Poly Relationship Training 05/20/2017

The purpose of this workshop is to introduce mental health practitioners to polyamory and the therapeutic issues they can face when serving clients in polyamorous relationships. It begins with defining Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) and contrasting it with cheating/adultery. Then it explores the primary types of Consensual Non-Monogamy practiced in the United States: Open Relationships, Polygamy, Swinging, Polyamory, Monogamish Relationships, and Relationship Anarchy.

This workshop looks at therapeutic issues facing people in CNM relationships, both internal to and external of the relationship. Internal issues vary by person, and often include dealing with jealousy, conflict, and boundary negotiation. Issues that are external to the relationship often include facing stigma, coming out to families of origin, and therapist bias.

In the workshop we will also identify at least three expressions of therapist bias and a discussion of the ethical issues inherent in combatting therapist bias. Practitioners will also obtain tools to recognize and address their biases, and/or provide appropriate referrals.

There will be exploration of the advantages and disadvantages associated with poly families and relationships, which will utilize research from a 20-year study to include an explanation of the ways in which these families affect children.

Register at www.SexTherapistNat.com