Affirming Therapy in Illinois for Open, Poly and Non-Traditional Relationships

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Therapy where you feel seen, heard, and understood—because we’ve been there.

  • Therapy for non-traditional relationships such as polyamory, ethical non-monogamy, consensual non-monogamy, kink, and more.

  • We cover topics like communication, jealousy, boundaries, self-esteem, sex, gender, and more.

  • We use general therapy modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), internal family systems (IFS), and more.

  • While most sessions are 45-60 minutes, each session is fully personalized to you and your concerns. This is your space.

  • We accept most major insurances.

  • We offer virtual sessions throughout Illinois.

  • To learn more, check out our FAQ page.

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Many people desire or need more than one sexual or romantic partner to feel fulfilled in life. Seeking or living in open, poly, or ENM relationships presents a unique set of challenges and rewards that deserve specialized care and understanding by your therapist in order to best support your wellness and happiness. Freelife therapists have training and experience supporting clients whose sexual and romantic lives differ from what much of society expects or demands of them. We can help you balance achieving a life of fulfillment while successfully navigating the unique complexities of open, poly, and ENM life.

Sexual Shame

Overcome shame tied to your desires and embrace sexual confidence.

Navigating Identity

Build confidence and live authentically by exploring who you are.

Societal Expectations

Heal from religious trauma, family conflicts, and guilt.

Compulsive Behavior

Address compulsive behaviors, patterns, or habits in a supportive and nonjudgmental space.

Relationship Challenges

Improve communication, set boundaries, and navigate dynamics like polyamory.

Transitions

Build resilience and rediscover purpose during life’s changes.

What is Therapy for Non-Traditional Relationships all about?

Therapy for Non-Traditional Relationships is a space designed for people navigating polyamory, ethical non-monogamy (ENM), kink, open relationships, and other relationship structures that fall outside traditional norms. It’s not about “fixing” your relationship style — it’s about supporting you within it.

We understand that love, intimacy, and commitment can look different for everyone. Our work centers consent, communication, identity, power dynamics, attachment, and community — all through a queer-affirming, non-judgmental lens.

How does Therapy for Non-Traditional Relationships help?

Non-traditional relationships can bring deep fulfillment — and unique challenges. Therapy can help you navigate jealousy, boundaries, communication breakdowns, attachment wounds, stigma, and life transitions.

Whether you're opening up a relationship, managing multiple partnerships, exploring kink dynamics, or repairing trust, therapy offers structure, clarity, and tools that actually apply to your relationship style. We don’t pathologize your identity or your agreements. We help you build relationships that feel intentional, secure, and aligned.

Do I need therapy just because I’m polyamorous or in an open relationship?

No. Being polyamorous, kinky, or ethically non-monogamous is not a problem to solve.

You don’t need therapy because of your relationship structure — you might want therapy if you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed, disconnected, or unsure how to move forward. Therapy is about support, not correction. If something feels hard, confusing, or tender, you deserve a space where your relationship style is understood — not questioned.

Why Freelife BH for Therapy for Non-Traditional Relationships?

At Freelife, therapy means working with professionals who truly understand your world—because they’ve lived it too. Our therapists don’t just affirm your identity; they deeply grasp the experiences, challenges, and nuances of polyamory, LGBTQ+, and kink communities.

This shared perspective enables us to provide expert guidance with authenticity and a genuine connection that stems from true understanding. Here, you’re not just seen—you’re fully understood and supported as you navigate your unique relationships and personal journey.

The Therapy Process—Explained

Intake

We start by getting to know you, your goals, and what’s bringing you to therapy in a way that feels welcoming and low-pressure.

Assessment

Together, we explore patterns, history, and current challenges to better understand what support will be most helpful for you.

Treatment

Your therapist works with you using evidence-based, affirming approaches tailored to your needs, identity, and pace.

Integration

You practice applying what you’re learning in real life, building insight, resilience, and trust in yourself over time.

Follow-Up

We check in, adjust as needed, and make sure your care continues to support your growth beyond each session.

You deserve support that sees all of you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

  • If you’re navigating jealousy, communication challenges, boundary-setting, attachment triggers, or major transitions (like opening a relationship or adding a new partner), therapy can help. You don’t need to be in crisis to benefit. Many people seek support simply to strengthen communication, clarify agreements, or process emotions that come up in non-traditional dynamics. If you want a space where your relationship structure is understood without explanation or judgment, therapy may be a good fit.

  • There’s no set number of sessions. Some people come to therapy for short-term support around a specific issue, while others choose longer-term care for deeper exploration and ongoing support. Your therapist will collaborate with you to determine what feels most helpful, and you can adjust your goals at any time.

  • Not all therapists are trained in or affirming of polyamory, ENM, kink, or queer relationship structures. In affirming therapy, your identity and agreements aren’t treated as the problem. We don’t default to monogamy as the goal or assume hierarchy, roles, or power dynamics are inherently unhealthy. Instead, we work within your chosen structure — centering communication, consent, attachment, and emotional safety in ways that reflect your real-life relationships.

  • Absolutely. You don’t have to be partnered to explore relationship patterns, desires, or identity.

    Many people seek therapy while single to better understand their attachment style, unpack past relationship dynamics, clarify what they want in future partnerships, or explore their interest in polyamory, ENM, or kink. This can be powerful groundwork.

    Therapy gives you space to reflect on boundaries, communication, jealousy, values, and consent — before you’re actively navigating them with someone else. Whether you’re healing, exploring, or intentionally preparing for future relationships, the work is still meaningful.

  • Freelife accepts Blue Cross and Blue Shield PPO, Blue Choice PPO, and Aetna PPO insurance plans. Clients using these plans will be responsible for the portion of costs dictated by their individual plans (co-pays).

    Clients not using these insurance plans will be responsible for paying for their sessions themselves. Freelife is happy to provide a superbill to these clients if they would like to submit this to their insurance company for out-of-network reimbursement.

  • Freelife therapists offer both virtual and in-person options.

    We utilize technology powered by Google which is HIPAA compliant and easy to use.

    We also offer in-person sessions at our office located at 1300 W Belmont Ave, Chicago, IL 60657.

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