Episode 136: What Happens When A Couple Opens Their Relationship

The process of opening up a relationship can bring with it a number of benefits, but also a number of challenges. So what does it actually look like when a couple goes down the path of opening up? Let’s talk about it! My guest today is a leading expert on consensual non-monogamy and we’re going to explore what her own personal relationship journey looked like, as well as lessons she’s learned from several years of working as a therapist in this area. I am joined by Jessica Fern, a Psychotherapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and author of the book Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma, and NonMonomgamy . She is also the author of the all-new Polysecure Workbook . Some of the topics we discuss include: How can opening up a relationship change things for the better? What are the most common challenges or obstacles that occur when opening up? How do you know if monogamy or consensual non-monogamy is right for you? What are some examples of “vessels” or relationship containers you can use to explore non-monogamy? What kinds of things should you take into consideration if you’re thinking about opening up a relationship? To learn more about Jessica, visit jessicafern.com and be sure to check out Polysecure and the new Polysecure Workbook . Thank you to our sponsors! Level-up your intimate life with Beducated , the Netflix of better sex! They have a whole library of online courses to teach you what you need to know. Enjoy a free trial today and get 40% off their yearly pass by using my last name – LEHMILLER – as the coupon code. Sign up now at: http://beducate.me/pd2240-lehmiller The Kinsey Institute’s ( kinseyinstitute.org ) 75th anniversary is underway and you are invited to join in the celebration! Follow @kinseyinstitute on social media to learn more about upcoming events. Also, please consider a gift or donation to the Institute to support sex research and education. Click here to donate . *** Want to learn more about Sex and Psychology? Click here for previous articles or follow the blog on Facebook , Twitter , or Reddit to receive updates. You can also follow Dr. Lehmiller on YouTube and Instagram . Listen and stream all episodes on Apple , Spotify , Google , or Amazon . Subscribe to automatically receive new episodes and please rate and review the podcast! Credits: Precision Podcasting (Podcast editing) and Shutterstock/Florian (Music). Image created with Canva; photos used with permission of guest.