Beyond Monogamy: Introduction to Polyamory & Open Relationship Choices
Beyond Monogamy is and introduction to polyamory and the concepts of open relationships, swinging, and relationship choices. Relationships come in many forms and relationship styles and this webinar is designed to help individuals explore possibilities and find what kind of relationship style works best for them. We will answer questions and concerns and give basic information on the different relationship styles, the differences and similarities and how they are practiced.
Robyn Trask & Jesus Viramontes Garcia
Which Words?
We all know that communication is the crux of healthy relationships, but how many of us see the dangers that come with using too many words? In this workshop, we will assess our own communication patterns and discuss techniques for communicating mindfully. We will also explore some commonly misused terms while examining the limitations inherent in various labels. Finally, we will cultivate the knowledge and skills necessary for navigating the “hard” conversations in our relationships. This will be a dialogue, not a lecture, so please come with a willingness to share your thoughts!
Mark A. Reinholz, Esq.
Getting to Know Your Partner(s)
This workshop will present the idea of creating “notecards” to help get to know the building blocks about your partner(s), in order to build better communication, & keep track of some of the things we tend to forget in the day-to-day of life. This will help you put things in one place, so that you can have something to look back on, if you get stuck, need ideas for date nights, need a reminder on how to navigate an argument, or just want a reminder of why you love your partner. After Jennifer goes over the basic ideas of the notecards, we will break up into smaller groups, in order to start creating your own notecards that you will be able to leave the class with. If you come to the workshop with your partner(s), you can even start filling out the note-cards.
Jennifer Moore
Searching for a Unicorn: Ethically and Respectfully Bringing in a Third
While there may not be one right way to approach an individual for group play, we should strive to do so ethically and with respect so everyone has a good time! This workshop will cover some of the dos and don’ts to keep in mind when seeking out a potential addition to your partnered play. Participants will learn the importance of context, upfront communication, navigating boundaries, and more.
Caroline D. Broughton
Poly(un)saturated: Setting Time and Resource Boundaries In Polyamory
“Polysaturated” is a term commonly used in polyamorous circles, referring to someone having as many partners as they feel they have time or resources for. The point at which a person feels polysaturated, however, can vary dramatically. Do some people have more resources to share with partners, more time to give? Or, could it be that being polysaturated is not actually about the number of partners someone has? In this workshop, we will examine how time and resources are allocated in non-monogamous relationships, the relationship between resource allocation, autonomy, and attachment, and practical ways to de-saturate your polyamorous life.
Nolan Lawless, MS, LPC
Monogamy to Polyamory; Best Practices & Avoiding Pitfalls
Often polyamorists are warned to avoid getting romantically involved with those who practice monogamy, and it sounds great in theory. Human emotions are not so easily controlled, and love happens. With the prevalence of compulsory monogamy, many folks don’t realize they aren’t monogamous until already deeply involved with someone who is. When an existing partner, or potential partner, agrees to give open relationships a try, it can be a rocky road to navigate. I’ve experienced both firsthand and in supporting friends and community, what works and the issues that can stand in the way of transitioning from monogamy to polyamory successfully. In this workshop we will discuss the most common challenges when helping a partner or partners adapt to open relationships as well as best practices for a successful transition from monogamous to polyamorous.
Marina Reiko
Parenting and Polyamory
Raising children can be challenging and wonderful all at the same time. Raising kids in a polyamorous family while the in a wider mono-centric world can bring a unique set of issues. Issues can be further complicated in trying to overcome sex negativity and pass positive messages to our kids on sexuality, love and relationships. Building trust and a strong foundation with our children is important in their development into well-adjusted adults. This workshop ad open discussion we will talk about the challenges faced by polyamorous parents. How can we be true to ourselves and support our children in the broader world. We will include how to talk to kids about sex, polyamory, bisexuality and other sticky subject as well as dealing with children in unforeseen crisis.
Panel
We Do Not Live Single-Issue Lives
Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti is very much fascinated by the concept of “Intersectionality,” which is why she became interested in teaching this class. Created by Kimberlé Crenshaw, who is an American lawyer and civil rights advocate, “Intersectionality” is what happens when “…multiple forms of discrimination (such as racism, sexism, and classism) combine, overlap, or intersect, ESPECIALLY IN THE EXPERIENCES OF MARGINALIZED INDIVIDUALS OR GROUPS” (from the Merriam-Webster Dictionary). **A Black trans woman is probably the best example of a marginalized person possessing multiple forms of discrimination and oppression that intersect.** In “We Do Not Live Single Issue Lives,” you’ll start your journey of learning just how many social identities you may have, as well as how they intersect with each other. (SPOILER ALERT: The number of your overlapping identities is probably WAY more than you think!)
Gloria Jackson-Nefertiti
Neurodiversity, Consent, and Ethical Poly
Reflections of a PhD psychologist coming of age at midlife in the inspirational containers of the sex positive workshop community. An experiential workshop with opportunity to look at how your own journey resonates with coming of age after finding safe space to unfurl our authentic selves.
Dr. Naomi Dogan AKA “Dr. Nomi”
Theory Into Practice: Adapting Counseling Theory for Non-Monogamous Clients
When non-monogamous clients come into your counseling office, what tools are in your toolbox? What framework do you use to address issues in opening a relationship, metamour relationships, newly exposed attachment concerns, jealousy? How do we apply the theories we studied in our training programs to these presenting problems? In this facilitated discussion, we will examine what counseling theory works well with non-monogamous clients (and what doesn’t) and discuss ways to adjust and combine theoretical approaches so your clients can get the most out of therapy. (Note: This session is intended for mental health practitioners and graduate students; however, anyone with an interest in this topic is welcome to attend.)
