Open Relationships Non-Monogamy Counselling in England

Photo of Sarah Marzillier, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Sarah Marzillier
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
Hi, I'm Sarah. I specialise in trauma/PTSD, spirituality, and sexual and relationship issues. I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware. I am sex positive and supportive of diverse relationship orientations, sexualities and lifestyles. I am very experienced in third wave CBT, the trauma therapies (including EMDR) and energy psychology. I have just completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy.
Hi, I'm Sarah. I specialise in trauma/PTSD, spirituality, and sexual and relationship issues. I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware. I am sex positive and supportive of diverse relationship orientations, sexualities and lifestyles. I am very experienced in third wave CBT, the trauma therapies (including EMDR) and energy psychology. I have just completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy.
01904 929110 View 01904 929110
Photo of Natalie Clarke, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Natalie Clarke
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
This is an non-exhaustive list but I work with: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, depression, disability, trauma, stress, relationship breakdowns and conflicts, sexuality (including psychosexual work), questions or issues around gender, non-monogamy/ polyamory, issues with family of origin, work problems, and exploring/working with with marginalised identities).
I work with a wide variety of people, but people who have seen me include queer people, trans and non-binary people, neurodivergent people (especially ADHD and autistic women and afab people), people who are non-monogamous, people from a working class background, people of colour, sex workers, and people who practice kink/BDSM. I also frequently work with people who have auto-immune or chronic illness, and those with Long Covid. My therapeutic approach is influenced by queer theory, intersectional feminism and disability justice.
This is an non-exhaustive list but I work with: abuse, anxiety, bereavement, depression, disability, trauma, stress, relationship breakdowns and conflicts, sexuality (including psychosexual work), questions or issues around gender, non-monogamy/ polyamory, issues with family of origin, work problems, and exploring/working with with marginalised identities).
I work with a wide variety of people, but people who have seen me include queer people, trans and non-binary people, neurodivergent people (especially ADHD and autistic women and afab people), people who are non-monogamous, people from a working class background, people of colour, sex workers, and people who practice kink/BDSM. I also frequently work with people who have auto-immune or chronic illness, and those with Long Covid. My therapeutic approach is influenced by queer theory, intersectional feminism and disability justice.
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Photo of Debbie Clements - Debbie Clements MA. LGBT+, Trans, Queer,Relational, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred, Psychotherapist
Debbie Clements MA. LGBT+, Trans, Queer,Relational
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
Online Only
12+ years in practice (25years+ in mental health). Are you LGBT+? Queer? Trans? Questioning? Are you coming out or transitioning? Navigating polyamory/non monogamy? Facing a challenging work or relationship issue? Struggling with low mood or self-worth? Otherwise, experiencing challenges? When we're not able to safely be our true selves we experience poor mental health and may suffer with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and relationship difficulties. I offer a welcoming, listening ear and an exploratory collaborative counselling style to help you gain clarity, relief and find ways forward with the issues that are troubling you.
12+ years in practice (25years+ in mental health). Are you LGBT+? Queer? Trans? Questioning? Are you coming out or transitioning? Navigating polyamory/non monogamy? Facing a challenging work or relationship issue? Struggling with low mood or self-worth? Otherwise, experiencing challenges? When we're not able to safely be our true selves we experience poor mental health and may suffer with anxiety, low mood, self-esteem and relationship difficulties. I offer a welcoming, listening ear and an exploratory collaborative counselling style to help you gain clarity, relief and find ways forward with the issues that are troubling you.
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Photo of Deepa Pagarani, DCounsPsych, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Deepa Pagarani
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
I specialise in working with relationships, helping you to as a couple to communicate your needs better and feel less stuck, have a greater emotional and sexual connection, and helping you to navigate through life's challenges that can impact the quality of your relationship and ultimately your happiness. I also work with individuals who may want to have therapy in the context of their relationship. These are the areas that I can help you with: infidelity, fertility, attachment styles and differences, polyamory, sexual and emotional intimacy, improving your communication skills and exploring if this relationship is right for you.
