October 20, 2018 – Oklahoma City, OK

 

Beyond Monogamy: Polyamory and other Open Relationship Choices

Jesus V Garcia

Beyond Monogamy is an introduction to polyamory and the concepts of open relationships, swinging, and other alternative relationship choices. Relationships come in many forms and relationship styles and this workshop 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.

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So We’re Polyamorous… What Next?

Jeri Lynn Astra Herbert

Polyamory 102. You’ve learned all about the choices and maybe you think you found one that fits. Maybe you’ve even found one or more sweeties to embark on this adventure with. But how do you steer the ship? This workshop will cover the next stage of your adventure: dating profiles, community building, safer sexual practices and how to have the STI talk, and whatever other concerns or questions might arise.

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Societal Programming, Guilt and the Little White Lies…

How can we overcome the unconscious programs that threaten our success in poly relating

Jesus V Garcia & Robyn Trask

Do you ever find yourself feeling guilty for having fun with a sweetie while your other sweetie is at home with the kids? Do you sometimes find yourself holding back some information saying “we only snuggled a bit” later admitting it might have been a bit more? We often hold back out of guilt or fear of hurting our partner/s feelings. Our culture does not teach us much about navigating monogamous relationships much less how to deal with multiples. In addition we are inundated by messages that if we really love our partner we will never want anyone else, lie to protect their emotions, and never hurt the one we love. You come to poly relating with a suitcase of behaviors that are not conducive to successful relating, polyamorous or monogamous. In this facilitated discussion we will look at the why and how of these and other counter-productive strategies that can interfere with successful loving relationships.

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Creating Success in Relationships

Robyn Trask

Relationships don’t come with a “how to manual”.  Most of what we learn when it comes to relating is the dysfunctional examples and messages we receive from our parents, movies, books and TV.  We do not feel it is important to teach relationship skills but rather to have people muddle through their lives trying to fit in the pre-constructed box of ideal relationship.  For most of us who choose polyamory we have taken the first step beyond that box, but how do we find relationships that work.  In this workshop we will explore important keys to making relationships work.  We will explore common challenges that set people up for failure in polyamory and loving relationships as well as how to overcome obstacles. Our goal is to help people create relationships that thrive instead of merely survive. We will challenge preconceived ideas of what it means to be successful in relationship and how to honor our own and our partner’s needs, wants and desires.

Cultural Humility in Practice: Polyamorous Relationships

Ruby Johnson, LCSW

As clinicians, we have an ethical responsibility to provide culturally competent care. This presentation provides cultural considerations for clinicians that provide care to marginalized communities. Stigma and misconceptions can easily biased decisions for accepting and treating polyamorous clients.
**CEU Credit

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Ethical Issues In Counseling Non-Monogamous Clients

Nolan Lawless

This workshop will address and explore application of professional ethical principles and state legal guidelines to the unique challenges of working with clients who are exploring or practicing ethical non-monogamy. Topics addressed will include competency, working with clients interested in exploring non-monogamy, the coming out process, conducting therapy with triads or other non-monogamous relationship structures, and more. We will also discuss the unique ethics of practicing non-monogamy as a licensed professional.
**CEU Credit

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Couple’s Transitioning from Monogamy to Polyamory & Staying Together

Jessica Fern Cooley

As many of us know, being poly in a monogamous world has its ups and downs, but taking on the process of going from monogamy to non-monogamy as a couple can have its own unique set of difficulties. In this session we will explore several specific dynamics and challenges that relate to couples trying to transition from mono to poly while staying together. In this workshop you will go beyond talking about relationship agreements, communication and jealousy, through exploring: How the paradigm shift couples are going through is creating their relationship challenges, not polyamory – How the skills  used to stay healthy in monogamy may not convert in polyamory – The importance of decoupling and differentiation – Why the pairing of a Poly-as-Lifestyle partner with a Poly-as-Orientation partner can be particularly challenging –   How going Poly can catalyze an awakening of the Authentic Self – And How going Poly can expose a Crisis of Attachment Style.
**CEU Credit

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Navigating Consent

Liz Newsom LCSW

Navigating Consent opens up a discourse around what is consent, who is responsible, and when do we use it. Given recent political climate, we’ve realized as a society we need more conversations around this topic and we’ll use this opportunity to explore and dispel myths, solidify our understandings and figure out how to keep learning and growing.

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What Makes a Family?

Polyamory, Family, & Children

Liz Newsom LCSW, Robyn Trask, Jesus Garcia

Polyamory means many loves but when does a lover become family? What is it to be a family? And what about the kids? This panel discussion in meant to address issues around polyamory families, the impact on children, and the challenges faced in families with multiple adults, lovers, and/or kids. We will look at integrating different values, how to balance family, kids, work, and multiple romantic/sexual partners. We will share our personal experiences, successes, and challenges.
**CEU Credit

 

**A continuing education unit (CEU) or continuing education credit (CEC) is a measure used in continuing education programs to assist the professional to maintain his or her license in their profession.

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