Polyamory and Relationship Anarchy Therapy in Seattle
Relationship Therapy for Polyamorists Starts Here
Polyamory is the practice of engaging in multiple sexual and/or romantic relationships. As the adage goes, love is limitless (even if time is not). At Otter Cove Counseling, I understand that there are no limits to love!
There are many assumptions and judgments connected to Polyamory. When our polyamorous relationships hit a rough patch (as many relationships do, including monogamous ones), it’s important to have resources to turn to where you feel safe and free from such judgments.
Bring your partner, your meta, your lover, your ride-or-die, your casual boo thang in for relationship therapy at Otter Cove Counseling if you want to experience an open, curious, and safe space in which to explore communication and connection.
Therapy for Relationship Anarchists
Relationship anarchy (RA) is the practicing of designing each relationship in an intentional way - without letting societal expectations dictate what our relationships “should” look like.
Relationship anarchists can run into the same communication problems that any relationship does. Add societal pushback on top of that, and at times relationship anarchy can feel like an uphill battle. But those who are aligned with the practice understand that there’s no other way they’d rather live life. It may be challenging, but it’s also a path to greater security, freedom, and self-actualization.
When practicing RA does become difficult, it’s important to have somewhere to turn for support. There are plenty of resources and supports (some of them are linked on my resource page) and relationship therapy is one of them. But you don’t want to end up with a well-meaning therapist who understand that you have casual sex with your lover, you co-habitate with your sibling, you’re in a long term romantic partnership, but you really want to focus on the communication breakdown between you and your best friend.
I understand what it’s like to feel like you’re swimming upstream while simply trying to be intentional about crafting your relationships. At Otter Cove Counseling, I make space for curiosity about what’s actually bringing you into my office, without judgment and without assumptions. Relationships are hard enough on their own without needing to over-explain or defend your lifestyle! Everything from forging a secure attachment, improving communication skills, and pulling out the Relationship Smorgasbord is on the table in my office.
What Sets Otter Cove Counseling Apart
Humanistic Approach
Everything I do is built around understanding your needs and helping you succeed - your success is my priority
Deep understanding of Poly/RA
I’ve spent years deepening my personal and professional understanding of relationships that don’t quite line up with the “relationship escalator” society expects everyone to hop on.
Proven Process, Flexible Execution
I bring structure where it counts and adaptability where it matters. My methods are clear, but always responsive.
What is Relationship Anarchy?
Relationship anarchy is a polylithic tradition, comprised of many different viewpoints and perspectives. It has roots in many different histories and cultures, belonging to no singular people. As such, it can be difficult to capture its diverse multitudes in a simple description.
Basics of Relationship Anarchy:
The rejection of interpersonal coercion
The importance of community
Mutual aid as essential support
Commitments as communication, not contract
(source: https://www.therelationshipanarchist.com/relationship-anarchy-guide)
What is Polyamory?
Polyamory quite literally means as its name states: “poly” is the Greek for “many” and “amor” – the latin for “love.” So, polyamory means “many loves. Thus, when applied to relationships, it essentially means that we can love multiple people at once.
What is the difference?
In short: Polyamory is a relationship structure, while relationship anarchy is a relationship philosophy.