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Non-Monogamy 101: What Every Therapist Needs to Know with Sarah Wolfer, LICSW

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Episode Summary: In this eye-opening episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, Shaina Siber, LCSW sits down with Sarah Wolfer, LICSW, a therapist and relationship anarchist, to explore the complex, beautiful, and often misunderstood world of non-monogamous relationships—and how therapists can show up ethically, affirmingly, and effectively for clients in these relationship structures.

Whether you’re new to working with polyamorous, open, or relationship-diverse clients—or looking to deepen your practice—this conversation offers a powerful lens on supporting clients without stigma, bias, or pathologization.

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Topics Covered:

  • What non-monogamy really means—and the diverse structures it includes
  • Common myths and clinical biases therapists must unlearn
  • Relationship anarchy, egalitarian polyamory, solo poly, swinging, and more
  • Consent, autonomy, and values-based agreements in relationships
  • Supporting parents and families in non-monogamous structures
  • Intersectionality: How queerness, neurodivergence, and race affect relational safety
  • Best practices for documentation, intakes, and affirming communication
  • Tips for becoming a more culturally humble, inclusive therapist

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About Our Guests:

Sarah Wolfer is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with her own private practice, Courageous You, based in Seattle, WA and serving clients via telehealth in Washington, Idaho, and Florida. With an MSW earned in 2012, Sarah has spent the first half of her career in social services and community mental health as a clinician, supervisor, and program manager, and the second half thriving in private practice.

Sarah specializes in working with LGBTQIA+, non-monogamous, and neurodivergent individuals and relationships—and identifies with these communities herself. They are an egalitarian, non-hierarchical polyamorist, relationship anarchist, and non-binary queer person.

Their clinical approach integrates parts work and psychedelic-assisted therapy with previous training in CBT and trauma-focused modalities. They offer psychotherapy, relationship therapy, and ketamine-assisted therapy tailored to queer and non-monogamous clients. Sarah also provides clinical supervision and consultation on queerness, non-monogamy, and neurodivergence.

You can learn more about their offerings at: CourageousYouTherapy.com

Outside the therapy space, Sarah is a vegan, lifelong athlete, former tackle football player, and proud dog parent to two pups—Roxy and Ace.

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Resources:

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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