Many Loves: Preparing Counselors to Work With Polyamorous Clients

Abstract

Polyamory and other forms of consensual non-monogamy (CNM) represent a limited yet increasingly common approach to intimate relationships. This article opens with definitions and estimated prevalence of CNM. It summarizes recent research on attitudes toward polyamory among both mental health clinicians and the public, including how these attitudes impact polyamorous people. The article includes recommendations for counselors that are grounded in the principles of Relational-Cultural Therapy: increasing knowledge of polyamory, examining personal bias, practicing affirmatively, and avoiding inappropriate focus on clients’ relationship styles. The article concludes with a call for further research and development of competencies for counseling polyamorous clients.

Keywords:

• Affirmative counseling
• consensual non-monogamy
• mononormativity
• polyamory
• Relational-Cultural Therapy