A Postmodern Approach to Non-Monogamy and Attachment in Therapy

In Person Seminar

Smith College Campus Center

100 Elm Street, Northampton, MA 01060

Instructor: Kat Glick, M.Ed., LPC, ACS, CIMHP, CSE

Level: Intermediate

CEs: 12

Review CE accreditation and approvals for this course on tab above.

April 12 and 13, 2024, 9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. ET

This is a multiple-day session. In order to receive CEs, you must attend both days.

This 12 hour course is structured to assist the practitioner in understanding variations and nuances in non-monogamous and polyamorous relationships, and to better enhance their therapeutic skills when working with individuals and relationships that are not traditionally monogamous. In the first third of the course, participants will be guided to deconstruct their existing views on non-monogamy before learning about the various options for non-monogamous and polyamorous relationship structures. Participants will learn about common challenges of non-monogamy and polyamory, and will incorporate foundational skills necessary to work effectively with consensually non-monogamous (CNM) and polyamorous individuals/relationships.

The middle part of the course is structured to assist the participant in building on their foundational understanding while incorporating deeper understanding of identity and intersectionality. We will dive deeper into understanding the lived experiences and challenges of CNM/polyamory and examine philosophical and values-based frameworks that influence one’s choice to pursue non-traditional relationship structure and influence how those relationships function. We will deconstruct themes such hierarchy, power dynamics and internalized oppressions such as capitalism and consumer culture.

The last part of the course focuses on key therapeutic skills to assist clients with navigating challenges and pitfalls within polyamorous and CNM relationships, all from a trauma-informed and attachment-based lens. Core themes of differentiation, emotional safe-haven, and secure base will be integrated in discussions of the therapeutic relationship and therapeutic skills taught. Themes of codependency and boundaries will be discussed, and participants will have the opportunity to practice various skills with other participants. Other core skills of conflict resolution, dealing with jealousy, navigating changes, sexual health and community-building will also be discussed