The word combines the Greek polyis (many), and the Latin amor (love)—many loves. So polyamory means many loves. Sometimes polyamory, or poly, is called consensual non-monogamy (or CNM), which is an open, honest, transparent agreement between partners to be romantic or sexual with more than one partner.
Polyamorous relationships may include people of all races, ethnicities, genders, and sexual orientations and can be considered a lifestyle, sexual orientation, identity, or practice. This can also include swinging and open relationships.
As a therapist I am poly affirmative and knowledgeable about CNM/ open relationships and have experience working with a myriad combination relationship arrangements, issues and conflicts. If you are seeking support to discover whether you are poly, resolve poly-related issues, or are seeking more satisfaction and acceptance for yourself and/or your partner(s), I am here to help.
*My experience has taught me that issues of infidelity can and do arise in poly and CNM relationships. Infidelity and poly are not synonymous. This is an issue that occurs in all kinds of relationships (poly and monogamous and everything between or outside) —it does not have to mean the end of your relationship and can be addressed in therapy.