Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM) / Polyamory Therapists in Nashville
“We can make our partners into the source of our hope, love, strength, ability to feel or regulate our own emotions, as well as the source of our meaning and purpose in life. Our partners can be the inspiration for these things, as well as the objects or focus of our love, but they should not be the source of it. You are the source of your happiness, love, courage, emotional regulation and purpose, and the sooner that you can release your partner from being the source of these experiences the better for everyone involved”
― Jessica Fern, Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy
Ethical Non-Monogamy (ENM, also known as polyamory or Consensual Non-Monogamy / CNM) encompasses various relationship structures where all parties consensually agree to engage in relationship structures that vary from the traditional 2-person monogamous romantic/sexual committed relationship.
Contrary to common misunderstandings about ENM, this choice is not about immaturity or inability to commit, nor is it about sexual deviance. While sexual relationships can be a part of ENM, it’s fundamentally about consensual, ethical connections and relationships that often include deep and committed emotional bonds. (Also, we are sex-positive and love supporting our kink/BDSM clients at The Gaia Center— read more here about our sex therapy offerings.)
Why Choose Us?
At The Gaia Center, we are well-versed in the unique dynamics of polyamorous and ENM relationships. Our therapists are trained to support you in navigating these complexities, helping you develop effective communication strategies, set (and renegotiate) boundaries and agreements, and foster trust and understanding among all partners.
We believe there are many ways that healthy ENM/ poly relationships can look— whether you your partners choose a hierarchical structure, practice relationship anarchy, or any other type of structure that feels supportive and affirming to all partners— we’d love to support you in working toward the healthiest version of YOUR relationships. We provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your relationship needs and goals, ensuring that each individual feels valued and heard.
Developing the Essential Skills for Healthy ENM / Poly Relationships
Our therapists are dedicated to helping individuals and relationships develop the skills necessary to thrive in ENM/poly dynamics. We focus on enhancing communication, establishing and maintaining boundaries, and creating clear agreements that support mutual respect and understanding. These skills are crucial for navigating the complexities of multiple relationships and ensuring that all partners feel secure and valued.
And frankly, the skills that make ENM relationships work— like strong meta-communication, clear agreements, and conflict resolution—are invaluable in any relationship. (Monogamous folks could learn a lot from learning how healthy ENM relationships work!) By fostering these skills, we help clients in both polyamorous and monogamous relationships build stronger, more resilient connections.
Our Approach
At The Gaia Center, we tailor our therapeutic approach to meet the unique needs of each polyamorous and ENM client / relationship, offering guidance and support that respects and celebrates diverse relationship structures. Our therapists are knowledgeable about the challenges and rewards of ENM, providing insights and strategies to help you navigate your relationships with confidence and clarity.
“‘Is this relationship going anywhere?’ If you’ve ever heard (or said) that catchphrase, you already know something about the Relationship Escalator.
The Relationship Escalator is one of many social scripts — customs for how people are ‘supposed’ to behave, and how we “should” think or feel, in certain contexts, situations or interactions. These customs benefit many people, but not always, and not everyone.
…In other words, the Relationship Escalator is what most people grow up believing (or more accurately, assuming) that intimate relationships ‘should’ look like, how they are ‘supposed’ to work — and indeed, what any emotionally healthy adult “should” want.
Lots of people — probably people you know! — Handle their relationships differently, and are loving it. Love isn’t one-size-fits-all, so it’s good to know what your options are.”
- Amy Gahran, journalist and author of Stepping Off the Relationship Escalator
