Rejecting Mononormativity: Affirmative Therapy for Polyamorous Clients

Polyamorous people and those practicing nonmonogamy frequently encounter bias and misinformation in the therapy room, with 20% of nonmonogamous clients stating their therapist lacked basic knowledge of these identities. In this training, we will explore the wide world of relationship styles outside monogamy, as well as common challenges individuals bring to therapy. We will face our own biases, learn best-practices, and discuss case examples of nonmonogamous clients.

Learning Objectives:

Participants will...

...define the practice and identity of polyamory and nonmonogamy

...identify 3-5 clinical issues common to polyamorous clients

...articulate clinicians’ own biases toward/against nonmonogamy

...name 3-4 common tasks or goals of therapy for nonmonogamous clients

About your Facilitator

Essie Shachar-Hill, LCSW, CCTP (they/them) is a therapist, educator, and facilitator in Chicago. They hold a masters in social work and a Certificate in Jewish Communal Leadership from the University of Michigan School of Social Work. Currently in private practice, they are honored to partner with clients in exploring and healing their inner and outer worlds. Essie works from an anti-oppressive, psychodynamic, and attachment-oriented framework with teens and adults, most of whom are multiply marginalized in their gender, sexuality, race, neurotype, relationship orientation, and/or [dis]ability.

Outside of the therapy room, Essie facilitates a grief support group and often trains fellow mental health professionals on culturally humble and affirming care for queer, trans, polyamorous, and kinky clients. Before launching their private practice, Essie served as a youth worker, inclusive sex educator, group facilitator, post-graduate educator, and curriculum writer. More information is available on their website: https://essie-lcsw.com/.

This course will provide 1 CEU credits for social workers, marriage and family therapists, and professional counselors through the Illinois Dept. of Financial and Professional Regulation! If you don't need CEUs you can opt for a ticket that doesn't include them.