Polyamory & consensual non-monogamy therapy with Merle Maynard, LMFT — affirming, trauma-informed support for individuals, couples, and relationship systems in New York & New Jersey.
Polyamory & Consensual Non-Monogamy Therapy
in New York & New Jersey
Polyamory, consensual non-monogamy (CNM), and relationship anarchy, ask us to think intentionally about love, commitment, communication, boundaries, and connection. But relationships that exist outside traditional expectations can sometimes bring unique challenges. Especially when partners are navigating jealousy, uncertainty, communication differences, or pressure from a world that often assumes monogamy is the default.
Therapy can be a space to explore your relationships with curiosity, compassion, and without judgment.
I recognize that many people exploring non-traditional relationship structures are also navigating questions of identity, neurodivergence, trauma, and belonging. We can make space for all of these parts of your experience.
You may be looking for support if...
You're navigating the transition from monogamy to non-monogamy.
You and your partners are working through conflict or disconnection.
Jealousy, insecurity, or fear feels difficult to navigate.
You're exploring boundaries, agreements, and communication.
You want support around relationship changes or life transitions.
You are balancing multiple relationships, identities, or needs.
You want to strengthen connection and trust within your relationship system.
You are looking for a therapist who understands that healthy relationships can take many forms.
My approach
My work is grounded in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), attachment theory, and a relationship-affirming, trauma-informed perspective.
I don't approach non-monogamy as something to explain away or fix. Instead, we explore the patterns, needs, fears, and hopes that shape your relationships.
Together, we'll slow down and look beneath conflict to understand what each person is experiencing. Rather than asking, "Who is right?" we'll explore questions like:
What is this feeling trying to protect?
What need is asking to be understood?
How can we create agreements that honor everyone's humanity?
What does safety and connection look like in this relationship?
Understanding comes before change.
A relationship can be intentional without being traditional.
Whether you are practicing polyamory, open relationships, relationship anarchy, or another form of consensual non-monogamy, therapy can support you in building relationships rooted in honesty, consent, communication, and care.
You don't need to fit a traditional relationship model to deserve support. Together, we'll explore what healthy connection looks like for you.
Serving individuals, couples, and relationship systems throughout New York and New Jersey via telehealth.