Beyond the Dyad – The Complexity of Multiple Loves in the Family System - 2024 Conference

Session Description

Most relationship theory is out of date. Research compiled by the Kinsey institute (2022) suggests over 10% have engaged in a polyamorous relationship and that doesn’t even account for all of the other types of Consensual Non-Monogamy (CNM). And yet, our professional theory and practice rarely accounts for anything beyond a dyadic relationship. We need to talk about the complexity therapists encounter working with relationships made up of 3, 4, 5, and more people, what they can look like, and how to work with that level of complexity. Luckily, systems theory gives us models for managing this. This workshop will focus on practical applications of systems theory (the complex interaction of multiple parts within a given system) and how to manage the complexity within the therapeutic relationship. We’ll talk about managing fears around working with this level of complexity, tools for mapping the relationships, and how to apply…