Polyamory and ENM Therapists in Escondido, CA
I am deeply familiar with the polyamory and kink communities, and similar alternative lifestyle communities.
Hi, I’m Anitalyn (like Anita and Lyn put together into one word). I’m so glad you stopped by! I specialize in helping people cope with major life stressors, and even minor life stressors. Adjustment on any level can be really hard. My clients should leave my session feeling better about themselves and their lives, even if sometimes that means having to think about things in a way that can be hard. No matter what, every client should always feel valued and worthy. My style as a therapist is very down-to-earth, very focused on honoring the person you already are. Each session will very likely also include a poodle.
I am deeply familiar with the polyamory and kink communities, and similar alternative lifestyle communities.
Hi, I’m Anitalyn (like Anita and Lyn put together into one word). I’m so glad you stopped by! I specialize in helping people cope with major life stressors, and even minor life stressors. Adjustment on any level can be really hard. My clients should leave my session feeling better about themselves and their lives, even if sometimes that means having to think about things in a way that can be hard. No matter what, every client should always feel valued and worthy. My style as a therapist is very down-to-earth, very focused on honoring the person you already are. Each session will very likely also include a poodle.
People who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and many other emotionally painful conditions just wish they had someone to talk to. Multiple traumas often occur over time, often within an atmosphere of attachment disordered relationships, neglect, and/or abandonment. You may have experienced child abuse, sexual abuse, grief, and loss. You may have grown up with family addiction/ partner addiction. At this point in your life you want answers to why you end up in the same relationships, and you need assurance things can change.
People who struggle with Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, and many other emotionally painful conditions just wish they had someone to talk to. Multiple traumas often occur over time, often within an atmosphere of attachment disordered relationships, neglect, and/or abandonment. You may have experienced child abuse, sexual abuse, grief, and loss. You may have grown up with family addiction/ partner addiction. At this point in your life you want answers to why you end up in the same relationships, and you need assurance things can change.
I have extreme passion and enthusiasm for guiding clients through the journey of finding peace, balance, and happiness.
My specialty areas include: Depression, Anxiety, Mindfulness/Meditation, Relationships and Communication, Behavior Modification, Self Esteem/Worthiness, Geriatric mental health, and Substance Use/Chemical Dependency.
I am also fluent in American Sign Language.
I received my doctorate degree from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego.
I have extreme passion and enthusiasm for guiding clients through the journey of finding peace, balance, and happiness.
My specialty areas include: Depression, Anxiety, Mindfulness/Meditation, Relationships and Communication, Behavior Modification, Self Esteem/Worthiness, Geriatric mental health, and Substance Use/Chemical Dependency.
I am also fluent in American Sign Language.
I received my doctorate degree from the California School of Professional Psychology at Alliant International University in San Diego.
I'm licensed in New York, California, and Florida and have over the 30 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. My private practice is based on three principles which are building rapport, trust, and chemistry. Together we identify cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors and employ behavioral strategies to achieve the goal of greater peace of mind. I have a solution based approach to help you feel better and make progress in your personal journey. We will work on building a trusting environment and a safe place where you can share your story. I look forward to working with you to improve your life.
I'm licensed in New York, California, and Florida and have over the 30 years of experience in the field of social work and mental health. My private practice is based on three principles which are building rapport, trust, and chemistry. Together we identify cognitive distortions and maladaptive behaviors and employ behavioral strategies to achieve the goal of greater peace of mind. I have a solution based approach to help you feel better and make progress in your personal journey. We will work on building a trusting environment and a safe place where you can share your story. I look forward to working with you to improve your life.
Hello, my name is Edna, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. My intention when working with my clients is to provide a safe space where thoughts and behaviors can be explored freely. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based approach but will always be open to a dynamic experience depending on a client's needs. I strongly believe in meeting a client where they are. I approach my work from a strengths-based perspective, believing that a person is the expert in their own life. I approach understanding from a psychoeducation standpoint and will pull tangible tools from CBT.
Hello, my name is Edna, and I am a licensed clinical social worker. My intention when working with my clients is to provide a safe space where thoughts and behaviors can be explored freely. I work from a client-centered, strengths-based approach but will always be open to a dynamic experience depending on a client's needs. I strongly believe in meeting a client where they are. I approach my work from a strengths-based perspective, believing that a person is the expert in their own life. I approach understanding from a psychoeducation standpoint and will pull tangible tools from CBT.
