ethical non-monogamy

We offer therapy for non-monogamous relationships in Orillia and across Ontario. This includes support for those practicing or interested in polyamory, open relationships, swinging or other types of non-monogamy.

What is ethical non-monogamy?

Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) or consensual non-monogamy (CNM) is often used as an umbrella term to cover different types of relationships that do not follow the traditional monogamous model. This may be relationships that are open to sexual connection with others, like open relationships and swinging. It may also include building multiple committed and/or romantic relationships, such as through polyamory. Ultimately, ENM is about stepping away from the prescribed model of relationships, and building your own model that works for you and your partners!

how therapy can help

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how therapy can help *

  • Transitions are hard, even when they are exciting! We can help you decide if you want to transition into non-monogamy, and if so, what kind. We can also support you in unpacking monogamous narratives that are keeping your brain stuck when you want to move forward with non-monogamy.

  • One of the golden rules of non-monogamy is to communicate until you’re sick of it, and then communicate some more! When communication challenges come up, it can be helpful to have a knowledge, neutral third party in the room. We can support you with establishing agreements and boundaries, navigating hard conversations and figuring out the logistics of dating multiple people.

  • Non-monogamy has a way of intensifying all of the patterns we already have, on top of rattling our previously established sense of safety and connection in relationships. Conflict is an expected part of any relationship, but that doesn’t mean it has feel world-ending every time. We can support you in finding better ways to resolve conflict, that put you and your partners on the same team, rather than against each other.

  • Jealousy, new relationship energy (NRE), compersion (or lack thereof) – there are so many emotional experiences that non-monogamy can bring in up that we don’t often experience otherwise. Even when you’ve worked hard on your emotional intelligence, these feelings can still hit you like a freight train. We can help you untangle what you are feeling, and move forward with more insight and better skills of managing.

  • Item descriptionOne of the wonderful things about the non-monogamous model of relationships is that it gives us so many options for connection, meeting needs, exploration and delighting in ourselves and others. As with many aspects of relationships, creating and maintaining fulfilling, secure connections is part skill and part trust in ourselves. Therapy can help you let go of barriers to connection, and lean into the relationship that feel good for you.

  • When we are learning new skills and ways of being, our first few attempts tend to be pretty clumsy. In non-monogamous relationships, this can lead to miscommunications, broken agreements, restrictive rules and other situations that can hurt your relationship. Mistakes are part of the process. We can support you in navigating through the hurt feelings, broken trust and building towards a more solid relationship.

Max McKenzie’s approach to therapy is direct, collaborative and intuitive. They focus on the root cause of issues, rather than just symptoms, to help you maintain long term change. Max strives to hold space for you, challenge you and equip you with the intuitive knowledge and body-informed tools to grow through your areas of stuckness.

We provide secure virtual psychotherapy appointments throughout Ontario and within Simcoe County — Orillia, Gravenhurst, Barrie, Midland, Bracebridge, Collingwood, Coldwater, Washago, Oro-Medonte.