Polyamory-Affirming Therapy: Navigating Relationship Style Differences

"We love each other—but our polyamory styles feel like they’re pulling us apart."

Jordan (they/them) and Alex (she/her) have been together for five years and recently opened their relationship. Alex quickly found joy in dating other people, thriving in a kitchen table polyamory dynamic where she envisions a connected, supportive polycule. Jordan, however, prefers parallel polyamory—keeping relationships more separate—and feels overwhelmed by the expectation to bond with Alex’s new partner.

Lately, their conversations have turned into tense debates, with Alex feeling like Jordan is shutting out an important part of her life, while Jordan struggles with guilt for needing more space. They both love each other deeply but worry they may be too different to make this work.

Therapy can help unpack fears, communication patterns, and underlying emotions driving conflict. With guidance, you and your partner(s) can explore compromise, boundary-setting, and ways to honor each other's needs without resentment.

Navigating Outness Differences: LGBTQ+ Affirming Couples Therapy in Connecticut

"I want to be proud of our love, but I also need to feel safe."

Daniel (he/him) and Amir (he/him) love each other deeply, but their different levels of outness have created tension in their relationship. Daniel, raised in an accepting family, is comfortable being affectionate in public and openly talks about their relationship with friends and colleagues. Amir, however, comes from a conservative family where being out isn’t an option. He carefully curates his social media presence and avoids anything that could reveal his sexuality to his relatives.

Daniel feels hurt when Amir hesitates to hold his hand in public, interpreting it as rejection. Amir, on the other hand, struggles with guilt, torn between his love for Daniel and his fear of being outed. Their conversations often spiral into frustration, leaving both feeling unheard and misunderstood.

Therapy provides a space to explore couple experiences, express your needs without blame, and find compromises that honor both of your realities. With support, you can strengthen their relationship, improve communication, and build a future where you both feel secure and valued.

** These vignettes are inspired by real experiences but are fictional composites, ensuring confidentiality while reflecting common themes faced by the LGBTQ+ community.