Therapy for Open Relationships 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 OPEN RELATIONSHIP THERAPY IN WASHINGTON
WHAT IS AN OPEN RELATIONSHIP?
Open relationships, also known as ethical non-monogamy, can be a huge source of love, joy, and excitement for individuals and couples, though at times these relationships can result in painful experiences and hurt relationships. This is where Respark’s Therapy for Open Relationships comes in.
As a term, “open relationship” generally refers to all types of open relationship structures which can include open, poly, solo poly, swinging, kink, and more. There are millions of combinations and styles that can occur under this umbrella term and our clients often get creative in how they define their unique relationships. In specific terms, an open relationship refers to a non-exclusive relationship, one where meeting and being with other people is encouraged and celebrated. This does not necessarily mean that each partner has many significant others, but it could. Sometimes the definition of an open relationship overlaps with the definition of a polyamorous relationship, but they do differ depending on the relationship agreements.
For some people an open relationship is simply not for them, for others, it’s a huge relief to find a relationship structure that fits their love language and relationship style. Many of our therapists and coaches at Respark have obtained advanced training from the world’s experts in open and poly relationships. We specialize in therapy for open relationships and can help no matter where you are on this exciting journey.
HOW CAN OPEN RELATIONSHIP THERAPY HELP ME?
Open relationships or ethical non-monogamy can be a huge source of love, joy and excitement and sometimes it can also result in painful experienced which can contribute to the most difficult time of your life. We are here to help you every step of the way.
For some people an open relationship is simply not for them, for others it’s a huge relief to find a relationship structure that fits their love language and relationship style. Many of our therapists and coaches at Respark have obtained advanced training from the world’s experts in open and poly relationships. We specialize in therapy for open relationships and can help no matter where you are in the journey.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I NEED OPEN RELATIONSHIP THERAPY?
Though many people have successful open relationships, this relationship dynamic is still stigmatized, lacks positive role models, and may be difficult to navigate. Respark’s therapists have received detailed training on relationship diversity and are here to help guide you into, out of, or through an open relationship. These situations can be a huge change that is sometimes very painful and/or takes some work to sort out what's ok and what's not. Therapy for couples and individuals already in an opening relationship or thinking about opening up can be helpful in identifying potential pitfalls and preventing pain down the road.
People engage in open relationships for a variety of reasons. Sometimes one partner wants one thing that another partner is not wanting to explore. The open relationship might allow a partner freedom to explore with minimal stress or concern. If one person is kinky or has a fetish and the other has no interest in exploring, they might decide an open relationship is an option. People might be interested in this type of relationship structure if they have mismatched sexual desire meaning that one partner desires sex more than the other. People might also decide to engage in open relationships while in a long-distance relationship. Long-distance partners might make agreements that they can see other people when they are in different areas of the state or world. Alternatively, people might engage in open relationships to generally meet their needs that their primary partner cannot meet for them.
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 issues that bring clients that are in open relationships to therapy may be:
- Navigating Boundaries in open relationships
- Communication Issues in open relationships
- Throuples, V’s, W’s and moresomes
- One partner wants to open the relationship and the other partner does not
- Jealousy or Anger in open relationships
- Deciding whether or not to open up a marriage
- Understanding options and choices in open or poly relationships
- Broken Agreements in open relationships
- Negotiating contracts in open relationships
- Infidelity in open relationships
- Grief and Loss in open relationships
- NRE or New Relationship Energy
- Stigma from families or society
Reasons why people want an open relationship:
People engage in open relationships for a variety of reasons. Sometimes one partner wants one thing that another partner is not wanting to explore. The open relationship might allow a partner freedom to explore with minimal stress or concern. If one person is kinky or has a fetish and the other has not interest in exploring, they might decide an open relationship is an option. People might be interested in this type of relationship structure if they have mismatched sexual desire meaning that one partner desires sex more than the other.
People might also decide to engage in open relationships while in a long-distance relationship. Long-distance partners might make agreements that they can see other people when they are in different areas of the state or world. Alternatively, people might engage in open relationships to generally meet their needs that their primary partner cannot meet for them. All of these situations can be a huge change that is sometimes very painful and/or takes some work to sort out the what's ok and what's not. Therapy for couples are individuals already in an opening relationship or thinking about opening up can be helpful in identifying potential pitfalls and prevent pain down the road.
DO I NEED TO BE IN AN OPEN RELATIONSHIP TO ATTEND OPEN RELATIONSHIP THERAPY?
Definitely not! If you’re interested in being in an open relationship and want to talk through your desires and questions, speaking with a therapist who specializes in open relationships 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 an open relationship or not.
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.