Date of Award

8-24-2024

Document Type

Doctoral Research Paper

Degree Name

Psy.D.

Organizational Unit

Graduate School of Professional Psychology

First Advisor

Breigh Jones-Coplin

Second Advisor

Judith Fox

Third Advisor

Mallaree Blake

Keywords

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM), polyamory, Emotionally focused therapy, Couples therapy, Black, Intersectionality

Abstract

Consensual non-monogamy (CNM) and polyamory are types of relationship structures that differ in many ways from monogamy. CNM is becoming more prevalent (Moors, 2023; Scoats & Campbell, 2022). In the United States and Canada, 1 in 5 people have engaged in some form of CNM (Moors, 2023). As more individuals engage in CNM relationships and potentially seek out couples therapy, therapists will be tasked with assisting individuals navigating relationship distress occurring within these unique relationship structures. There is limited research, or empirically validated, treatment models for working with couples with intersecting identities. To date, there has yet to be an empirically supported relationship therapy model for working with CNM or polyamorous relationships. Nor is there a method of couples therapy for Black couples. The social and contextual implications of American history on the lived experiences of Black individuals necessitates awareness of the impact systemic racism and oppression have on relationship distress (Corbitt, 2023; Guillory, 2021). In the United States, as the third largest racial group, Black individuals are more than 12% of the population (U.S. Census Bureau, 2020). However, there is a disparity in the research conducted with Black couples and Black individuals that practice polyamory. Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) is a model of couples therapy with foundations in systems and attachment theory. EFT empirically supports couples therapy with heterosexual white couples (Johnson et al., 1999; Johnson, 2004; Cooper, 2023). Nonetheless, EFT incorporates experiential interventions that provide space for intersectionality and diversity of relationship structures. With that being said, this paper will discuss the intricacies of CNM, Black polyamory, and the impact of systemic racism on relationship distress. Then this paper will dissect polyamory and intersectionality as it pertains to Black individuals. Additionally, this paper will theorize EFT as a therapeutic model for working with Black polyamorous relationships including the clinical implications. Finally, this paper will offer future directions for research with intersectionality and CNM.

Copyright Date

7-17-2024

Copyright Statement / License for Reuse

All Rights Reserved
All Rights Reserved.

Publication Statement

Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.

Rights Holder

Casey Nelson

Provenance

Received from author

File Format

application/pdf

Language

English (eng)

Extent

41 pgs

File Size

360 KB

Download

Available for download on Wednesday, July 22, 2026



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