Polyamory Therapy in Washington
Evidence-Based, Compassionate Therapy for Individuals or Couples
ReSpark Group is a premier therapy practice, with industry-leading clinicians, helping clients with relationships and sexual wellness. With ReSpark, you get the benefits of working with one of the biggest couples therapy and sex therapy groups in the country. All clinicians receive continuous supervision, consultation, and advanced education. ReSpark offers evidence-based, effective therapy and coaching. Clinicians obtain world-class sex therapy and couples therapy training from the Sexual Health Alliance.
Our team personally matches every patient with an expert who has the right personality and education for the best outcomes. Your time is valuable, and it's our goal for you to quickly develop rapport with someone who is a good fit for you and your needs.
ABOUT OUR POLYAMORY THERAPY IN WASHINGTON
WHAT IS A POLY RELATIONSHIP?
A polyamorous relationship is typically defined as an open style relationship, where all partners involved consensually agree to multiple romantic and/or sexual relationships with other partners. The main difference between polyamory and open relationships is that polyamory can consist of loving multiple people and having intimate, loving relationships with more than one partner.
WHAT IS POLYAMORY THERAPY?
Respark’s Polyamory therapy is an inviting, safe space to discuss your relationship diversity. Whether you’re looking for continued support from someone who understands and celebrates your poly relationships, or if you’re curious but hesitant to explore this new lifestyle, Respark is here to start healthy and productive conversations about polyamory and setting your poly journey up for success.
One common reason people engage in polyamory is for their understanding that one partner alone does not meet all of their needs. Ester Perel discusses that those in monogamous relationships typically see and expect their partner to fulfill all of their needs and roles: best friend, caregiver, vacation partner, parent, etc. Whereas in polyamory, people understand that one person cannot simply meet all of their needs, so they are able to find partners who fill other roles. People also engage in polyamory as they feel like they naturally love more than one person, and want to be able to find and experience love as they come across it.
Just want a therapist that is knowledgeable and affirming?
Clients tell us we're friendly, down to earth and approach therapy in a collaborative manner. We offer a holistic, gentle yet direct, and tailored approach that includes well-researched theories with a relational foundation. Together, we will learn new techniques, assign at-home exercises, reading assignments, conduct in-session guided exercises and other activities that make therapy and coaching fun and productive. We'll work together to form an approach that will be tailored to your goals. Leading researchers, including Esther Perel, Brené Brown, John Gottman, David Schnarch, David Ley, Chris Donaghue, and Marty Klein influence our therapeutic work with couples and individuals. Additionally, as AASECT-Certified Sex Therapists, we will work toward improving intimacy, strengthening communication skills, and communicating your desires.
Common Concerns in Polyamous Relationships:
Just like open relationships, some people think that being polyamorous must mean you never experience jealousy or infidelity. And just like open relationships, jealousy and infidelity can definitely occur in polyamorous relationships if agreements are broken. Poly relationships look different depending on the relationship and what it is being defined as. It is unique in the sense that no one definition fits all. On the other hand, people in polyamorous relationships typically find themselves fulfilled by allowing multiple people to fill roles that one single person can’t do all of. Polyamory takes a lot of skilled communication between all partners involved as if it is ethical all partners should always be in consensual agreement with each other.
- Navigating Boundaries in Polyamous Relationships
- Communication Issues in Polyamous Relationships
- One partner is poly and the other partner is not
- Jealousy or Anger in Polyamous Relationships
- Deciding what is the right fit for your relationship
- Understanding options in poly relationships
- Broken Agreements
- Negotiating contracts
- Infidelity in Polyamous Relationships
- Grief and Loss in Polyamous Relationships
- Stigma from families or society
Just like open relationships, some people think that being polyamorous must mean you never experience jealousy or infidelity. And just like open relationships, jealousy and infidelity can definitely occur in polyamorous relationships if agreements are broken. Poly relationships look different depending on the relationship and what it is being defined as. It is unique in the sense that no one definition fits all. On the other hand, people in polyamorous relationships typically find themselves fulfilled by allowing multiple people to fill roles that one single person can’t do all of. Polyamory takes a lot of skilled communication between all partners involved as if it is ethical all partners should always be in consensual agreement with each other.
Understanding why you or your partner are interested in exploring this dynamic
The most common reason people engage in polyamory, is for their understanding that one partner alone does not meet all of their needs. Ester Perel discusses that those in monogamous relationships typically see and expect their partner to fulfill all of their needs and roles: best friend, caregiver, vacation partner, parent, etc. Whereas in polyamory, people understand that one person cannot simply meet all of their needs, so they are able to find partners who fill other roles. People also engage in polyamory as they feel like they naturally love more than one person, and want to be able to find and experience love as they come across it.
DO I NEED TO BE IN A POLYAMORY RELATIONSHIP(S) TO ATTEND POLYAMORY THERAPY?
Definitely not! If you’re interested in being in a polyamory relationship and want to talk through your desires and questions, speaking with a polyamory therapist can help guide you on a new path. All Respark therapists are highly-trained, inclusive, and affirming and are ready to act as your primary talk therapist for individual therapy, regardless of being in a polyamory relationship or not.
Visual for just how many definitions to open/poly there are:
- Unicorn Polyamory
- Dating Around
- Don't Ask Don't Tell
- Swinging
- Casual Sex
- Closed-Group Swinging
- BDSM Play & D/s non-monogamy
- Polyfidelity
- Religious/Social Polygamy
- Cheating
- Open Relationships
- Commerce
- Poly/Mono Relationships
- Soft Swing
- Con Sex
- 100 Mile Rule
- And more
TESTIMONIAL
"I collaborate professionally with Heather on a regular basis and believe she is a talented, effective, and down-to-earth sex therapist. She is my go-to referral for clients exploring sexuality issues such as a sexless marriage, issues of sexual identity, kink, open and poly relationships. I feel so lucky to have her as part of our Austin therapist community!”
Dr. Jessica Michaelson
HOW IS RESPARK DIFFERENT?
We see 500+ clients every month through our Online Therapy Program. After a decade of practice, we look forward to serving you through online counseling or via phone therapy anywhere in Washington.
Respark is a talk therapy practice that is inclusive and affirming of all orientations, lifestyles, beliefs, and relationship styles. Respark’s team has a combined 70+ years of experience and consists of highly-specialized therapists who are committed to serving your individual and relationship needs. While most couples therapists do not receive any education in sexuality, the therapists on our team continuously seek advanced, expert training opportunities in sexuality and relationship issues so we can provide the most up-to-date and effective therapy to our clients.
We aim to provide high-quality couples therapy and the best sex therapy, individual counseling, and coaching throughout all of Washington. Our counselors and coaches are available online for anyone nationwide.
At Respark, we specialize in moving through sexual issues by creating passion in your relationship and working towards relighting the fire of love in your life. Your sexuality can be a sensitive and frustrating topic, let our professionals help guide you through it.