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This is the third in a series of blogs on children in polyamorous families. The first looked at the age dependent experiences of children in polyamorous families and why they appear to be doing so well, and the second detailed the advantages and disadvantages these children identified in poly family life. Third in the series, this blog explains four strategies these kids use to deal with the disadvantages found in poly family life, including blending in, being careful who they told about their families, avoiding the issue completely, and negotiating with parents. Read more “Children in Polyamorous Families Part 3”
Articles and News
How to Establish Sexual Values
This post was published by Sexology International, and can be found here. When it comes to sex and sexuality, everyone has an opinion. Some affix their ideas to a personal or political agenda; others use convenient generalizations to further less noble pursuits—to encourage people to buy pretty French lingerie or pricey sports cars, for example. […] Read more “How to Establish Sexual Values”
Children in Polyamorous Families Part 2
In the first part of this series on children in polyamorous families, I explained how these kids have age-dependent experiences and why they appear to be doing so well in general. This second blog in the series details the advantages and disadvantages that children report in my study of polyamorous families. Advantages Children and young […] Read more “Children in Polyamorous Families Part 2”
Green House Experiences & Insights
We are now accepting applications for the Green House 2019 Cohort. Launched in 2016, the Green House is LifeWorks’ postgraduate psychotherapy training program. Participants join us here in Chicago for 12 months of tuition-free learning and real-world clinical experience centered on self-development, individual supervision, and cultural competence. Wondering if the Green House is right for […] Read more “Green House Experiences & Insights”
Assertive Communication 101: Finding Your Assertive Voice
I am passionate about interpersonal boundaries, and in order to have good boundaries, you need to tell others about them! Assertive communication is crucial to being able to set, clarify, and defend your boundaries and their consequences in relationships. I’m also motivated to write due to how many times I talk about this topic in therapy […] Read more “Assertive Communication 101: Finding Your Assertive Voice”
Children in Polyamorous Families Part 1
Eli Sheff is considered a leading expert on polyamorous families with children. The following is the first in a series of five articles she wrote for Psychology Today about children in poly families. As public awareness of polyamorous families has risen over the past 20 years, so has concern over their impact on children. In order to […] Read more “Children in Polyamorous Families Part 1”
The Conflict with Conflict in Polyam Relationships
Ever had conflict? Most people have had more conflict than they care to recall. Conflict is important to everyone and every relationship but when you are in a multi-partnered relationship good conflict skills become even more critical. On May 6, 2017, Rami Henrich, LCSW and I presented a workshop on applying the principle of deep […] Read more “The Conflict with Conflict in Polyam Relationships”
More to Love: Polyamory in the Real World
On May 30, 2017, LifeWorks partner Rami Henrich, LCSW was part of an interview for Chicago Tonight which aired on Chicago’s PBS station WTTW regarding polyamorous relationships. In the on air interview, Rami shares her experience of being in a polyamorous relationship for over 34 years. She is joined in the interview by Caroline Kearns of Chicago Polyamory Connection […] Read more “More to Love: Polyamory in the Real World”
Shaming Methods in Popular Psychology
David Bedrick, J.D., Dipl. PW, is a speaker, counselor, attorney, and teacher. He is the author of the acclaimed Talking Back to Dr. Phil: Alternatives to Mainstream Psychology and the forthcoming title Revisioning Activism: Bringing Depth, Dialogue, and Diversity to Individual and Social Change (Belly Song Press, 2017). The following article is posted with permission from David Bedrick, J.D., Dipl. PW. […] Read more “Shaming Methods in Popular Psychology”
What Basson’s Sexual Response Cycle Teaches Us About Sexuality
The following article has been adapted from “Taking a Closer Look at Basson’s Model of the Sexual Response Cycle,” Jo Flannery’s article for Sexology International. It has been edited from its original format. To read the original article, click here. There is no one reason people choose to have sex. Rather, human beings become aroused […] Read more “What Basson’s Sexual Response Cycle Teaches Us About Sexuality”
