Polyamorous and Open Relationships

I work with individuals, couples, triads, and polycules of all configurations to achieve healthy communication, reduce jealousy, negotiate boundaries, and resolve common conflicts experienced in non-traditional relationship styles. I work extensively to provide education to (and on) the polyam, ENM, CNM community and see these relationship styles as valid and healthy, not psychopathological.

Originally inspired by Dr. Ruth Westheimer, I knew I wanted to be a sex therapist someday. I just didn't know it was possible. After graduation I learned that I could specialize in sex therapy! So I did! As a graduate of U of M's Sexual Health Certificate Program, I welcome working with people in non-traditional relationships, whether they be open, poly, or "monogamish." I "get you" and honor your path!

If you're exploring various forms of ethical non-monogamy, kink, or other alternative lifestyles, I can support you in creating healthy relationships with yourself and partner(s). My specialization lies in working with individuals and relationship(s) who seek assistance in navigating issues around trust, communication, intimacy, hierarchy, veto power, jealousy, and sexual health. Mutual trust, consent and collaboration are at the heart of these lifestyles.

I've worked with many clients who have engaged in various forms of ethical non-monogamy in individual and couples sessions. I've had friends who engaged in ethical non-monogamy since I was in undergrad. I tried it myself, but didn't find it was a good fit for me I educate clients about ethical non-monogamy as an option if they have historically been monogamous. I educate clients about how to do it well cause it involves a lot of communication and negotiation of needs as well as clear boundaries.

While your relationship orientation may come easily to you and your partners, the world around us can really complicate things. From navigating our nuclear families to traditional institutions, it can all add additional stress to your relationships. All relationships take work. Growing and changing together with those we care most about, that is an accomplishment. Partnerships of all shapes and sizes welcome.

I often work with clients to better understand their partner(s) wants and needs, especially as they arise in relation to open relationships and polyamory. I have worked with clients during all stages of the "opening up" process and with multiple types of open relationships (swinging, polyamory, and open relationships).

There remain many misunderstandings and stigmas surrounding this way of living. As a person with lived experience in this community, I am sensitive and attuned to the complex challenges (and rich rewards) that can come with polyamory.

Whether you’re new to ethical non-monogamy or have years of experience, I offer an affirming space to explore jealousy, boundaries, and how past experiences shape your relationships. As a kink-affirming clinician experienced in ENM, I support open, honest communication and emotional balance. Together we’ll explore your values, identify limiting beliefs, address insecurities, and help you to create the relationship structures that fulfill and empower you.

I work extensively with consensual non monogamy and help to identify boundaries, engage in emotional healing, and move towards connection.

Are you ethically non-monogamous? Awesome! I work specifically with the polyam/ENM and kink communities. I also have lots of experience helping clients who are interested in EMN but not sure how to safely change their relational dynamics.

I have extensive work with a variety of ways relationship can be defined in regards to open/non monogamy/ENM and other ways of labeling non traditional relationships. I help you find meaning in your relationship, explore what it may mean by opening your relationship up, or looking at the obstacles that may be present through building trust, safety, grounded agreements, and clear communication/goals.

I have had the pleasure and privilege of working with clients with all kinds of relationship orientations. I have seen the beauty and expansiveness of non-monogamy first hand. I believe that all relationships are valid and deserve the chance to thrive and flourish. Unfortunately we live in a society that still has a very narrow vision of what relationships should be. In my practice, however, all relationships will be celebrated, supported, and affirmed.

I work with couples and ENM partnerships from an attachment perspective - helping partners identify the patterns that are rooted in attachment wounds and unmet attachment needs. I help partners communicate in a deeper, more attuned way to promote closeness, understanding, and intimacy. I am especially skilled at supporting partnerships that are struggling with the effects of discrimination due to their LGBTQ+ identities and/or ENM relationship structure.

Poly? Open? ENM? CNM? Triads? Quads? Hierarchical? Relationship anarchist? Prefer no label at all? No matter how your relationship is structured, I support you in feeling happier and more satisfied in your relationship(s) by helping you lay the groundwork for the foundation of any solid partnership: trust, open communication, and respect.

Being polyamorous can be difficult in a society that shames nonmonogamy. Many people incorrectly judge polyamory to mean someone is promiscuous, attention-seeking or lacking commitment. On the contrary, polyamory simply involves the belief that you can love more than one person at a time. The way that people chose to incorporate this belief into their relationships varies highly. Some people choose to have open relationships while others do not. Interested in learning more? Give me a call!

I have personal and professional experience working with individuals who are a part of the poly and ENM communities. I find working with this community (of which I am a part of) very rewarding and critical given how marginalized and unsupported this population is.

As a Poly-Friendly Professional, I am affirming of relationships of all structures and specialize in assisting individuals dealing with the complexities of multiple intimate connections. I offer compassionate guidance for those seeking to expand the boundaries of their current relationship, as well as those who are already practicing non-monogamy. I’m experienced in supporting couples who are considering opening up their relationship or marriage for the first time.

We treat individuals and couples in both traditional and non-traditional relationships. Our staff is knowledgeable on both personal and professional levels with non-traditional relationship styles, and loves supporting those looking to create security and ease in how they relate.

I have both professional and personal experience in initiating and navigating ethically non-monogamous relationships. It can be a very exciting journey full of discovery and connection but it can also be challenging. I give partners and individuals tools and resources to understand and minimize the negative possibilities and enhance the positive ones.

I welcome polyamorous couples and polycules in my practice. For eight years I have been on the board of Bay Area Open Minds, a therapist collective focusing on alternative relationship models.