What can a therapist specialising in open relationships and consensual non-monogamy help with?

Most people find it easier to discuss their emotions and struggles with someone they are confident will be non-judgmental and create a safe space for them. A therapist with experience helping partners involved in oopen or non monogamous relationships should be readily attuned to those clients’ particular challenges, such as power dynamics, boundary-setting, rule-making, and clear communication.

Which therapy types are most suitable for people involved in open relationships or consensual non-monogamy?

The technique a therapist uses will always be based on a client’s specific questions and concerns, whether it relates to relationship anxiety, sexual issues, attachment style, or self-esteem. A trained professional should be familiar with a range of techniques and one who has worked with people in non-monogamous relationships should be able to employ approaches that have succeeded for others, potentially including the Gottman method (solving problems and building intimacy), narrative therapy (exploring narratives about the individuals and the relationship), and cognitive behavioral therapy (targeting problematic thoughts to change behavior).

Why would an individual seek a therapist specializing in open relationships and consensual non-monogamy?

Consensual non-monogamous (CNM) relationships like polyamory, open marriages, swinging, monogamish connections, and relationship anarchy have become more common and accepted, but individuals may still feel pressure to keep that aspect of their lives quiet, and sometimes one partner is more comfortable being open about it than is the other. A therapist with CNM experience can recognise this vulnerability and hesitancy and help people feel heard and seen in a judgment-free environment in which they don’t need to explain or justify their relationship choices but can simply talk about their challenges.

What should someone seeking help with open relationships or consensual non-monogamy look for in a therapist?

As with any therapist, a client should inquire first about the professional’s training and licensing, and then make sure the clinician is someone with whom they feel comfortable and with whom they can discuss highly sensitive matters. A therapist familiar with consensual non-monogamy, whether or not they are in such a relationship themselves, could help clients speak freely about troubling thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to their relationship, lifestyle, or sexual orientation.