Ethical Non-Monogamy

What is ethical non-monogamy?

Ethical non-monogamy consists of relationships in which partners willingly participate in connections with more than one partner. Examples of ethical non-monogamy include:

• Polyamory: multiple romantic connections (with a partner’s consent)
• Open relationships: outside sexual connections with consent
• Swinging: consensual sexual relations with multiple couples
• Throuple: three people in a relationship together 
• Polygamy: multiple spouses
• Polyfidelity: a closed group of multiple partners
• Monogomish: occasional outside partners with consent

The difference between ethical non-monogamy and non-ethical non-monogamy is that in the ethical version, all partners know of other partners and give consent to these relationships.

What are potential challenges associated with ethical non-monogamy?

While many couples choose forms of ethical non-monogamy, there can be challenges associated with this lifestyle. Examples include jealousy, anxiety, depression, grief, regret, anger management concerns, and communication challenges.  

Having agreements in place and completing counseling sessions with all partners involved can help you navigate alternative relationships in a safe, healthy, and effective manner. Working with a therapist can reduce the risk of emotional distress or combat emerging challenges before they become problematic. 

Which mental health solutions are available for ethical non-monogamists?

The compassionate Doran team can help you and your partner(s) form agreements and navigate mental health concerns using:

• Lifestyle change counseling
• Psychotherapy 
• Individual therapy
• Family therapy 
• Couples therapy
• Group therapy 
• Mindfulness-based therapy
• Narrative therapy
• Internal family systems therapy (IFS)
• Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
• Rational emotive behavioral therapy (REBT)
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)

Seeing a therapist routinely for counseling can strengthen your relationship(s) and enhance your and your partner’s overall mental health and well-being. 

Other benefits associated with receiving support for ethical non-monogamous relationships include improved communication, mood enhancements, stronger love and connection, increased intimacy, and greater relationship fulfillment. 

The Doran mental health providers help members of ethical non-monogamous relationships overcome depression or other mental health concerns that may be related (or unrelated) to polyamory and other types of non-monogamy. The Doran team can meet with you in person or via convenient telehealth for therapy, medication management, or other mental health solutions.

Schedule an in-person or telehealth appointment today at Doran by phone or online for help navigating ethical non-monogamy.