Couples Exploring Non-Monogamy: Guidelines for Therapists

A population that is potentially challenging for couple and family therapists to work with is that of couples who want to explore non-monogamy. For many therapists, non-monogamy challenges personal values and beliefs, and there is little in the literature to support therapists in achieving cultural competency in this area. B

Based on a review of Western clinical literature over the past 20 years, and on the author's clinical experience, the author provides therapists with guidelines to use with couples who want to explore the possibility of becoming non-monogamous. 

The guidelines include: 

1. Educate oneself about non-monogamy, 
2. Identify one's own values and beliefs related to non-monogamy, 
3. Work with the couple's definition of non-monogamy, 
4. Be aware that partners may have varying concerns about non-monogamy, 
5. Address infidelity if present, 
6. Avoid assumptions about the ways non-monogamy will impact the relationship; and 
7. Recognize that opening a relationship is an ongoing process.

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By:  Bairstow A1.

• 1 Widener University , Toronto , Ontario , Canada.
• J Sex Marital Ther. 2016 Mar 30:0. 

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