Learning about Nonmonogamous Relationships and the Importance of Communication with Kelly Benzin LMSW and Brittani Decess LPC [Episode 134]

The Intentional Clinician: Psychology, Philosophy, Therapy, & Change

Paul Krauss MA LPC speaks with Kelly Benzin LMSW and Brittani Decess LPC about Non-monogamous Relationships and the Importance of Communication. The conversation covers many aspects including: Myths and Facts of Non-monogamous Relationships, Important Terminology, Intersectionality, Judgements and Stereotypes, Cultural Bias, Intersectional Lens, Safety, Weaponizing Non-monogamy, Jealousy, Communication, etc.

For further exploration:

Books

• Polysecure by: Jessica Fern
• Polywise by: Jessica Fern
• The Ethical Slut: A Practical Guide to Polyamory, Open Relationships, and Other Freedoms in Sex and Love by: Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton
• Open Deeply by Kate Loree, MFT
• Multiamory: Essential Tools for Modern Relationships by: Dedeker Winston, Jase Lindgren, Emily Sotelo Matlack
• More than Two by: Franklin Veaux and Eve Rickert
• The Polyamory Workbook by: Sara Youngblood Gregory
• Hot and Unbothered by: Yana Tallon-Hicks
• Opening Up: A Guide to Creating and Sustaining Open Relationships by: Tristan Taormino

Podcasts

• Multiamory
• Queer & Poly
• Remodeled Love
• Cheaper Than Therapy

Instagram and/or TikTok

• @chillpolyamory
• @shelovesradically
• @elzcunningham
• @remodeledlove
• @polyphiliablog
• @unapolygetically
• @the_vspot
• @annie_undone

Kelly Benzin, LMSW is therapist serving clients in Grand Rapids, MI. She focuses on working with women, the LGBTQIA + community, and those in non monogamous relationships. Kelly works through a Feminist Theory lens and how the current systems in our society impact our community’s mental health. She is a trauma informed and EMDR trained clinician, as well as a self identified Relationship Anarchist.

Brittani Decess, LPC is a mental health therapist at Health For Life Counseling and has been practicing since September 2021. Brittani identifies as a queer cis-gendered white female and uses she/her pronouns . Brittani has worked with a variety of individuals and families across the life span using talk and creative therapies to aid clients in healing and processing. Brittani holds a Bachelor’s degree in Art Therapy and a Master’s Degree in Counseling with a focus on Marriage, Couples, and Families. Brittani is also continuing training in EMDR techniques and Couples Therapy Modalities. Brittani has several years of trauma-informed work including facilitating a Cognitive-Behavoral-Therapy curriculum to youth in court system, being a public speaker and educator on topics related to sexual assault and domestic violence, and counseling children, teens, and caregivers moving through the adoption and foster care system before coming to Health for Life Counseling- Ada, MI. Brittani specializes in topics and issues related to lifespan changes/transitions, trauma, anxiety, depression, relationship dynamics (couples, families, and other relationship groupings), attachment, communication, self-esteem, LGBTQ+ experiences , sexuality and intimacy, and impacts of unhelpful social narratives. Brittani approaches therapy by working towards processing the meaning of experiences by exploring the intersectionality of cultural identities and how connections to people, places, and events have impacted the client(s) mental health and other areas most important to them.

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Paul Krauss MA LPC is the Clinical Director of Health for Life Counseling Grand Rapids, home of The Trauma-Informed Counseling Center of Grand Rapids. Paul is also a Private Practice Psychotherapist, an Approved EMDRIA Consultant , host of the Intentional Clinician podcast, Behavioral Health Consultant, Clinical Trainer, Counseling Supervisor, and Meditation Teacher. Paul is now offering consulting for a few individuals and organizations. Paul is the creator of the National Violence Prevention Hotline (in progress) as well as the Intentional Clinician Training Program for Counselors. You can find Paul on Insight Timer. Paul has been quoted in the Washington Post, NBC News, Wired Magazine, and Counseling Today. Questions? Call the office at 616-200-4433.

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Original Music:

”Alright" from the forthcoming album Mystic by PAWL (Spotify)

"Cherry Colored Funk" from Heaven or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins (Spotify)

"Heaven or Las Vegas" from Heaven or Las Vegas by Cocteau Twins (Spotify)