Skip to Main Content
 

Global Search Box

 
 
 

ETD Abstract Container

Abstract Header

Polyamorous Millennials in Therapy: Interpreting Experiences to Inform Care

Calhoun-Shepard, Rebecca
http://orcid.org/0000-0003-1394-8100
http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1568762190955648

Abstract Details

2019, Psy. D., Antioch University, Antioch Seattle: Clinical Psychology.
Polyamory (poly) refers to a way of loving involving multiple concurrent romantic relationships. It has been suggested that consensual non-monogamies are becoming increasingly visible, particularly in the millennial generation. This warrants exploration of cultural considerations and the unique needs of this population to inform care and minimize potential for harm. The present study used interpretative analysis to explore the phenomenon of polyamorous millennials in therapy as described across semi-structured interviews with therapists and poly clients. Three primary themes emerged from aggregate data, including Idiographic Experiences in Therapy, Therapy with Polyamorous Millennials, and information about Polyamory and Millennials beyond a therapy context. These themes synthesized participants’ accounts of satisfying, desired, and unsatisfying experiences in therapy, as well as recommendations for and the qualities of a preferred therapist. Therapists who “get it” were delineated, and results additionally reflect learning practices, processes and interventions within therapy, ethical considerations, and information about consensual non-monogamy and the millennial generation in general. In addition to striving to accurately reflect the essence of participants’ experiences, results of this study intend to support providers towards empowering and well-serving this population in therapy.
William Heusler, Psy.D. (Committee Chair)
Christopher Heffner , Psy.D.; Ph.D. (Committee Member)
Strauss Ashley, Psy.D. (Committee Member)
109 p.
Clinical Psychology; Counseling Psychology; Families and Family Life; Mental Health; Personal Relationships; Psychology; Psychotherapy
polyamory; therapy; millennials; phenomenology; qualitative; poly; non-monogamy; interpretative phenomenological analysis

Recommended Citations

Citations

  • Calhoun-Shepard, R. (2019). Polyamorous Millennials in Therapy: Interpreting Experiences to Inform Care [Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University]. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1568762190955648

    APA Style (7th edition)

  • Calhoun-Shepard, Rebecca. Polyamorous Millennials in Therapy: Interpreting Experiences to Inform Care . 2019. Antioch University, Doctoral dissertation. OhioLINK Electronic Theses and Dissertations Center, http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1568762190955648.

    MLA Style (8th edition)

  • Calhoun-Shepard, Rebecca. "Polyamorous Millennials in Therapy: Interpreting Experiences to Inform Care ." Doctoral dissertation, Antioch University, 2019. http://rave.ohiolink.edu/etdc/view?acc_num=antioch1568762190955648

    Chicago Manual of Style (17th edition)

antioch1568762190955648
643
© 2019, all rights reserved.
This open access ETD is published by Antioch University and OhioLINK.