Non-Monogamy & Polyamory

“Infinite diversity in infinite combinations.” - Vulcan philosophy, Star Trek

Relationships don’t have to follow a single template to be healthy, loving, and committed. Whether you’re exploring non-monogamy, practicing polyamory, navigating an open relationship, or considering opening a previously monogamous relationship, therapy can help you create agreements, communication patterns, and connections that align with your values and support sustainable, ethical partnerships.

What is non-monogamy?

Non-monogamy is an umbrella term for relationship structures that involve romantic and/or sexual connections with more than one person. Like an ice cream shop, there are countless flavors and combinations, and each relationship’s version of non-monogamy will look different.

Types of non-monogamy can include:

  • Polyamory

  • Open relationships

  • Relationship anarchy

  • Swinging

  • Mongamish

  • And more!

A chart showing different types of nonmonogamy categorized by sexual exclusivity and emotional exclusivity. It includes levels such as monogamy, monogamish, polyfidelity, open marriage/relationship, swinging, asexual and polyamorous, poly-imitates, hierarchical polyamory, nonhierarchical polyamory, solo polyamory, and relationship anarchy.

These categories are not rigid or exhaustive, and many people move between structures or combine elements from multiple relationship styles.

Image from Polysecure by Jessica Fern

Why do people seek therapy for non-monogamous relationships?

Non-monogamous relationships face many of the same challenges as monogamous relationships:

  • Communication difficulties

  • Trust concerns

  • Conflict resolution

  • Intimacy issues

  • Life transitions

Non-monogamous relationships may also involve unique conversations:

  • Navigating being a hinge partner

  • Metamour relationships (relationships with your partners’ partners)

  • Time management

  • Navigating multiple attachments