Out On The Couch

Navigating a Gender Dysphoria Diagnosis with Affirmative Care

Posted: 12-3-24 | The Affirmative Couch

Ask Us Anything

Our Ask Us Anything Series is a place where you can ask general questions about clinical work with LGBTQIA+, consensually non-monogamous, and kinky clients without fear of being attacked or judged. This is not a replacement for consultation, which we recommend for complex clinical work. Make sure that any questions you ask [...]

Continue Reading

A Polyamory Retrospective

Posted: 7-29-24 | The Affirmative Couch

Are you a polyamory-affirming therapist? 

Ethical non-monogamy is a popular topic; especially in the form of loving, committed open relationships like polyamory. 

Is it possible to be consensually, respectfully non-monogamous without ruining intimate relationships? 

What if a client is exploring opening up an  existing relationship, or even a marriage?

And, perhaps the most common question [...]

Continue Reading

Mono-Poly Relationships in Therapy

Posted: 4-1-21 | Stephanie Sullivan

Ask Us Anything: How does a therapist deal with a couple where one partner prefers monogamy and the other wants to be polyamorous?

 First, we can consider the many ways in which one might ask this question, which can change its meaning. There are several situations when this will come up in the therapy room, and [...]

Continue Reading

Misgendering a Client in Therapy

Posted: 3-4-21 | The Affirmative Couch

Ask Us Anything: How to navigate moments of rupture and repair in the therapeutic relationship when a therapist missteps re: a client’s gender identity or expression? Important to acknowledge and apologize to the client and strive to do better – other things to keep in mind if/when this happens?

Wonderful question! You are definitely on [...]

Continue Reading

Psychotherapy with Unsupportive Parents of Transgender and Gender Nonbinary Clients

Posted: 12-9-20 | The Affirmative Couch

Ask Us Anything: How should I handle the pronouns of and name for adolescent trans clients when their parents refuse to use the correct ones? Obviously I want to support my client by using their pronouns and name, but I also feel like it is a fine line between that and making parents angry so [...]

Continue Reading