People often feel disconnected from themselves or their partners—pulled away by the demands of daily life and left feeling ungrounded or unsure how to return to a sense of wholeness. They may carry shame, trauma, or struggle to find pleasure and closeness. Deep down, they long to feel safe within themselves, to reconnect with their authenticity, and to experience intimacy and love without fear or judgment. They want to come home—to their bodies, their relationships, and their sense of self.
People often feel disconnected from themselves or their partners—pulled away by the demands of daily life and left feeling ungrounded or unsure how to return to a sense of wholeness. They may carry shame, trauma, or struggle to find pleasure and closeness. Deep down, they long to feel safe within themselves, to reconnect with their authenticity, and to experience intimacy and love without fear or judgment. They want to come home—to their bodies, their relationships, and their sense of self.
Are you or your partner seeking to improve your relationship, resolve conflicts, or deepen your connection? I specialize in helping couples navigate the complexities of relationships in a safe & supportive environment. Services include pre-marital counseling and support for couples in crisis that are dealing with infidelity, separation, and/or parenting issues. I offer evidence based strategies to resolve disagreements, reduce tension, rebuild trust, intimacy & emotional connection. How? By learning about different love languages, emotional triggers, effective time out and self soothing strategies leading to healthier relationship.
Are you or your partner seeking to improve your relationship, resolve conflicts, or deepen your connection? I specialize in helping couples navigate the complexities of relationships in a safe & supportive environment. Services include pre-marital counseling and support for couples in crisis that are dealing with infidelity, separation, and/or parenting issues. I offer evidence based strategies to resolve disagreements, reduce tension, rebuild trust, intimacy & emotional connection. How? By learning about different love languages, emotional triggers, effective time out and self soothing strategies leading to healthier relationship.
My name is Marjorie Manuel, LCSW practicing in the state of California. I am very big on rapport building and involving the clients in driving their own treatments, which include active participation in goal setting and working on realistic expectations in therapy. My background experiences were focused on depression, anxiety, stress, counseling, mental health illness, substance use, grief, and military.
My name is Marjorie Manuel, LCSW practicing in the state of California. I am very big on rapport building and involving the clients in driving their own treatments, which include active participation in goal setting and working on realistic expectations in therapy. My background experiences were focused on depression, anxiety, stress, counseling, mental health illness, substance use, grief, and military.
You want to learn to be kinder to yourself, process your feelings, put yourself first without guilt, and heal from a past that’s holding you back. You can admit that you’re harder on yourself than you deserve and want this to change.
That's where I come in! I help teens, adults, and relationship structures explore their lives in order to improve their communication and strengthen their connections to themselves and their communities. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, confusion about life, sexual health curiosities, relationship stress, or major life transitions, I’m ready to meet you with warmth and care.
You want to learn to be kinder to yourself, process your feelings, put yourself first without guilt, and heal from a past that’s holding you back. You can admit that you’re harder on yourself than you deserve and want this to change.
That's where I come in! I help teens, adults, and relationship structures explore their lives in order to improve their communication and strengthen their connections to themselves and their communities. Whether you’re navigating anxiety, neurodivergence, confusion about life, sexual health curiosities, relationship stress, or major life transitions, I’m ready to meet you with warmth and care.
I specialize in couples therapy and relational work. Over time, many relationships settle into roles that create distance—over-functioning, conflict avoidance, gridlock, keeping score, walking on eggshells, or shutting down to cope. I support couples navigating parenting transitions, neurodivergence (ADHD/autism), military life, addiction recovery, and betrayal, with a focus on rebuilding communication, trust, and closeness. I also work with individuals facing relationship stress, trauma, burnout, and identity shifts.
I specialize in couples therapy and relational work. Over time, many relationships settle into roles that create distance—over-functioning, conflict avoidance, gridlock, keeping score, walking on eggshells, or shutting down to cope. I support couples navigating parenting transitions, neurodivergence (ADHD/autism), military life, addiction recovery, and betrayal, with a focus on rebuilding communication, trust, and closeness. I also work with individuals facing relationship stress, trauma, burnout, and identity shifts.
I work with individuals to improve their mental health and well-being. This is often focused around concerns with anxiety, depression, life transitions, career and school stress, grief/ loss, and pregnancy/ postpartum issues. I am extremely passionate about supporting maternal mental health and young adults finding their way.
In therapy, I believe the most important factor is the relationship between therapist and client. Therefore, I work from a collaborative, empathic, and nonjudgmental approach to assist you with gaining insight and finding solutions for the challenges you are facing.
I work with individuals to improve their mental health and well-being. This is often focused around concerns with anxiety, depression, life transitions, career and school stress, grief/ loss, and pregnancy/ postpartum issues. I am extremely passionate about supporting maternal mental health and young adults finding their way.
