APA Division 44 · Consensual Non-Monogamy Fact Sheet (Schechinger et al., 2018)
"1 in 5 indicated that their therapist lacked basic knowledge about CNM."
The worry is usually specific: that a therapist will hear “polyamory” and quietly file it under problem.
What this is
The worry is usually specific: that a therapist will hear “polyamory” and quietly file it under problem — blaming the structure for something unrelated, or steering, gently, back toward monogamy. If you’ve screened for that, it’s because it happens.
Here, your relationship structure is a valid way to build a life, full stop. We’re curious about how yours actually works — the agreements, the people, the logistics you’ve thought harder about than most monogamous couples ever have to — and we won’t nudge you toward a shape you didn’t choose.
Consensual non-monogamy is more common than the culture admits — more than one in five single Americans report having practiced some form of it.[1] So the gap isn’t demand; it’s clinician fluency, and closing it is our job, not yours.[2]
We use the real vocabulary — hierarchical and non-hierarchical polyamory, solo poly, relationship anarchy, kitchen-table versus parallel — because the words are load-bearing, and because using them tells you we won’t need them explained.
Qualitative results point toward the importance of having/pursuing knowledge about CNM and using affirming, nonjudgmental practices [as] therapists are positioned to either combat or perpetuate the minority stress faced by individuals engaged in CNM.
Client Reviews
Bloom Practitioners
Frequently asked
Will you blame my polyamory for my problems?
No; if it’s genuinely part of what’s happening we’ll look together, but we won’t assume it’s the cause.
Will you try to talk me back into monogamy?
No — the shape of your relationships is yours to choose, and to change, on your terms.
Can I bring more than one partner?
Yes — see our affirming couples & relationship page.
Is this confidential?
Yes, and we know that carries extra weight for poly parents in Florida right now.