How to Create Fulfilling Relationships After Experiences of Abuse
We are pleased to share this article by our friend and colleague, Niyati Evers, MAPW, and diplomate in Process Work. Niyati is a sex-positive therapist with Alchemy of Eros, a Portland, Oregon-based professional counseling services organization that seeks to create a welcoming, non-judgmental space where people can explore issues around relationships, intimacy, power, passion, desire, […] Read more “How to Create Fulfilling Relationships After Experiences of Abuse”
Anam Cara: Soul Lessons From Anxiety & Panic
There is a phrase in Gaelic, anam cara, which means “soul friend.” According to the Anam Cara Therapy Center in California, anam cara is: A teacher, companion or spiritual guide … where consciousness is dulled, distant or blind, its presence grows faint and vanishes. Therefore awareness which brings integration and healing, is one of the […] Read more “Anam Cara: Soul Lessons From Anxiety & Panic”
Interpersonal Boundaries: How Trauma Keeps Us Silent
What are personal boundaries? Personal boundaries are what separate us from other people and things and help us form a distinct identity. Boundaries help us protect ourselves. Boundaries help define what belongs to you and what belongs to someone else. Boundaries can define what is “ok” and what is “not ok.” Boundaries help others know […] Read more “Interpersonal Boundaries: How Trauma Keeps Us Silent”
Connecting with Personal Power After Abuse, Trauma, or Marginalization
Why do some people abuse power while others don’t? That question is at the core of POWER: A USER’S GUIDE, the latest book by coach, facilitator, educator, and author Julie Diamond, Ph.D. As its title suggests, Power: A User’s Guide is a how-to manual for anybody—parent, boss, teacher, politician, social activist—for whom wielding authority justly […] Read more “Connecting with Personal Power After Abuse, Trauma, or Marginalization”
Refueling: A Guide for Self-Care
As a therapist, I focus on self-care a lot because I think it’s a vital life skill that no one really teaches us to do for ourselves. Self-care allows us to have emotional energy to respond thoughtfully to life’s bumps and obstacles instead of reacting without awareness. That reservoir of emotional energy gives us […] Read more “Refueling: A Guide for Self-Care”
Caring in Uncertain Times
We are pleased to share this post by Jacqueline Boyd from The Care Plan. Jacqueline is a tireless advocate for healthcare needs of the elderly and LGBTQ+ community providing guidance and planning for her clients. by Jacqueline Boyd “How will changes to the Affordable Care Act affect my insurance coverage?” “Will my 85-year-old parent be […] Read more “Caring in Uncertain Times”
How Therapists Can Keep from Misusing their Power
Why do we sometimes misuse power even when we know better? That question is at the core of POWER: A USER’S GUIDE, the latest book by coach, facilitator, educator, and author Julie Diamond, Ph.D. In this video, Julie speaks with LifeWorks’ Cindy Trawinski about power dynamics in therapeutic relationships, as well as how therapists can […] Read more “How Therapists Can Keep from Misusing their Power”
The Distinction between Personal and Positional Power
Why is learning about “personal” versus “positional” power so important? That question is at the core of POWER: A USER’S GUIDE, the latest book by coach, facilitator, educator, and author Julie Diamond, Ph.D. As its title suggests, Power: A User’s Guide is a how-to manual for anybody—parent, boss, teacher, politician, social activist—for whom wielding authority […] Read more “The Distinction between Personal and Positional Power”
The Saint Aside
And if I say it’s alright to love another one I will smile with calm dignity shift wince to wisdom grin feign peace in your pleasure reach back to pat for a mind as open as the wound in my chest and I’m grasping your fingers for blades your swell and gaze but I was […] Read more “The Saint Aside”
Why Do Sex Workers Need Our Support?
by Cindy Trawinski, Psy.D. and Cassandra Damm, LCSW In a previous article, we introduced the topic of sex work, considered its history and politics, and explored some identifying attributes of the diverse population of individuals sometimes referred to as sex workers. In this article, we would like to offer a few guidelines about the many […] Read more “Why Do Sex Workers Need Our Support?”