In therapy, I believe the most important factor is the relationship between therapist and client. Therefore, I work from a collaborative, empathic, and nonjudgmental approach to assist you with gaining insight and finding solutions for the challenges you are facing.
More Therapists Nearby
At Couples Chat Therapy in San Diego, I help couples and consensually non-monogamous partners break entrenched patterns that keep relationships stuck and disconnected. Whether you’re caught in the same arguments, navigating jealousy or trust, feeling unseen, or just drifting apart. We will work to disrupt these cycles and rebuild emotional safety and intimacy. I offer an affirming, honest space for monogamous, CNM, poly, same-sex, and queer relationships navigating love on their own terms.
At Couples Chat Therapy in San Diego, I help couples and consensually non-monogamous partners break entrenched patterns that keep relationships stuck and disconnected. Whether you’re caught in the same arguments, navigating jealousy or trust, feeling unseen, or just drifting apart. We will work to disrupt these cycles and rebuild emotional safety and intimacy. I offer an affirming, honest space for monogamous, CNM, poly, same-sex, and queer relationships navigating love on their own terms.
Ever wonder to yourself, "Why am I like this?", or "What is wrong with me that I can't just..."
That's me too, I’m Jae, a Bay Area-based therapist who found their way into this work hoping to become the therapist I couldn't find when I needed it most. Bring me your weird, your awkward, your YOU.
I bring a grounded, warm, and deeply curious presence to my work, infused with my authentic (and sometimes delightfully awkward) humanness. Try as I might, a blank slate therapist I am not—I tend to be direct yet gentle, results-oriented yet patient, and I’ll almost always laugh at a perfectly timed sardonic remark.
Ever wonder to yourself, "Why am I like this?", or "What is wrong with me that I can't just..."
That's me too, I’m Jae, a Bay Area-based therapist who found their way into this work hoping to become the therapist I couldn't find when I needed it most. Bring me your weird, your awkward, your YOU.
I bring a grounded, warm, and deeply curious presence to my work, infused with my authentic (and sometimes delightfully awkward) humanness. Try as I might, a blank slate therapist I am not—I tend to be direct yet gentle, results-oriented yet patient, and I’ll almost always laugh at a perfectly timed sardonic remark.
Do you want to learn to love deeper? Need to move through reoccurring bickering? Do you find yourself at the same point over and over again? I'm Joey. I'm a young queer Punjabi who loves building bridges and creating bonds. I specialize in non-traditional relationships and other queer and gay dynamics. I'm a relationship therapist with over 7 years of training in interpersonal connection, conflict resolution, and building strong relationships. All sorts of connection and relationships are at the core of everyday life.
Do you want to learn to love deeper? Need to move through reoccurring bickering? Do you find yourself at the same point over and over again? I'm Joey. I'm a young queer Punjabi who loves building bridges and creating bonds. I specialize in non-traditional relationships and other queer and gay dynamics. I'm a relationship therapist with over 7 years of training in interpersonal connection, conflict resolution, and building strong relationships. All sorts of connection and relationships are at the core of everyday life.
Society does a number on us and can make us believe there is something wrong with who we are. There's nothing wrong with you; it's our society and systems that are broken. I strive to bring compassion and warmth to my clients, aiming to create a soft place for you to land and be yourself. I can also provide loving firmness and gentle challenging so that you can be sure that you will grow and learn more about yourself through our work together.
Society does a number on us and can make us believe there is something wrong with who we are. There's nothing wrong with you; it's our society and systems that are broken. I strive to bring compassion and warmth to my clients, aiming to create a soft place for you to land and be yourself. I can also provide loving firmness and gentle challenging so that you can be sure that you will grow and learn more about yourself through our work together.
Mary 'molly'
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
2 Endorsed
San Diego, CA 92117
Waitlist for new clients
Landing on the labels "neurodivergent" and " polyamorous" allowed me to see myself as something separate from my struggles because the language offered me a chance to unpack ablism and toxic compulsory monogamy in a productive way, both for myself and my relationships.
As a AuDHD therapist, I aim to use my passion, love of learning (particularly around approaches like EMDR and IFS), and lived-experience to guide exploration of "self" in relation to our context so that each of us have room to observe our own existence with compassion, especially when unpacking oppressive and shame-based contexts.
Landing on the labels "neurodivergent" and " polyamorous" allowed me to see myself as something separate from my struggles because the language offered me a chance to unpack ablism and toxic compulsory monogamy in a productive way, both for myself and my relationships.
