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Translucent Leaves

Polyam & CNM Affirmative

Poly-Friendly Counseling

At ACIP, we believe that healthy romantic and sexual relationships can exist in variety of configurations. We understand that every relationship is unique, and we honor the diversity of ways in which adults can express love. For many people, polyamory is more than a chosen relationship structure, it is an important part of their identity.

 

If you are currently in a poly relationship, involved with someone who practices Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM), also called Ethical Non-monogamy (ENM), or “poly-curious” and wondering if non-monogamy might be right for you, you can rest assured that our poly-friendly therapists knowledgeable and affirming of non-traditional relationship structures and have experience working people navigating unique challenges associated with having multiple intimate relationships.  Our polyam-friendly therapists can help you explore the kind of relationship configuration that is best suited for you and your partner(s), so you can experience love and connection the way that is most aligned with your values as individual, a couple or a polycule.

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Counseling can be a valuable resource if you are considering CNM or if you are already in an CNM relationship. Our polyam-affirming therapists can help you:

  • Explore your reasons for wanting to explore CNM

  • Communicate effectively with your partners

  • Explore consent and hierarchy in relationships

  • Transitioning to CNM from monogamy

  • Set boundaries and negotiate agreements

  • Manage jealousy and other challenges

  • Cope with stigma and judgment

  • Navigate parenting responsibilities with multiple partners

  • Understand the impact of cultural differences & power dynamics

  • Navigate disclosure about being non-monogamous

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WE ARE HERE TO HELP.

Our inclusive and highly skilled team of therapists are here to support you. Request an appointment and our Client Care Coordinator will connect you to one of our therapists who will follow up with you to schedule a complimentary phone consultation.

Consensual Non-Monogamy

At ACIP, we work with individuals, couples and polycules from a poly-affirming, anti-oppressive foundation. The term Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) also called, Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM), describes a non-monogamous relationship that is based on principles of honesty, open communication and respect. CNM is an umbrella of open relationships, polyamory, swingers, monogamish, polyandry, and basically any relationship between consenting adults who are ethically not in a monogamous relationship.  CNM/ENM is considered "ethical" because it's based on open communication and consent, and all partners are aware of each other's relationships. This distinguishes ENM from infidelity or coerced relationships.

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There are many different types of CNM relationships, including:

  • Polyamory: Polyamory is a type of CNM in which people have multiple romantic or sexual partners with the knowledge and consent of all partners involved.

  • Open relationships: Open relationships are a type of ENM in which partners are free to have sexual or romantic relationships with other people, but they still maintain a primary relationship with each other.

  • Swinging: Swinging is a type of CNM in which couples exchange partners for sexual activity.

  • Polyfidelity: Polyfidelity is a type of CNM in which a group of people form a closed relationship with each other.

  • Kitchen Table Polyamory: is a relationship style that prioritizes the integration of multiple romantic relationships into a single group or life. It's characterized by a "chosen family" mentality, where partners and their partners can comfortably spend time together and build strong connections

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There are many benefits to CNM relationships, including:

  • Increased freedom and flexibility: CNM relationships can give people more freedom to explore their sexuality and meet their emotional needs.

  • Increased intimacy and communication: CNM relationships can require higher levels of communication and intimacy than monogamous relationships.

  • Increased diversity: CNM relationships can expose people to different perspectives and experiences.

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​​As a team of poly--affirming therapists, our work consist of supporting our  clients as they learn to design and navigate their CNM relationships, so that they can establish meaningful, healthy and thriving relationships.

Counseling for
CNM Relationships 

At ACIP, we work with individuals, couples and polycules from a poly-affirming, anti-oppressive foundation. Our poly-affirming therapy is rooted in the values of ethical non-monogamy: honesty, open communication and respect.

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While polyamory and CNM can provide satisfying relationships and rich opportunities for personal growth, it may also bring it’s own unique set of challenges. Some challenges associated with CNM relationships that bring folx to counseling, include"

  • Jealousy: Jealousy is an emotion that can be experienced in any relationship structure, however many non-monogamous folx find it helpful to process and explore their feelings of jealousy and learn to communicate about it in healthy way.

  • Time management: CNM relationships can require more time management than monogamous relationships. It is important to be able to balance time between partners and other commitments.

  • Social stigma: CNM relationships are still stigmatized in some parts of society. It is important to be prepared to deal with social stigma and discrimination.

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Utilizing a trauma-informed, culturally sensitive lens, we help clients develop tools for creating healthy relationships. We also support individuals in healing from past relationship traumas, and guide them in building romantic/sexual relationships that honor their needs, values, and cultural contexts.  We have experience working with a full spectrum of hetero and LGBTQ+ couples, partnerships and polycules, helping them navigate monogamous, polyamorous, and non-monogamous arrangements. Our goal is to help you and your partners get the most out of your life together and as long as it works for all parties involved.

 

Some of the benefits of poly-affirming therapy include:

  • Increased communication: Therapy can help you learn how to communicate more effectively with your partners. This is essential for any open, poly or non-monogamous relationship, as communication is key to maintaining trust and resolving conflict.

  • Better understanding of CNM or Polyamory: Therapy can help you better understand CNM and the different ways that it can be practiced. This can help you make informed decisions about your own relationships and avoid making assumptions about what your partners want or need.

  • Improved relationships: Counseling can help you improve your relationships with your partners. This can include building stronger bonds, resolving conflict, and managing jealousy.

  • Reduced stress: Therapy can help you reduce stress associated with polymory or CNM. This can include stress related to communication, jealousy, or other challenges.

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Poly-affirmative therapy can provide an opportunity to improve communication skills, set healthy boundaries, establish strong emotional bonds, and help individuals enhance their sexual intimacy.

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Other Psychological Services Offered at ACIP

In addition to working with the Poly/ENM community, at the Aguirre Center for Inclusive Psychotherapy we also specialize in working with other marginalized communities, including LGBTQIA+, Black, Latinx/Hispanic, and neurodivergent folx.  We offer a variety of psychological services both in-person and online therapy from Atlanta-based therapy practice and across the state Georgia.  Our stellar team of therapists and psychologists provide individual therapy and counseling for depression, anxiety, trauma, burnout, imposter syndrome, and more. We also offer couples & relational counseling for all genders and all relationship structures.   

 

We look forward to supporting you on your journey towards healing and wholeness.

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