I specialise in working with relationships, helping you to as a couple to communicate your needs better and feel less stuck, have a greater emotional and sexual connection, and helping you to navigate through life's challenges that can impact the quality of your relationship and ultimately your happiness. I also work with individuals who may want to have therapy in the context of their relationship. These are the areas that I can help you with: infidelity, fertility, attachment styles and differences, polyamory, sexual and emotional intimacy, improving your communication skills and exploring if this relationship is right for you.
020 4538 5152 View 020 4538 5152
Photo of Sara Hagerman, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Sara Hagerman
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
I also work with issues around kink/BDSM, and non-traditional ( polyamory/non-monogamous) relationship styles.
I believe that therapy allows you to take a more active role in understanding and experiencing your emotions. When we are not aware of our emotions or ideas, it can mean we act out certain behaviours – or experience certain feelings - without knowing why. And while we might be able to tolerate this for some time – perhaps even for a long time - I believe there is a difference between surviving and living. Developing a closer – or less mysterious - relationship with ourselves can allow us to go beyond living life passively and begin to really experience it.
I also work with issues around kink/BDSM, and non-traditional ( polyamory/non-monogamous) relationship styles.
I believe that therapy allows you to take a more active role in understanding and experiencing your emotions. When we are not aware of our emotions or ideas, it can mean we act out certain behaviours – or experience certain feelings - without knowing why. And while we might be able to tolerate this for some time – perhaps even for a long time - I believe there is a difference between surviving and living. Developing a closer – or less mysterious - relationship with ourselves can allow us to go beyond living life passively and begin to really experience it.
020 3984 7728 View 020 3984 7728
Photo of Louise Styles, PhD, CPsychol, Psychologist
Louise Styles
Psychologist, PhD, CPsychol
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clients come to me when they are experiencing distress in their relationships, with their sex lives or within themselves. Whether they are seeking help in processing a string of messy break-ups, exploring alternative relationship such as polyamory or intimacy styles such as kink and BDSM, dealing with cheating, shame, guilt or regret, or suffering from low self-esteem and feeling stuck. I listen, reflect, and support my clients with identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviour patterns. Nothing is taboo or too shocking to bring to me. Also experienced in delivering workshops and seminars to groups, media and educational settings.
Clients come to me when they are experiencing distress in their relationships, with their sex lives or within themselves. Whether they are seeking help in processing a string of messy break-ups, exploring alternative relationship such as polyamory or intimacy styles such as kink and BDSM, dealing with cheating, shame, guilt or regret, or suffering from low self-esteem and feeling stuck. I listen, reflect, and support my clients with identifying unhelpful thoughts and behaviour patterns. Nothing is taboo or too shocking to bring to me. Also experienced in delivering workshops and seminars to groups, media and educational settings.
01489 357115 View 01489 357115
Photo of Eva Koumpli, Psychotherapist
Eva Koumpli
Psychotherapist
Verified Verified
Are you experiencing sexuality, gender identity or relationship challenges? Are you struggling with poor body image, an eating disorder or addiction? Do you need a highly experienced trauma-informed psychotherapist, who can help you in a safe and empathic way? Whether it’s trauma, anxiety, compulsive sexual behaviour, painful sex, unreliable erections, mismatched desire, infidelity, polyamory, gender identity, body image, loss, your relationship to food, or family/parenting difficulties, I'm here for you.
Are you experiencing sexuality, gender identity or relationship challenges? Are you struggling with poor body image, an eating disorder or addiction? Do you need a highly experienced trauma-informed psychotherapist, who can help you in a safe and empathic way? Whether it’s trauma, anxiety, compulsive sexual behaviour, painful sex, unreliable erections, mismatched desire, infidelity, polyamory, gender identity, body image, loss, your relationship to food, or family/parenting difficulties, I'm here for you.
