Ethical Non-Monogamy

Ethical Non-monogamy is an approach to relationships in which more than one sexual and/or romantic relationship may occur and all parties are aware, open and enthusiastic about it. Polyamorous relationships and open relationships both fall under the umbrella of ethical non-monogamy. These relationships all include additional partners but the rules around those relationships vary (ex: same status of other partner, casual vs romantic, sex only, etc). The definitions vary and there is no one right answer.
 
Partners in an open relationship often use this term when in a committed relationship but are exploring allowing one, both partners, or the couple to find an additional partner (often for sex) to manage discrepancies in sexual desire, lessen tension, spice things up, and others. Those who identify as polyamorous often take this on as an identity meaning they believe in loving more than one person. This title usually involves one partner, both partners separately, or the couple having additional partners for an emotional romantic relationship (more than just sex). There are different forms that are usually dependent on if one or both partners identify as poly, hierarchy of relationships, and level of involvement with other partners (all together, don’t talk, etc). All require consent and open communication to be successful.
 
In sessions, we will work on many of the same goals and issues as any other couples session but there is an extra emphasis on open communication, boundaries, and consent. Couples under this category often come to therapy due to feel unfulfilled in relationship, sexual desire discrepancies, one partner wanting to see other people while remaining with current partner, hoping to relieve tension, looking to spice things up, needing to live an authentic life, and typical couple issues.
 

I help romantic partners decide what works for them in whatever form that takes. I can provide insight and am not here to cast judgment. My office is a safe place for all relationships.”

-Jodie Shea, MS LMFT (She/Her/Hers)

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you work with individuals too or just couples?

Yes! I have worked with individuals looking to improve their current relationship or relationship patterns, going through a separation, and struggling with sexual dysfunction.

Do you accept insurance?

I am not in-network with any insurance but provide a superbill for clients to attempt to obtain reimbursement. I recommend checking in with your insurance plan to assess the likelihood of reimbursement. From my experience thus far, Medi-cal programs and Kaiser will definitely not reimburse for out-of-network providers. Others often depend on your specific plan. Be mindful that if billing insurance, it requires one person to have a diagnosis and for documentation to focus on that person.

Where do sessions take place?

All sessions are provided via Telehealth. To access your telehealth appointment at the time of session, locate the link in the client portal or in your appointment reminder email. For computers, just click the link and your video session will open. For phones, you will need to download the Telehealth app.

How often do I attend and for how long?

Clients that make a weekly commitment tend to benefit the most from treatment. I also recommend people try to commit for at least 6 months to really implement the skills and see more lasting change. I try to keep communication open with clients so that if there is something not working for them, we can adjust. It can be tempting to stop treatment once we see an improvement or are not in crisis but often that is when the deeper work is really starting. Remember, the more you put into it, the more you will get out of it.

How can therapy help? Do we need to be in crisis to go to therapy?

Therapy can help anyone who is open to it and would like to change some aspect of their life. It’s a myth that you need to be in crisis or are “really sick/crazy” to need help. In reality, we often suffer for years before seeking help and the damage that happens during that time usually becomes barriers in therapy. If you are feeling hesitant or nervous about reaching out, ask yourself what your life is or will be like if you don’t address the issue. It can be hard to get help and I am there to normalize and reduce the shame you may feel to help you get your needs met.

How long are sessions and how much do they cost?

A typical session is 45 minutes and costs $200. It is often more beneficial for couples to schedule longer sessions and this can be discussed in the beginning of treatment. Those in crisis may also benefit from longer or marathon sessions to regain stability. I have limited reduced fee slots available for those in need (minimum $140/45 min) which are offered in three month intervals.

Do you have evening and weekend appointments?

Sessions are not available past 5pm. This is so that I can also spend time with my family. Clients interested in doing marathon sessions (usually a few hours) may have additional options as these can be difficult to schedule during normal working hours.

What if therapy isn’t working?

Therapy is something you take part in, not something that is done to you and clients who put more effort, often obtain better results. I encourage my clients to also provide feedback and ask questions about the process because everyone is different and the relationship with a therapist is similar to ones with other humans. We will explore blocks and if all else fails, I can provide a referral to try another provider.

Get Started

You can schedule a consultation on the Contact Page! This is the easiest way to get started.

If you have any questions prior to scheduling a consultation, please use the form here. I will get back to you within 24 business hours.

Services are available anywhere in California & Florida.

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