Open and Polyamorous Relationship Counselling
Why it is important to have a CNM aware counsellor?
Having a counsellor who is CNM-informed or has lived experience with consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is essential for feeling genuinely understood and supported in therapy.
Many CNM clients feel judged by their therapist, and a significant portion even feel pathologized—often hearing assumptions that CNM is unnatural, problematic, or indicative of commitment issues.
With a CNM-aware counsellor, you get someone who actually gets where you're coming from, which makes therapy so much more supportive and productive.
Here’s why it matters:
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Zero Judgment: I won’t make negative assumptions about your relationship style, so you feel respected.
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Relevant Insights: I understand CNM dynamics and can offer support that actually fits your lifestyle.
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Deeper Empathy: Having lived experience, I can empathize with the unique challenges of CNM, like jealousy management, setting boundaries, and balancing multiple relationships.
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Effective Tools and Strategies: You’ll get tools that are actually designed for CNM relationships, so you’re not just getting “one-size-fits-all” support.
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Validation and Support: You won’t have to explain or defend your relationship style, so you can focus on what you actually want help with.
In short, I get it, respect it, and can help you make the most of therapy without you feeling judged or misunderstood.
What can you see a CNM aware counsellor for?
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Navigating opening up the relationship
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Managing jealousy or fears around losing each other within your existing relationship
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Managing the emotional toll of seeing your partner with someone else
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Maintaining emotional closeness while exploring outside connections
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Addressing feelings of neglect or imbalance in time spent together
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Strengthening communication, trust, and security
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Clarifying boundaries with metamours (partner’s partners)
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Handling conflict about new partners
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Addressing asymmetrical desires
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Exploring different relationship structures
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Dealing with societal judgment
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Sexual health in CNM
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Or anything else that is playing for you
What happens in a first relationship counselling session?
In your first relationship counseling session, you can expect a compassionate and non-judgmental environment where I will listen attentively to your experiences and challenges. You’ll have the opportunity to share your thoughts while receiving support and guidance. Together, we'll explore your relationship dynamics and discuss your goals for therapy. The session will focus on fostering understanding between you and your partner(s), ensuring that you feel heard and validated.
How do I prepare for a first session?
Take some time to reflect on your goals and identify the key issues you'd like to address. Bring any questions you have about the counselling process and approach the session with an open mind.
What do I do when my partner doesn’t want to come?
You can come to counseling on your own. Many people find that attending sessions alone can help them gain clarity about their feelings, understand their needs better, and develop strategies for communication and conflict resolution. It's a great opportunity to explore your concerns and decide how you want to approach the relationship. When one person makes a change, it can significantly alter the dynamics of the relationship. You’ve got the power to make a difference just by working on yourself! If your partner(s) become(s) open to the idea in the future, we can discuss how to integrate them into the process.
Should we first come to sessions together or on our own?
You can choose either or both options. Having an individual session to start with can give clarity and insight that will be beneficial for when you come together. Starting together can help establish a collaborative tone and open communication right away. If you are in doubt, reach out by scheduling in an enquiry call where I can guide you with making the most ideal decision.