020 3962 0058 View 020 3962 0058
Photo of Dinah Purton, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Dinah Purton
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialise in relationships, life stages/transitions, fertility, and neurodiversity (esp ADHD). I have a particular interest in working with people creating their lives outside their comfort zone, or away from social norms; many are facing new challenges - from realising they are neurodivergent, to surviving a fertility journey or experimenting with polyamory. (Please note I am currently only seeing adult individuals, not couples/families)
I specialise in relationships, life stages/transitions, fertility, and neurodiversity (esp ADHD). I have a particular interest in working with people creating their lives outside their comfort zone, or away from social norms; many are facing new challenges - from realising they are neurodivergent, to surviving a fertility journey or experimenting with polyamory. (Please note I am currently only seeing adult individuals, not couples/families)
07410 758475 View 07410 758475
Photo of Sophie Lawton, MNCPS Acc., Psychotherapist
Sophie Lawton
Psychotherapist, MNCPS Acc.
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am experienced in working with issues to do with gender and sexuality, relationship diversity ( polyamory, non-monogamy etc) and provide an LGBTQ+ affirmative practice, but welcome clients from all backgrounds.
I am an integrative therapist, meaning I draw on multiple approaches and theories in my practice, but my way of working has been particularly shaped by relational psychotherapy and attachment theory. This means I believe that the relationships we experience in our early lives affect our later ways of relating to both ourselves and others. I believe that therapy is a fundamentally relational endeavour - not that people are broken and therefore need to be “fixed” - but rather that through working together we can come to new ways of relating, understanding and being.
I am experienced in working with issues to do with gender and sexuality, relationship diversity ( polyamory, non-monogamy etc) and provide an LGBTQ+ affirmative practice, but welcome clients from all backgrounds.
I am an integrative therapist, meaning I draw on multiple approaches and theories in my practice, but my way of working has been particularly shaped by relational psychotherapy and attachment theory. This means I believe that the relationships we experience in our early lives affect our later ways of relating to both ourselves and others. I believe that therapy is a fundamentally relational endeavour - not that people are broken and therefore need to be “fixed” - but rather that through working together we can come to new ways of relating, understanding and being.
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Photo of Fabio D'Apice - Working Through, MA, COSRT General, Counsellor
Working Through
Counsellor, MA, COSRT General
Verified Verified
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
I work with people who might be struggling with sexual or relationship difficulties such as erectile dysfunction, rapid or delayed ejaculation, anxiety around sex, relationships and intimacy issues, sexual abuse or assault, sexual health issues, compulsive sexual behaviours, vulval pain conditions, vaginismus, dyspareunia (pain during intercourse), sexual orientation questions or insecurities, pornography issues, orgasmic or anorgasmic problems, sexual phobias or aversions, fears around lack of sexual experience, loss of desire, affairs, marital break ups, open relationships, kinks, bdsm, polyamory, addictions, codependency, trauma.
020 8103 5619 View 020 8103 5619
Photo of Michelle Rudd, MBACP, Counsellor
Michelle Rudd
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
I am gender-affirming, kink-aware, polyamory positive and LGBTQ+ friendly and have experience with working with clients with a range of neurodiversity.
I am a compassionate and highly skilled therapist specializing in individual and relationship therapy. I am dedicated to helping clients navigate complex relationship issues, enhance communication, and foster deeper connections. My inclusive and non-judgmental approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all. Life can be tough - depression, anxiety, trauma, grief - the list can go on and on. Relationships can lose their way, and the daily work of human interconnection can become challenging. Let's find a way forward together.
I am gender-affirming, kink-aware, polyamory positive and LGBTQ+ friendly and have experience with working with clients with a range of neurodiversity.
