Issues in Working with Polyamorous Clients(2 CE Hours)Presenter:Amy Advey

Description:

This workshop led by Amy Advey, LMSW, CST, helps clinicians explore the common issues faced by clients identifying as polyamorous. We begin with looking at the popularity of consensual nonmonogamy in recent times and how different polyamorous configurations may present in the psychotherapy office. Time is spent examining potential therapist bias as well as couple and family privilege, which can be a source of stress to this sexual minority group.

Amy reviews current literature both in popular culture and in academic research on how polyamorous clients are perceived, common practices to support the rights of people identifying as polyamorous or exploring polyamory, and ways in which to address issues clients bring up. These include jealousy, feeling disconnected from a partner, exploring styles of polyamory like relationship hierarchy, structuring guidelines and boundaries, and more.

We examine issues of transference, countertransference, and ethics. Lastly, Amy advocates for ways we can be more poly-friendly in a job or private practice setting, so as to not be merely open-minded, but truly affirming and knowledgeable of polyamory and different relationship styles.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe consensual nonmonogamy (CNM) and polyamory.
• Discuss therapist bias and couple/family privilege, and how we can advocate for different rewarding and viable relationship styles
• Explain how to utilize modified forms of “couples” therapy to address issues common inrelationship and in sex therapy
• List 4 common concerns and treatment methodologies for poly clients seeking individual therapy
• Demonstrate competencies to provide therapy in poly-affirming, not merely poly-friendly ways

Speaker Bio:

Amy Advey, has over 20 years of experience as a therapist. She has held various master’s-level clinical social work and therapy positions within the field of behavioral health. As a licensed social worker, she has helped numerous clients work through depression, anxiety, adjustment issues, addiction, grief and loss, relationship challenges, and sexuality concerns. I am an interactive, solution-focused therapist. Amy’s approach is mainly cognitive-behavioral, although she utilizes concepts from systems theory, psychodynamic principles, and humanistic psychology. She is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and a member of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.

Amy completed post-graduate training as a sex therapist at the University of Michigan and is an AASECT Certified Sex Therapist. Concerns about sex are common and often not discussed, and she offers a safe and confidential space to talk and problem-solve about these sensitive issues. For sex therapy, a biopsychosocial approach to treatment is needed and will take into account the physical, psychological, and interpersonal aspects of sexuality concerns.