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Abstract

Various types of consensual nonmonogamy, such as polyamory and swinging, have been gaining in popular practice and academic interest. At the same time, monogamy has become an increasingly fluid and self-defined state. As a result, a complex and unfamiliar range of relationship agreements can present in relationship therapy. For such work, transactional analysis has offered a limited theoretical framework, which leaves it with an unexamined normative bias toward monogamy and ignorance about consensual nonmonogamy. This leads to the risk of unconscious prejudice, unethical practice, and ineffective treatment. To address these potential problems, the forms of consensual nonmonogamy are described along with some implications for clinical practice, illustrated by a case vignette, and reflections on the impact of these issues for transactional analysis relationship therapists.

Keywords

Consensual nonmonogamy polyamory swinging relationship agreements relationship counseling

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I Love You,and You,and You Too

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