I am a compassionate and highly skilled therapist specializing in individual and relationship therapy. I am dedicated to helping clients navigate complex relationship issues, enhance communication, and foster deeper connections. My inclusive and non-judgmental approach is tailored to meet the unique needs of each client, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all. Life can be tough - depression, anxiety, trauma, grief - the list can go on and on. Relationships can lose their way, and the daily work of human interconnection can become challenging. Let's find a way forward together.
01299 667713 View 01299 667713
Photo of Philip Norbury, MUKCP, Counsellor
Philip Norbury
Counsellor, MUKCP
Verified Verified
I work well with clients who have already begun their journey of self-discovery and healing, who are curious about themselves and are open to trying new things. Perhaps you have already experienced psychotherapy and you did not get from it quite what you hoped. My clients often report difficulties in their relationships, self-limiting beliefs, anxiety, depression, bereavement or unacknowledged and unresolved childhood trauma. I am interested in spirituality, sexuality, polyamory, parts work, generational trauma, dysfunctional family life, the nervous system, self-harm, developmental and event trauma, relational and somatic work.
I work well with clients who have already begun their journey of self-discovery and healing, who are curious about themselves and are open to trying new things. Perhaps you have already experienced psychotherapy and you did not get from it quite what you hoped. My clients often report difficulties in their relationships, self-limiting beliefs, anxiety, depression, bereavement or unacknowledged and unresolved childhood trauma. I am interested in spirituality, sexuality, polyamory, parts work, generational trauma, dysfunctional family life, the nervous system, self-harm, developmental and event trauma, relational and somatic work.
01227 947215 View 01227 947215
Photo of Ellie Cree, MBACP, Counsellor
Ellie Cree
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients and am passionate about helping you gain greater insight into yourself, your relationships, and the interplay between your conscious and unconscious mind. My areas of special interest include boundary setting, childhood trauma, LGBTQ+ affirmation, identity exploration, shame resilience, non-traditional relationship structures (such as non-monogamy and polyamory), sexuality, kink/BDSM, gender, and self-discovery.
I’ve had the privilege of working with a wide range of clients and am passionate about helping you gain greater insight into yourself, your relationships, and the interplay between your conscious and unconscious mind. My areas of special interest include boundary setting, childhood trauma, LGBTQ+ affirmation, identity exploration, shame resilience, non-traditional relationship structures (such as non-monogamy and polyamory), sexuality, kink/BDSM, gender, and self-discovery.
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Photo of Dominica Hamilton-Leathart, MA, MBACP, Counsellor
Dominica Hamilton-Leathart
Counsellor, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Finally, I'm a trans woman, and I categorically affirm LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, kink and polyamory.
I'm a fully qualified person-centred counsellor and PhD candidate in counselling studies. We are all affected by adversity at one time or another and sometimes feel overwhelmed and defeated. You may be feeling depressed, anxious, lost, or in any number of different states that are making life incredibly difficult. I will offer a warm and welcoming environment to help you thoroughly explore what's happening for you. Having a safe space to explore what's hurting you can be transformative, creating new possibilities that help you heal, grow, and find solutions.
Finally, I'm a trans woman, and I categorically affirm LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, kink and polyamory.
I'm a fully qualified person-centred counsellor and PhD candidate in counselling studies. We are all affected by adversity at one time or another and sometimes feel overwhelmed and defeated. You may be feeling depressed, anxious, lost, or in any number of different states that are making life incredibly difficult. I will offer a warm and welcoming environment to help you thoroughly explore what's happening for you. Having a safe space to explore what's hurting you can be transformative, creating new possibilities that help you heal, grow, and find solutions.
01623 272419 View 01623 272419
Photo of Lucas Voclere - Lucas Voclere Counselling & Psychotherapy (Online)
Queer French Neurodivergent Online Counsellor, I focus on personal development, gender & sexual identity, relationships (including polyamory/ENM/CNM), sexuality, neurodiversity, and cultural identity (including expat life).
