Non-monogamy, Polyamory, and Open Relationships

Expanding the Capacity for Love

Human beings have a remarkable capacity for connection. We may love our parents, siblings, children, friends, and partners — often all at the same time. Non-monogamy is one way to expand that capacity, allowing people to express romantic and/or sexual feelings for more than one partner.

Ethical Non-Monogamy

When practiced with honesty and consent, having multiple partners who all know about each other is called ethical or consensual non-monogamy. While it may seem obvious, it’s worth emphasizing: everyone involved must agree and feel respected in the relationship. Ethical non-monogamy is grounded in communication, trust, and care for all parties.

Types of Non-Monogamous Relationships

Non-monogamy comes in many forms. Some common styles include:

• Casual Dating or Casual Sex: Short-term, consensual connections outside primary relationships.
• Open Relationships: Committed partnerships that allow sexual connections outside the primary relationship.
• Swinging / Lifestyle: Focused on recreational sexual experiences with consent from all involved.
• Polyamory: Romantic and/or sexual relationships with multiple partners simultaneously, often with emotional intimacy.
• Triads / Throuples: Romantic or sexual relationships among three people.
• Polyfidelity: A closed group where multiple partners maintain commitment within the group.

Each style has unique dynamics, benefits, and challenges.

Challenges in Non-Monogamous Relationships

Opening or creating a non-monogamous relationship often raises questions that require careful reflection. Key considerations may include:

• Setting and respecting boundaries
• Managing jealousy and other intense emotions
• Coordinating time and commitments among partners
• Aligning values and shared goals
• Navigating difficult situations while maintaining trust

These issues are not trivial. They can feel complicated, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. Having guidance and support can make navigating these dynamics much easier.

Support Through Therapy

You are not alone in exploring or maintaining non-monogamous relationships. The therapists at Affirming Therapy Center are experienced in supporting individuals and couples in polyamory, open relationships, and other forms of ethical non-monogamy.

We provide a safe, non-judgmental space to discuss your experiences, explore your desires, and work through challenges. Therapy can help you:

• Communicate openly and effectively with your partners
• Recognize and address jealousy, insecurity, or anxiety
• Clarify your relationship values and goals
• Create relationship agreements that go beyond rules to reflect what each person wants and needs

Why Professional Guidance Helps

Non-monogamous relationships can bring joy, connection, and growth, but they also require careful navigation. A therapist can help you and your partners build a healthy framework for your relationships, ensuring that emotional well-being and consent remain central.

Therapy isn’t about telling you how to structure your relationships — it’s about helping you and your partners find clarity, balance, and fulfillment. It’s about supporting your values, your desires, and your unique journey.

To be clear: we are not “pro-polyamory” or “anti-monogamy”, but rather, we want each client to have a space to examine their own beliefs and the kind of relationship they will thrive in.

Your Journey, Your Choices

Exploring non-monogamy, polyamory, or open relationships can be deeply rewarding when approached thoughtfully. At Affirming Therapy Center, we provide compassionate, knowledgeable guidance to help you navigate this journey. Whether you are just beginning to explore these relationship styles or seeking support in an existing non-monogamous relationship, we are here to help you create meaningful, authentic, and fulfilling connections.

Our Therapists

The therapists at Affirming Therapy Center are both experienced in non-monogamy and trained to deal with the issues common to these diverse relationship constellations. We provide a safe place to discuss your issues and explore your dreams. We can help you create a relationship agreement that goes beyond a list of rules and gets to the core of what you each are looking for in your lives.

Meet our therapists who specialize in non-monogamy!