Adrian Matthews LMHC

I help people who are in–or who are interested in–non-monogamous relationship structures form more satisfying relationships with the people they care about. As fulfilling as it can be to actively build the types of relationships you want in your life rather than using a cookie-cutter approach to dating or marriage, it can also be stressful–especially at the beginning–and full of seemingly contradictory experiences. It can feel terrifying–but also exhilarating–to move away from the scripts of our culture, our families of origin, our faith communities, and even our legal system, that ‘true’ love can only exist between two people. Non-monogamy can create a sort of emotional whiplash as one day we feel that all of the best parts of ourselves are affirmed in a new relationship that really clicks, only to be swept away in an overwhelming wave of jealousy and fear when a partner has that same experience with someone else and suddenly alarm bells are going off that we’re about to lose everything and our partners don’t care for us anymore. Or, maybe, this wasn’t your idea. Maybe you’re feeling powerless as your partner unilaterally decided that they wanted an open relationship and is charging ahead with the whole thing, accusing you of not affirming their new-found polyamorous identity when you express your concern, hesitation, or you ask for time to process. Or, maybe you’ve recognized your own innate capacity to love more than one person… but you still find yourself feeling frustrated, sad, and more alone than you want to be. If any of this sounds like what you’re experiencing, I want to help. Call or email me today to get started with telehealth services in Rhode Island or Massachusetts, or visit my website at amatthewscounseling.wordpress.com to learn more.