Welcome! Respark is a confidential, all-inclusive, group psychotherapy practice serving clients online and from offices in Denver, Colorado and Austin, Texas
We are a team of highly-specialized therapists with a combined 40+ years experience serving our clients’ individual and relationship needs. We provide the most up to date and effective therapy because our clinicians are highly trained in relationship issues as well as sexuality issues. At Respark Therapy, we commit to a judgment-free, compassionate and authentic relationship with you through every twist and turn of your journey.
Swinging or ethical non-monogamy can be a huge source of excitement and adventure and also pain, hurt and confusion. We are here to help you every step of the way. For some swinging is simply not for them, for others it’s a huge relief to find a relationship style that fits their need for adventure and exploration.
Many of our therapists and coaches at Respark have obtained advanced training from the world’s experts in swinging and open relationships. We specialize in therapy for swinging and can help no matter where you are in the journey.
Common concerns with swinging partners:
- Navigating Rules and Boundaries which swinging
- Navigating clear communication and honesty with your partner(s)
- Understanding and agreeing on the types of partners you want to “swing” with
- Finding a safe swinging space
- Navigating Jealousy and conversation around Infidelity
- Understanding if swinging is right for your relationship
- Issues around consent while swinging or at swinging clubs
- Navigating personal sexual values and belief systems
just want a therapist that is knowledgeable and affirming?
Many of our clients are in swinging relationships and just need a therapist that won’t judge or maybe a therapist that just “gets it.” Respark Therapists have some of the most advanced, up to date training specifically in swinging relationships.
Repark couples and sex therapists are highly trained in swinging relationships. Many have an additional certification and advanced training on the research and typical concerns.
Respark therapists are experienced in working with clients in swinging relationships. Many of us have been working with open relationships for over a decade. Additionally, many Respark Therapists have continued education with the world’s experts in the field of Consensual Non-Monogamous (CNM) Relationships through the Sexual Health Alliance’s Advanced Certification Program in order to become CNM Certified.
Respark also provides our therapists with up to date literature and studies on open relationships and swinging relationships and provides supervision with our founder and director Heather Mcpherson who has over a decade of experience working with open relationship style couples.
Understanding why you or your partner is interested in exploring this dynamic
It's always important to first understand whether or not swinging is a good choice for your relationship. Before deciding to embark on a swinging relationship, examine if your relationship is strong already. Plan on fully understanding and communicating why swinging is a good idea for your relationship before taking the next step. For some, swinging might sound enticing if you’re feeling like you want to branch out sexually but want to remain within your committed relationship.
What is swinging?
Swinging began as the practice of “wife-swapping” among U.S. Air Force pilots after World War II, swinging has spread across the globe and become quite popular on the Internet. Dr. Eli Sheff, one of the leading experts in polyamory and open style relationships, discusses how swinging became a concept. Many of our couples therapists and sex therapists have trained directly with Dr. Eli Sheff for multiple years.
Swinging is definitely the most well-known term when it comes to open style relationships. Swinging is a form of polyamory or open style relationships, but is specific in its definition to “swapping.” Swinging can and always will be defined differently depending on your own relationship dynamic, but most commonly swinging is defined as an open style relationship within a committed partnership.
“Swinging involves committed couples consensually exchanging partners specifically for sexual purposes. It is tremendously diverse, ranging from brief interactions between or among strangers at sex parties or clubs, to groups of friends who know each other and have socialized for many years.”
- Dr. Eli Sheff