Polyamory and Open Relationships

Ethical Non-monogamy or Consensual Non Monogamy (ENM/ CNM) is an approach to relationships in which more than one sexual and/or romantic relationship may occur and all parties are aware, open and enthusiastic about it. Polyamorous relationships and open relationships both fall under the umbrella of ethical non-monogamy. These relationships all include additional partners but the rules around those relationships vary (ex: same status of other partner, casual vs romantic, sex only, etc). The definitions vary and there is no one right answer.

Partners in an open relationship often use this term when in a committed relationship but are exploring allowing one, both partners, or the couple to find an additional partner (often for sex) to manage discrepancies in sexual desire, lessen tension, spice things up, and others. Those who identify as polyamorous often take this on as an identity meaning they believe in loving more than one person. This title usually involves one partner, both partners separately, or the couple having additional partners for an emotional romantic relationship (more than just sex). There are different forms that are usually dependent on if one or both partners identify as poly, hierarchy of relationships, and level of involvement with other partners (all together, don’t talk, etc). All require consent and open communication to be successful.

In sessions, we will work on many of the same goals and issues as any other couples sessions but there is an extra emphasis on open communication, boundaries, and consent. Couples under this category often come to therapy due to feeling unfulfilled in the relationship, sexual desire discrepancies, one partner wanting to see other people while remaining with current partner, hoping to relieve tension, looking to spice things up, needing to live an authentic life, and typical couple issues