As a AuDHD therapist, I aim to use my passion, love of learning (particularly around approaches like EMDR and IFS), and lived-experience to guide exploration of "self" in relation to our context so that each of us have room to observe our own existence with compassion, especially when unpacking oppressive and shame-based contexts.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (CST), currently pursuing a doctorate in Psychology. In 2020, I founded Modern Sex, an organization devoted to providing resources for individuals seeking mental and sexual health support. My practice is guided by a trauma-informed approach grounded in experience working with marginalized communities. I utilize evidence-based modalities and integrate existential, relational, and humanistic therapeutic frameworks into my treatment planning.
I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) and an AASECT-Certified Sex Therapist (CST), currently pursuing a doctorate in Psychology. In 2020, I founded Modern Sex, an organization devoted to providing resources for individuals seeking mental and sexual health support. My practice is guided by a trauma-informed approach grounded in experience working with marginalized communities. I utilize evidence-based modalities and integrate existential, relational, and humanistic therapeutic frameworks into my treatment planning.
Affirming Sex-Positive Therapy for Neruodivergent Adults across CA who are exploring Ethical Non-Monogamy and Polyamorous Relationships
Are you just now learning that your brain has always worked differently?
My ideal clients are late diagnosed autistic adults who are finally starting to understand why life felt so much harder than it looked for everyone else. They come to me exhausted from masking, confused by relationships, and looking for a therapist who actually gets it, not just clinically but personally. Many also navigate kink, BDSM, or ethical non-monogamy and need a space where all of who they are is welcome. I meet them there, without judgment, and we figure out the rest together.
Affirming Sex-Positive Therapy for Neruodivergent Adults across CA who are exploring Ethical Non-Monogamy and Polyamorous Relationships
Are you just now learning that your brain has always worked differently?
My ideal clients are late diagnosed autistic adults who are finally starting to understand why life felt so much harder than it looked for everyone else. They come to me exhausted from masking, confused by relationships, and looking for a therapist who actually gets it, not just clinically but personally. Many also navigate kink, BDSM, or ethical non-monogamy and need a space where all of who they are is welcome. I meet them there, without judgment, and we figure out the rest together.
I have personal and clinical experience with LGBTQ+ folk, polyamorous couples & open relationships, and Hispanic communities.
Thank you for being courageous and hopeful in taking this step towards therapy. The sense of shame we all carry with us can prevent us from asking for help, and yet that is the most important step. My work is centered around freeing ourselves from this shame, and increasing self-compassion, self-awareness and presence in the world around us. Our relationships are our greatest teachers, and we need them for our sense of safety and security in the world. I am here to help you to have the relationships to yourself and to others that you have always wanted. It is definitely possible.
I have personal and clinical experience with LGBTQ+ folk, polyamorous couples & open relationships, and Hispanic communities.
Thank you for being courageous and hopeful in taking this step towards therapy. The sense of shame we all carry with us can prevent us from asking for help, and yet that is the most important step. My work is centered around freeing ourselves from this shame, and increasing self-compassion, self-awareness and presence in the world around us. Our relationships are our greatest teachers, and we need them for our sense of safety and security in the world. I am here to help you to have the relationships to yourself and to others that you have always wanted. It is definitely possible.
I work with many issues not limited to women’s and men’s issues, relationship issues, teen issues, young adult issues, LGBTQ issues, non monogamy/ polyamory, anxiety, depression, and more!
As a queer and polyamorous trans man, I have a unique outlook on life. I have personal and professional experience with the LGBTQ community. I create a warm environment and have an eclectic approach to therapy. I depend on the here and now as well as unconditional positive regard in the therapy space. I like to tailor my therapy style to the client.
I work with many issues not limited to women’s and men’s issues, relationship issues, teen issues, young adult issues, LGBTQ issues, non monogamy/ polyamory, anxiety, depression, and more!
As a queer and polyamorous trans man, I have a unique outlook on life. I have personal and professional experience with the LGBTQ community. I create a warm environment and have an eclectic approach to therapy. I depend on the here and now as well as unconditional positive regard in the therapy space. I like to tailor my therapy style to the client.
See more therapy options for Escondido
Nearby Polyamory & ENM Therapists Searches for Escondido
- Cardiff By The Sea
- Del Mar
- El Cajon
- Encinitas
- Fallbrook
- La Jolla
- Oceanside
- Poway
- Rancho Santa Fe
- San Marcos
- Solana Beach
- Vista
Open Relationships Non-Monogamy Therapists
Why might an individual want to see a therapist specializing 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 specialize in non-monogamous relationships but with whom they can build trust.
When should open or consensually non-monogamous partners seek counseling?
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 counseling 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.