Online Therapy in NYC
NYC Relationship Therapy: Therapy for Polyamory, Open and Non-monogamous Relationships
Does this Sound Like You?
You’re doing your best to communicate with your partner(s) or with other people in your life, but you’re not quite getting through. You feel like something is off in the relationship, but you can’t put your finger on it. Or, you might know exactly what’s wrong but feel completely lost with how to fix it.
Regardless of your specific situation, you know one thing for sure: you want better relationships.
Individual therapy for relationships can help. While all relationships are mutual, working with a therapist one-on-one can give you personalized guidance. Learning about your own thoughts, behavior, and communication patterns can help you show up more effectively in your relationships with others.
We specialize in supporting folks in NYC & New York State with the following types of romantic relationships:
- Monogamous couples
- Ethically non-monogamous couples
- Polyamorous relationships
- Open relationships
Aligned Self is an LGBTQIA+ affirmative practice that welcomes individuals of all gender identities, sexual orientations, and relationship styles. We are a trans-competent, kink-aware, sex-positive, and sex-worker-friendly virtual therapy practice and provide a safe, supportive space for Black, Indigenous, & People of Color.
Our approach to NYC relationship therapy
Many people assume that relationship issues can only be addressed through couples therapy. However, you may not be inclined to seek couples therapy if you’re in a nontraditional relationship.
While couples therapy is helpful for some people, our practice focuses on individual therapy for relationship issues. We believe that doing inner work to gain insight and self-acceptance can help you build the connections you want. We’re especially committed to creating an inclusive space where people in all relationship structures feel welcome.
No two people or relationships are the same, so we tailor the therapeutic experience to your unique needs and goals. To help us do this, we create authentic, trusting relationships with each of our clients. We want to get to know you: who you are, what you’re struggling with, and what you want out of your connections with others.
Each person’s therapy journey is unique. With that being said, many people leave therapy with improved communication skills, a better understanding of yourself, and the confidence you need to create meaningful connections with others.
We understand that reaching out for help can be incredibly vulnerable. We strive to create a virtual therapy space that’s founded on mutual respect and understanding. Our goal is to show you unconditional acceptance to help you find that for yourself.
Who our NYC relationship therapy is for
Since our practice doesn’t provide traditional couples counseling, we’re able to be more flexible and inclusive with who we help. Here, you’ll find a list of our specialities. However, if you don’t resonate with any of the descriptions listed below but feel we might be a good fit for each other, we encourage you to get in touch.
People in monogamous relationships looking to explore boundaries
People change-why shouldn’t your relationship evolve with your shifting needs, desires, and values? There are many emotions, expectations, and communication struggles that can come along with exploring new options within your relationship.
If you or your partner is interested in re-evaluating the boundaries of your relationship, we’re here to help. Together, we’ll get a sense of what you truly want and give you the tools you need to have meaningful conversations with your partner.
Ethical non-monogamy
With ethical or consensual non-monogamy, people agree to have relationships outside of their partnership (more on that here). This looks different from couple to couple. As with monogamous relationships, it’s important that people who engage in ethical non-monogamy are on the same page about the boundaries of their relationship.
Whether you’re new to ethical non-monogamy or are exploring it for the first time, you might need support. Communication is key when navigating boundaries-especially in relationships involving multiple people. Exploring your communication patterns can help you have effective conversations with everyone involved.
Polyamorous relationships
Polyamory is a type of consensual non-monogamy. Polyamorous relationships can take on many different structures, so we take time to understand your experience with polyamory rather than making assumptions.
Many people assume that relationship issues can only be addressed through couples therapy. However, you may not be inclined to seek couples therapy if you’re in a nontraditional relationship.
While couples therapy is helpful for some people, our practice focuses on individual therapy for relationship issues. We believe that doing inner work to gain insight and self-acceptance can help you build the connections you want. We’re especially committed to creating an inclusive space where people in all relationship structures feel welcome.
No two people or relationships are the same, so we tailor the therapeutic experience to your unique needs and goals. To help us do this, we create authentic, trusting relationships with each of our clients. We want to get to know you: who you are, what you’re struggling with, and what you want out of your connections with others.
Each person’s therapy journey is unique. With that being said, many people leave therapy with improved communication skills, a better understanding of yourself, and the confidence you need to create meaningful connections with others.
We understand that reaching out for help can be incredibly vulnerable. We strive to create a virtual therapy space that’s founded on mutual respect and understanding. Our goal is to show you unconditional acceptance to help you find that for yourself.
Relationship issues we can help with
There is no right or wrong time or reason to seek relationship therapy. If you want to improve your relationships with others (and with yourself), chances are that therapy can help. While this isn’t an exhaustive list, we help individuals who are looking to:
- Decrease conflict in relationships
- Improve relationship satisfaction
- Increase intimacy with one partner or multiple partners
- Explore open relationships or other boundary shifts
- Improve communication
- Stop comparing their relationship(s) with other people’s relationships
- Cope with other relationship problems
- Navigate family relationships or friendships
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Here, we’ve answered some of the most common questions we receive as relationship counselors in New York. However, we encourage you to reach out directly if you have other questions we haven’t addressed.
While both forms of therapy focus on relationships, they are different. While some couples therapists may specialize in non-monogamy, it’s traditionally geared toward monogamous couples in long term relationships.
In a marriage counseling or couples therapy session, both partners are present. They both share their feelings, perspectives, and goals. The couples counselor provides structure for helping the couple process through issues.
Relationship therapy is different. We offer individual therapy to help people examine their own inner workings and how these show up in relationships. By building your insight and acceptance, you can learn how to have effective connections-no matter your relationship style or structure.
Both couples therapy and individual therapy can be helpful, depending on what you’re looking for. Some people engage in both couples therapy and couples therapy at the same time, or at different points throughout their life.
Couples therapists can guide you through conversations with your partner(s) in real time. Since they witness you interacting with your partner(s) in couples therapy sessions, they can offer insight about how both of you communicate with each other.
Individual relationship therapy is geared toward your personal growth. It empowers you to take ownership of your communication and behavior patterns that may prevent you from having the relationships you want. From here, you can make changes that can improve any type of relationship you’re in-and even your relationship with yourself.
Seeking couples therapy or individual relationship therapy is a highly personal choice. Only you know what’s best for you. If you’re interested in learning more about what individual therapy offers, we encourage you to reach out.
There are many methods and approaches that can help, depending on your situation and preferences. Here are some of the methods that relationship counselors might use in therapy sessions:
- Psychodynamic therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Acceptance and commitment therapy
- Emotionally focused therapy
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing therapy
- Internal family systems therapy
Aligned Self primarily uses cognitive behavioral therapy and emotionally focused individual therapy. However, we tailor the therapy experience to each client’s needs. You can read more about our approach here.
Reconnect with the help of relationship therapy in New York
Working with an NYC relationship therapist can give you the confidence and insight you need to build the relationships you want. Old patterns can make relationships difficult, but learning how to shift your communication can help you better connect with the people in your life.
If you feel like we might be a good fit for each other, we encourage you to reach out. We offer complimentary 15-minute consultations so you can ask questions and learn more about our approach. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you thrive in your relationships!