Are you confused, stuck and/or curious about developing your authentic self, fostering healthier and more adequate relationships or finding ways to manifest purposeful life changes & realise your true potential? Do you need a Therapist who is experienced with LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, cultural identity, ENM/CNM/ polyamory matters? A facilitator for your own individual process or a mediator for you and your partner(s), friends and/or polycule? If this speaks to you, I can help. I provide an online tailored humanistic & existential counselling, psychotherapy and coaching to individuals & small groups; both in English and in French.
Queer French Neurodivergent Online Counsellor, I focus on personal development, gender & sexual identity, relationships (including polyamory/ENM/CNM), sexuality, neurodiversity, and cultural identity (including expat life).
Are you confused, stuck and/or curious about developing your authentic self, fostering healthier and more adequate relationships or finding ways to manifest purposeful life changes & realise your true potential? Do you need a Therapist who is experienced with LGBTQ+, neurodiversity, cultural identity, ENM/CNM/ polyamory matters? A facilitator for your own individual process or a mediator for you and your partner(s), friends and/or polycule? If this speaks to you, I can help. I provide an online tailored humanistic & existential counselling, psychotherapy and coaching to individuals & small groups; both in English and in French.
0117 456 2963 x44 View 0117 456 2963 x44
Photo of Rachel Seymour, MA, COSRT General, Psychotherapist
Rachel Seymour
Psychotherapist, MA, COSRT General
Verified Verified
I also work through a GSRD lens - for example, I believe that everyone (regardless of relationship style) can benefit from the skills developed through polyamory (for example communication).
Hi, I'm Rachel. I am a psychosexual and relationship therapist. I work with people from all backgrounds and walks of life, although most often I work with clients who fall into the category of gender, sexuality or relationship diverse (GSRD), whether that means someone is kinky, polyamorous, a sex worker, queer (or a combination!). I work with people on a wide variety of issues: I see couples who want to work on improving communication in their relationship; I see individuals who are struggling to identify what they want sexually; I see people who want a space to process their feelings more generally.
I also work through a GSRD lens - for example, I believe that everyone (regardless of relationship style) can benefit from the skills developed through polyamory (for example communication).
Hi, I'm Rachel. I am a psychosexual and relationship therapist. I work with people from all backgrounds and walks of life, although most often I work with clients who fall into the category of gender, sexuality or relationship diverse (GSRD), whether that means someone is kinky, polyamorous, a sex worker, queer (or a combination!). I work with people on a wide variety of issues: I see couples who want to work on improving communication in their relationship; I see individuals who are struggling to identify what they want sexually; I see people who want a space to process their feelings more generally.
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Photo of Rosalind Simpson, COSRT Accred, Psychotherapist
Rosalind Simpson
Psychotherapist, COSRT Accred
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
City Dynamic Therapy also offers bespoke 2 or 3 day weekend intensive therapy for individual couples worldwide Rosalind Simpson is LGBTQ+ friendly and open to polyamory, kink/ consensual BDSM.
Rosalind Simpson Individual and Couples Counsellor & Psychotherapist City Dynamic Therapy Dalston Hackney East London N16 Rosalind Simpson is an experienced individual and couples counsellor and psychotherapist based at City Dynamic Therapy in Dalston Hackney East London N16. She offers a range of therapeutic services, including psychosexual (sex) counselling. Rosalind works with clients face-to-face in Hackney East London and worldwide via Zoom, providing support for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and relationship and sexual challenges. A sex-positive and inclusive therapist welcoming individuals and couples
City Dynamic Therapy also offers bespoke 2 or 3 day weekend intensive therapy for individual couples worldwide Rosalind Simpson is LGBTQ+ friendly and open to polyamory, kink/ consensual BDSM.
