Why do polyamorous couples often have more success discussing boundaries than monogamous ones? Because they don't have a script. In this session, we’ll learn how to throw out the script and teach our clients how to actually talk to each other.
In traditional monogamous counseling, many relational "rules" are often assumed rather than articulated. This "silent contract" can lead to resentment, boundary violations, and a breakdown in intimacy. Conversely, successful polyamorous dynamics require a high degree of explicit communication and radical transparency just to function.
This 1-hour continuing education session explores the specific communication frameworks utilized by the poly community and demonstrates how therapists can adapt these "niche" tools to help all clients, especially monogamous couples, move from passive assumptions to active, empowered agreements.
Learning Objectives
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Identify the "Default Settings": Contrast the "Relationship Escalator" model with intentional relationship design to help clients identify unstated expectations.
Facilitate Radical Transparency: Utilize the "RADAR" check-in or similar frameworks to help couples navigate high-stakes conversations with reduced emotional volatility.
Draft Explicit Agreements: Move clients beyond vague boundaries into clear, actionable "if/then" agreements regarding time, digital intimacy, and emotional labor.
Enhance Emotional Literacy: Teach clients how to communicate "vulnerable needs" rather than "defensive demands" using poly-informed negotiation techniques.
Meet your facilitator
(She/Her)
With a dual background in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and a Master of Arts in Teaching, Rachel brings a sophisticated pedagogical approach to trauma-informed CE training. She specializes in the intersection of intimacy, sex-positivity, and neurodivergence, equipping clinicians with evidence-based frameworks to support LGBTQIA+ clients and alternative relationship structures through a lens of clinical excellence.