Dissertations and Theses
Date of Award
2022
Document Type
Dissertation
Department
Psychology
First Advisor
Elliot Jurist
Second Advisor
Lissa Weinstein
Third Advisor
Tzachi Slonim
Keywords
consensual non-monogamy (CNM), polyamory, open relationships, couples therapy, relationship therapy, commitment, intimacy
Abstract
Despite the growing visibility of consensual non-monogamy culturally and in the academic domain, treatment of CNM relationships has been understudied from the clinical perspective. This study utilized a sample of 11 clinicians, who discussed their experiences of treating non-monogamous couples through a semi-structured interview. Qualitative thematic analysis led to the emergence of robust themes, which were synthesized into three broader categories: 1. Therapeutic Process, 2. Issues in Treatment, and 3. The Meaning of Non-Monogamy. Therapists discussed their own clinical processes, with emphasis on countertransference, frame, self-disclosure, and considerations for training. Themes also emerged surrounding common issues in treatment, ranging from specifics in the process of opening up and creating relationship agreements, to broader realms of fantasy, desire, and connection. The overlap of trauma history with pursuit of CNM was also salient in a majority of interviews, with a focus on emotion regulation as a crucial component in the resulting therapeutic work. Findings also indicate that an important aspect of couples work for CNM relationships is meaning-making, through which couples articulate and create a shared understanding of CNM and its value specifically in the context of their relationship. While internalized mono-normativity and the resulting minority stress experience were relevant factors particular to this relationship work, many of the findings from this study are generalizable to all couples treatments.
Recommended Citation
Watstein, Tema, "Therapeutic Considerations for the Polycule: A Qualitative Exploration of Consensual Non-Monogamy in Couples Treatment" (2022). CUNY Academic Works.
https://academicworks.cuny.edu/cc_etds_theses/1017