Workshop Overview
Presenter: Colin Fyfe, LMFT
Organization: Rouse Relational Wellness
Continuing Education: 1.5 units
Welcome to the "Exploring Consensual Non-Monogamy: A Workshop for Mental Health Professionals" workshop!
Educational Goals
The workshop aims to educate participants on the fundamentals of consensual non-monogamy (CNM), including its structures, motivations, and challenges. It provides tools for effective communication, boundary-setting, and emotional management to foster healthy and fulfilling open relationships. The goal is to support individuals in navigating CNM with self-awareness, consent, and mutual respect.
This course is aimed to appeal to clinicians with beginner and intermediate levels of experience.
Measurable Learning Objectives
- Define three types of consensual non-monogamous relationships
- Describe three common reasons people choose CNM relationships
- Learn three ways to assess for readiness for CNM
- Detail four interventions and healthy CNM practices
Outline with Main Points
- Introduction & Ground Rules (5 min)
- Setting the vibe
- Going over : Ground Rules (Be respectful, mindful of language, ask questions, self-check-ins)
- Understanding Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM) (10 min)
- Defining CNM – Umbrella term & various structures
- Types of CNM (Open, Monogamish, Throuples, Relationship Anarchy, etc.)
- Cultural & Social Perspectives – Stigma & Misconceptions
- Quick Discussion – What biases exist in society and therapy?
- Motivations & Benefits of CNM (10 min)
- Common Reasons for CNM (Variety, Autonomy, Growth, Emotional/Physical Needs)
- Benefits (Self-awareness, Strengthened Primary Relationship, Exploration)
- Challenges in Open Relationships (10)
- Common Challenges – Jealousy, Communication Breakdowns, Social Stigma
- Managing Jealousy – Understanding Compersion
- Boundary-Setting & Agreements – Emotional/Sexual Boundaries
- Quick Discussion – Which challenge resonates most?
- Readiness for CNM (10 min)
- Assessing Readiness – Differentiation, Communication, Stability
- Evaluating Client Perspectives – Readiness Checklist for Therapists
- Tools for Supporting CNM Clients (10 min)
- Communication Strategies – Active Listening, Conflict Resolution
- Sexual Health Considerations – STIs, PrEP, Emotional Aftercare
- Therapist’s Role – Providing Affirming, Bias-Free Support
- Closing & Q&A (5 min)
- Key Takeaways – Summary of Learning Objectives
- Resources & Further Reading
- Final Q&A – Open Discussion
Suggested Reading/Supported Readings (optional)
- Cardoso D, Pascoal PM, Maiochi FH. Defining Polyamory: A Thematic Analysis of Lay People's Definitions. Arch Sex Behav. 2021 May;50(4):1239-1252. doi: 10.1007/s10508-021-02002-y. Epub 2021 May 27. Erratum in: Arch Sex Behav. 2021 Aug;50(6):2775. doi: 10.1007/s10508-021-02113-6. PMID: 34046765; PMCID: PMC8321986.
- Easton, D., & Hardy, J. (2009). The ethical slut: A practical guide to polyamory, open relationships & other adventures(2nd ed.). Ten Speed Press.
- Fern, J. (2020). Polysecure: Attachment, trauma, and consensual nonmonogamy. Thorntree Press, LLC.
- Moors, A. C., Vaughan, M. D., Flicker, S. M., Matsumura, K. T., & Schechinger, H. A. (2025). Advancing consensual non-monogamy in psychological research, practice, and policy: A guide for psychologists. Social Issues and Policy Review, 19, e12108. https://doi.org/10.1111/sipr.12108
- Sheff, E. (2014). The polyamorists next door: Inside multiple-partner relationships and families. Rowman & Littlefield. 10.1007/s10508-021-02102-9.
Registration Information
Please complete the purchase form to secure your spot in the "Exploring Consensual Non-Monogamy: A Workshop for Mental Health Professionals" workshop. You will get immediate access to the recording and extra content!
For any questions or additional information, please contact us at [email protected] . We look forward to welcoming you to an enlightening and empowering session.
Feel comfortable and confident in your journey towards understanding and embracing consensual non-monogamy. Join us and take the first step towards a more accepting and informed perspective.
Topic Area:
Clinical practice
Instructional Level:
All levels
Completion Requirements:
To obtain your CE certificate, you must watch the entire workshop, complete a satisfaction survey, and obtain a score of 70% or higher on a course completion quiz. You are allowed to take the quiz as many times as you need.
Completion Quiz and Course Evaluation:
After the workshop, the course completion quiz will be available to complete, followed by the course evaluation.
Who Should Attend:
Counselors, masters or doctoral level clinical social workers, and marriage and family therapists. Those who personally experience sex anxiety and/or would like to improve their intimate communication skills.
Course Date:
April 10,2025
Conflict of Interest Statement:
There is no potential conflict of interest or outside commercial support for this course.
Refund Grievance Policy:
Click here for the full refund and grievance policy.
Contact Information:
For any inquiries related to subject matter guidance, correction, grading, comments, or problem resolution please contact us at [email protected]