Exploring Alternative Lifestyles: A Somatic Approach to Opening Your Relationship

More couples are asking the question: Is monogamy the only way to love?

For some, the answer is still yes. But for others, the pull toward something more spacious, more honest, more alive is getting harder to ignore. That’s where alternative lifestyles come in—and where my work as a somatic intimacy and relationship coach begins.

I support couples who are navigating transitions into non-monogamy, whether that means exploring polyamory, opening their relationship, or simply visiting a swinger club for the first time and seeing what it stirs up.

But this isn't just about sex. It's about nervous systems, boundaries, communication, and learning how to be in your body when everything you've known about love starts to shift.

So What Is an Alternative Lifestyle?

It’s any relational structure outside of traditional, closed, heterosexual monogamy. That includes:

• Ethical non-monogamy

• Consensual Non-Monogamy

• Polyamory

• Open relationships

• Swinging

• Relationship anarchy

• Monogamish dynamics

• Fluid bonds or selectively open agreements

There’s no one-size-fits-all. What matters is that the agreements are conscious, consensual, and feel aligned with your values—not just your fantasies.

The Somatic Piece: Why It Matters

Opening a relationship can bring up a lot. Jealousy, insecurity, excitement, fear, longing, pleasure—it’s all in the mix. Traditional talk therapy might help you analyze what’s going on, but somatic work helps you feel it.

As a somatic coach, I guide couples to notice what’s happening in their bodies—not just their thoughts. We work with breath, movement, and sensation to build regulation and resilience, especially when things get hard or triggering.

This creates the capacity to:

• Stay grounded during difficult conversations

• Tune into your true "yes" and "no"

• Feel pleasure without dissociating

• Navigate jealousy and vulnerability with more grace

Opening up can be thrilling. But it can also be destabilizing. Having the tools to stay connected to your body—and each other—makes all the difference.

Common Themes I Support

• Navigating the shift from monogamy to poly or open-relating

• Exploring swinger clubs with intention and clarity

• Managing jealousy, insecurity, and boundary-setting

• Building trust while expanding freedom

• Creating agreements that actually work for you

• Coming back into connection when things feel messy or uncertain

This Work Isn’t About “Doing It Right”

There’s no perfect way to open a relationship. But there is a way to move with awareness, care, and self-trust. I’m not here to tell you how your relationship should look. I’m here to help you listen—to your body, your truth, and your partnership—and move from there.

If You’re Feeling the Pull

You might be here because something in your relationship wants to evolve. You’re curious. You’re cautious. You want to explore, but not at the cost of losing connection or safety.

That’s where I come in.

Whether you're taking your first steps into non-monogamy or deepening your journey, somatic coaching offers a space to slow down, feel more, and move with intention.

Curious to explore more?
I offer private sessions for individuals and couples navigating open relationships, polyamory, and other non-traditional paths. Book a discovery HERE call to see how this work can support you.