Are you ready to expand your understanding of modern relationships, meet the needs of an increasingly diverse client base, and help your clients thrive authentically?
Since the publication of the seminal book The Ethical Slut: A Guide to Infinite Sexual Possibilities in 1997, the world of non-monogamy, polyamory, and relationship diversity has expanded and evolved. What was once considered a fringe topic has entered the mainstream, prompting important conversations about love, commitment, and intimacy.
With growing visibility of non-monogamous relationships, therapists are uniquely positioned to provide informed, non-judgmental support to clients navigating alternative relationship structures. From open relationships and polyamory to relationship anarchy and beyond, a profound cultural shift is underway—one that challenges conventional norms and embraces diverse ways of relating.
The statistics reflect this changing landscape:
- 23% of UK adults say they are open to non-monogamy
- According to a 2019 survey, 7% of UK adults have been in a consensual non-monogamous relationship, a rise from just 2% in 2015
- A third of heterosexual men and 11% of women are open to having more than one spouse or long-term partner
As new generations continue to question traditional relational frameworks, therapists must be prepared to support clients exploring these pathways with competence, empathy, and cultural sensitivity.
Learning Objective Participants Can Expect From This Event
- This interactive and reflective session will equip you with the knowledge and tools to confidently support clients exploring or engaged in ethical and consensual non-monogamy (ENM/CNM).
- We’ll dive into the history of monogamy and non-monogamy, examine relationship structures like polyamory, open relationships, and relationship anarchy, and explore their intersection with aspects such as attachment styles, boundaries, consent, self-esteem and sexuality.
- You’ll also gain practical tips for creating a safe space for clients, supporting those considering “coming out” to family and friends, and navigating the challenges of stigma and societal invisibility in mononormative cultures.
- Together, we’ll explore love beyond “the other half” and empower you to meet the needs of an evolving relational world.
Who is This Workshop Appropriate For?
- All counsellors and therapists committed to working inclusively.
How May This Workshop Impact Your Practice?
- Participants will gain confidence in working with clients who are considering or participating in non-monogamous relationships. It will provide important space and inspiration for reflective practice and provide essential knowledge on an increasing spectrum of relationship diversity.
Course Content
Presenter
Amy is an integrative therapist specialising in difficult relationships, confidence & self-esteem, anxiety & low mood and gender & sexuality, and trauma.
As a member of Pink Therapy, Amy is dedicated to providing inclusive support for LGBTQ+ clients and those exploring relationship diversity (Gender, Sexuality & Relationship Diversity). In her work with non-monogamous clients Amy has developed a specialist interest in this area, complemented by personal experience.
She brings experience working in both private practice and within services supporting survivors of domestic abuse, always with a trauma-informed perspective and a focus on supporting clients to build a life of freedom and authenticity.
Her insight on relationship diversity and modern love has been featured in The Sunday Times, Metro, Glamour and Mashable and she is passionate about supporting clients and counsellors alike to be curious in their relationship to love, in all its forms.