Nolan Lawless, MS, LPC
Radical Self Love and Reclaiming the Body
How does body image effect or relationships? What effect does body shaming have on our sense of self? What harm do we do to others with our own bias? How do we let go of the prejudices and programing to heal our own body image and how we see others? Bodies are beautiful and amazing, we all have one, and for many of us, we have a challenging relationship with that body. We live in a beautiful world of amazing diversity. Modern society in many ways recognizes the importance of variety in animals, the foods we eat, and the beauty of nature, and yet many of our cultures insist on uniformity in our behavior and our bodies. We hold up ideals of one size fits all approach to relationships, and we do the same for bodies. This workshop/discussion will dive into the harm done by body shaming and prejudice with a focus on the ways in which these messages damage our body image and negatively impact our mental and physical health, and our relationships. Together we will begin a journey to go beyond body acceptance to radical self-love.
Robyn Trask
Threesomes, Foursomes, and Moresomes
Loving More is all about loving more than one other person! This often means having several different pair-relationships, one-on-one emotional and sensuous partners. But it can also mean three, four or more people all playing and relating in the same space, at the same time, and perhaps over a length of time. The dynamics can be different! How do these dynamics work, and what makes moresomes safe, satisfying and scrumptious for all involved? This workshop is a space for participants to share their own experiences – what works well and what doesn’t; how to create a threesome, foursome or moresome; what unique skills and agreements participants need. It will also be a space to share our fantasies, dreams, goals, and to explore what we might want for ourselves and our partner(s).
Murray Schechter & Mim Chapman, PhD
Conversations on Male BiLoving
Let’s have a conversation. I would like to share my experiences in conversation navigating male bi-love/bi-relating. How have I for nearly 40 years navigated these waters in not so friendly times. There have been many terms used so men can articulate connecting with each other. Bromance, Biromantic, Bi-sensual, Bi-sexual, Bi-curious have been but a few terms used, let’s talk. It is my hope through sharing my journey and experiences around bi-love a clearer understanding can be achieved. It is also my hope that by talking and answering questions, the conversation will broaden, and more acceptance can be achieved. So, let’s talk about bi-sensuality with a Jazz attitude and some Gumbo conversation.
Torin Caffrey
Putting the Play back in your Poly
If we’re not careful (or perhaps because we’re so careful!), polyamory can easily become more work than play. Thus, this playshop is about letting go of the fear, attachment, and illusion of control that stresses us the f*** out! We will explore how we can embrace Play as a way of life rather than a designated activity, identifying the most common barriers to mindfulness and the flow state while discussing what it takes to permanently remove those barriers from our lives and relationships. And, of course, we’ll have fun doing it!
Mark A. Reinholz, Esq.
Sex and Aging – Secrets of Sensuous Seniors
Whether we’re 16 or 60, we’re ALL aging – it’s the IN thing to do! Yet society tends to associate sexuality with youth, and bombards us with age-related standards of beauty and sensuality. We need more models of Sexy-Sixties, and here’s your chance to meet some! Learning to love ourselves (and others) takes time, experience, and practice, so if we’re living consciously, we become better lovers every year. We’re aware of the changes that happen as we age, yet they are not often discussed openly and positively. In this interactive workshop, we’ll learn more about ourselves and each other, share the joys and challenges of maturing, and find ways to keep those sexual fires stoked – assuring creative, juicy intimacy all the way to the grave. If you’re still a youngster, come join us anyway for a “sneak preview of coming attractions”… and to explore things you could discuss with your parents, grandparents – or your older lovers!
Mim Chapman, PhD
Reposition the goal of partner sex with Erotic Bodyfulness Practice
Whether we’re 16 or 60, we’re ALL aging – it’s the IN thing to do! Yet society tends to associate sexuality with youth, and bombards us with age-related standards of beauty and sensuality. We need more models of Sexy-Sixties, and here’s your chance to meet some! Learning to love ourselves (and others) takes time, experience, and practice, so if we’re living consciously, we become better lovers every year. We’re aware of the changes that happen as we age, yet they are not often discussed openly and positively. In this interactive workshop, we’ll learn more about ourselves and each other, share the joys and challenges of maturing, and find ways to keep those sexual fires stoked – assuring creative, juicy intimacy all the way to the grave. If you’re still a youngster, come join us anyway for a “sneak preview of coming attractions”… and to explore things you could discuss with your parents, grandparents – or your older lovers!
Melissa Walker, LPC, R-DMT
The Game Room
The game room is a place to have fun and connect with other attendees playing a myriad of fun games: Joking Hazard, Exploding Kittens, Flux, Sexxxtions (learn about sexual adventures and preferences), and much more… Join in the fun and hang out a while. (Feel free to bring your own games.)
Hosted by Amber
Poly Movie
Sit back relax and enjoy Polyamory themed movie. Title TBD
Deepening Connection and Intimacy
Join us for an adventure in connection and touch. This playshop is about building trust and deepening intimacy with self and others. This is an opportunity for a heart opening experience in a safe and easy-going environment. Through intention and awareness, we will work together to create a safe space of love fostering intimacy and nurturing touch. Be prepared for small and large group interactive experiences. Bring a sheet, a pillow/blanket, an open heart, and dress comfortably. Everyone welcome, be ready to work with others. NO LATE ENTRY!
Robyn Trask
