Honoring the Voices of Polyamorous Clients: Recommendations for Couple and Family Therapists

Recent studies demonstrating the prevalence of polyamory have highlighted the dearth of research on this topic in the mental health literature, and have increased the urgency to better understand the unique experiences and therapeutic needs of this population. We conducted a qualitative study of 20 individuals who identify as polyamorous via an online survey requesting information about special challenges faced by polyamorous people and suggestions for clinicians working with polyamorous clients. After conducting thematic analysis, two main themes emerged around special challenges: dealing with stigma and navigating polyamory. Recommendations for clinicians included: seek education, challenge your assumptions, and do not pathologize polyamory. Implications for the couple and family therapists and graduate training programs are explored.