[Audio] CC18 Workshop 09 – Working with Polyamorous Clients: Cultural and Clinical Challenges and Strategies – Martha Kauppi, LMFT

Are you ready to hear your favorite long-term couple client tell you they are fighting because one of them is interested in exploring polyamory and the other is not? Would you choose to work with a couple who told you on the phone they live and love with 2 other people and some tensions are arising? Many people are exploring consensually non-monogamous relationships, and as a result, related issues are showing up in therapy rooms everywhere. This workshop will debunk myths, distinguish between non-monogamies, present up-to-date information on poly, and take a look at personal bias, with a focus on clinical application. Expect lecture, discussion, lots of Q&A, case presentations, and discussion of treatment strategies. Learn how to identify and disrupt maladaptive relational strategies without perpetuating negative cultural bias, and leave better prepared to work with a variety of poly relationship challenges.                        

Educational Objectives:

1. Identify guidelines for deciding who in a poly family should be present in the therapy room and when

2. Provide information and resources for clients who want to open their relationship, and give guidance regarding potential pitfalls

3. Develop at least one treatment strategy for each of three common poly relationship challenges