Directions to our office
located on 6th and Locust St.
The Center for Growth, Inc.
also known as
Sex Therapy in Philadelphia
233 S. 6th Street, Suite C-33
Philadelphia PA 19106
New Clients (267) 324 - 9564
Existing Clients (215) 922-5683
Fax (215) 922-6302
Polyamorous Relationships
Counseling and Therapy in PhiladelphiaDeveloped by the Staff at Sex Therapy in Philadelphia
What is a Polyamorous Relationship? Polyamory in its’ basic form means “many loves,” with Poly meaning many, and the root amour, meaning love. Polyamory essentially refers to the practice of loving more than one person at a time; or having a romantic and sexually fulfilling relationship with two or more people simultaneously. Polyamorous relationships are not for everyone. Contra Indications:
- Believe that sex always equal loves
- Difficulty being honest with partner
- Being intimate with someone who does not want to engage in an open relationship
The Three Primary Polyamorous Styles of Relationships
We have created a list of the common styles of relationships. With that being said, every couple has their own idiosyncrasies, communication styles, sexual interests, and ways of relating to each other that makes their relationship unique. Each poly couple has their own preferred way of interacting with their partner.
Primary Partner: the first style of polyamorous relationships tends to reflect a hierarchical nature. One or both people may decide to take on outside lovers, but one relationship takes priority over the other. Your main partner is considered the primary partner, and your outside lover would become your secondary partner. The primary partner is devoted the most time, energy, loyalty, and shares the strongest bond. The primary partner is involved in establishing the guidelines of the relationship. Secondary lovers share a close emotional and sexual relationship. He or she is given less priority and the bond will not be as strong as the primary. In some cases, the secondary relationship may endure long term, but will always be on a casual level. If either person decides to take a third lover or tertiary, this person will be given even less priority. Tertiary lovers enjoy each other sporadically and there is no potential for the relationship to grow. Each consecutive lover after the tertiary is given less and less value or priority.
Triad or Quad: the second type of poly relationship refers to a triad or in some cases this may be a quad. One person may have two or more lovers, each relationship is given comparable weight, and neither partner takes priority over the other. Each relationship is considered equally important in the person’s life. He or she invests a significant amount of time and energy into both partners. One example is when all three people are enmeshed in one relationship, like a trio, or a “tri-relationship.” This would be if a couple decided to include a third person, man or woman, in their relationship full time. They may all sleep in one bed or have separate bedrooms. Alternatively, one person may have two separate partners. For example, a woman has a boyfriend and a separate female lover. While the woman is devoted to her two lovers, the two partners never meet and are not involved in each other’s lives.
Poly-Family: the third type of relationship is considered a poly-family. This is a relationship of three of more people in which there is a strong commitment and significant relationship between all partners. Each person spends quality time with each other individually and as a group. Household chores, children, finances are shared and most people are sexually involved. The well-being of each person is a priority within all members of the poly family.
This is not a definitive list; there are many variations that can coincide within each of these categories. In most cases, the couple collectively decides on the nature or style of their relationship. You will decide which relationship style best meets your own needs.
Topics on Sexual Orientation
Coping with Internalized Homophobia
Coming Out to Family and Friends
Coming Out: Developing a Gay/Lesbian Support Network
Topics on BDSM
Open Relationships
Setting Ground Rules in an Open Relationship
How To Talk To Your Partner About An Open RelationshipThe Secret To Making A Polyamorous Relationship Work
How To Introduce A Poly Relationship
Is friends with benefits right for you
What are the benefits and drawbacks to 'Friends with Benefits'
Sexuality Concerns
- Alternative lifestyles AL
- Erection difficulties ED
- Infertility / Fertility problems FP
- Impotence IMP
- Orgasm Difficulties Org
- Painful intercourse / Dyspareunia DYS
- Painful vaginal spasms PVS
- Pregnancy Problems P
- Premature ejaculation PE
- Sexual addictions SA
- Low sex drive LSD
- Sexual Orientation Confusion SOC
- Sexual Inexperience SI
- Sexually transmitted Infections (eg. herpes) STI
- Sexual Health Concerns of Children C
- Sexual Health Concerns of Senior Citizens SC
Have you experienced?
- Sexual Aversion SA
- Sexual Boredom SB
- Negative Body Image NBI
- Embarrassment & Anxiety SE
- Depression D
- Chronic Pain
- Cheating Spouse / Infidelity CS
- Medical Problems MP
- Rape or Sexual Abuse RSA
- Relationship & Marital Problems RMP
- Infidelity / Affairs (AI)
- Communication Problems CP
Founder of Sex Therapy
in Philadelphia
"Alex" Caroline Robboy, CAS,
ACSW, LCSW
To schedule an appointment, please call: 267 - 324 - 9564
If you live in Center City Philadelphia and the surrounding regions, including the Main Line, Montgomery County, Bucks County, Chestery County, Cherry Hill and Southern New Jersey area and want to schedule an appointment for individual therapy, couples therapy, marriage counseling, sex therapy, family therapy or play therapy call (267) 324-9564.