Rosalind Simpson Individual and Couples Counsellor & Psychotherapist City Dynamic Therapy Dalston Hackney East London N16 Rosalind Simpson is an experienced individual and couples counsellor and psychotherapist based at City Dynamic Therapy in Dalston Hackney East London N16. She offers a range of therapeutic services, including psychosexual (sex) counselling. Rosalind works with clients face-to-face in Hackney East London and worldwide via Zoom, providing support for issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, and relationship and sexual challenges. A sex-positive and inclusive therapist welcoming individuals and couples
020 3856 8640 View 020 3856 8640
Photo of Natalie Wood, MA, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Natalie Wood
Counsellor, MA, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
I have additional specialisms in: LGBT counselling, neurodivergence (ADHD and autism), working with people affected by HIV, and working with polyamory/ethical non-monogamy.
At various points in our lives, we all experience feelings, thoughts and events that we find challenging. You might be feeling anxious or depressed, finding it difficult to come to terms with something that has happened in the past, or worried about what the future will bring. Perhaps you feel stuck in a difficult situation, or caught between what seem like impossible choices. You may be seeking an opportunity to think about who you are, what is important to you, and the kind of life you want to lead.
I have additional specialisms in: LGBT counselling, neurodivergence (ADHD and autism), working with people affected by HIV, and working with polyamory/ethical non-monogamy.
At various points in our lives, we all experience feelings, thoughts and events that we find challenging. You might be feeling anxious or depressed, finding it difficult to come to terms with something that has happened in the past, or worried about what the future will bring. Perhaps you feel stuck in a difficult situation, or caught between what seem like impossible choices. You may be seeking an opportunity to think about who you are, what is important to you, and the kind of life you want to lead.
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Photo of Anna Victoria Williams, COSRT General, Psychotherapist
Anna Victoria Williams
Psychotherapist, COSRT General
Verified Verified
Online Only
I am also polyamory/ethical non-monogamy friendly and trauma informed.
I have worked for the NHS, Terrence Higgins Trust and Ealing Abbey Counselling Service working with individuals and couples from a diverse range of backgrounds. I have experience of providing in depth long-term therapy on complex issues such as the effects of conversion therapy as well as providing short term therapy for the NHS. I aim to resolve sexual problems and improve my client's overall well being, their self esteem and their relationships. I do this through the use of Psychosexual tools such as sensate focus and through allowing the client to discuss their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
I am also polyamory/ethical non-monogamy friendly and trauma informed.
I have worked for the NHS, Terrence Higgins Trust and Ealing Abbey Counselling Service working with individuals and couples from a diverse range of backgrounds. I have experience of providing in depth long-term therapy on complex issues such as the effects of conversion therapy as well as providing short term therapy for the NHS. I aim to resolve sexual problems and improve my client's overall well being, their self esteem and their relationships. I do this through the use of Psychosexual tools such as sensate focus and through allowing the client to discuss their thoughts and feelings in a safe and non-judgemental environment.
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Photo of Abi Parkins, MSc, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Abi Parkins
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
My space is sex positive, kink positive and polyamory positive.
I am excited to work with anyone who is curious about themselves and the world. I enjoy facilitating self-understanding and compassion. The environment of our work holds a safe space for people to bring all that they are. I am interested in working with all sorts of clients of any age or background. You might particularly enjoy working with me if you have felt dismissed or disrespected in other spaces, for example as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have space for individuals and couples. Currently have space for couples at a concessionary rate as a Trainee Sex & Relationship Therapist near the end of my training.
My space is sex positive, kink positive and polyamory positive.
I am excited to work with anyone who is curious about themselves and the world. I enjoy facilitating self-understanding and compassion. The environment of our work holds a safe space for people to bring all that they are. I am interested in working with all sorts of clients of any age or background. You might particularly enjoy working with me if you have felt dismissed or disrespected in other spaces, for example as a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. I have space for individuals and couples. Currently have space for couples at a concessionary rate as a Trainee Sex & Relationship Therapist near the end of my training.
0117 463 9372 View 0117 463 9372
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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.