamous couples typically last?
Couples therapy for any type of couple, tends to be relatively time-limited, lasting around 12 weeks on average. A good therapist will tailor sessions to the individual partners’ emotions and sometimes their past, along with patterns found to be repeating in the relationship. In many cases, clients should expect their therapist to assign “homework” between weekly sessions.