Exploring open relationships can bring unique challenges and opportunities. Many people in San Francisco seek professional support to navigate them.
Finding a therapist who understands non-monogamy and respects different relationship structures can make conversations about trust, communication, and boundaries more productive.
This article introduces therapists in San Francisco who specialize in open relationships and related counseling.
By learning about their approaches and areas of expertise, individuals and couples can find guidance that fits their specific needs and goals.
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1) Allyson Byers – Couples and Relationship Therapist in San Francisco
Allyson Byers is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist who works with couples and individuals navigating relationship challenges.
She supports clients in exploring open relationships with a focus on communication and emotional health.
Her background includes experience with grief, chronic illness, and trauma, which informs her approach to therapy.
She also integrates her knowledge of LGBTQ+ issues and body image concerns into her practice.
Learn more about her through Psychology Today, Allyson B Therapy, and TherapyDen.
2) J.C. Chance – Psychotherapist specializing in open relationships
J.C. Chance is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in San Francisco.
He works with individuals and couples on relationship challenges, including communication, intimacy, and life transitions.
He has training in trauma therapy and sex education, which supports his work with clients exploring consensual non-monogamy, polyamory, and diverse relationship structures.
His practice is located in San Francisco and offers private sessions.
Learn more on Yelp, Psyched in San Francisco, and Psychology Today.
Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.
4.5 (7,802+) FROM TRUSTPILOT
Try BetterHelp
Fill out a brief questionnaire and get matched with an experienced therapist online in as little as 24 hours.
✓ Over 35K licensed professionals
✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks
✓ Financial aid available
✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime
✓ 20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers
3) Fiachra Figs O’Sullivan – Expert in polyamory counseling
Fiachra “Figs” O’Sullivan is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in San Francisco.
He works with individuals and couples on relationship challenges, including non-traditional dynamics.
He is certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, a method that supports deeper connection and trust.
His practice includes counseling for couples exploring open relationships and polyamory.
Learn more about his background through his Therapy with Figs profile, Yelp listing, and LinkedIn page.
4) Loren Hadassah, MA MFT – Marriage and family therapist
Loren Hadassah is a licensed marriage and family therapist based in San Francisco.
She works with individuals and couples who want to improve communication and strengthen relationships.
Her background includes a master’s degree in Somatic Psychology and training in body-centered approaches.
Sessions may include talk therapy, movement, or mindfulness practices.
She offers support for couples exploring open relationships and other nontraditional dynamics.
Learn more through her Psychology Today profile, personal website, and Yelp page.
5) Kay B Heatherly, CHT – Therapist for communication and jealousy issues
Kay B Heatherly is a certified hypnotherapist based in San Francisco with more than three decades of experience.
She works with clients on communication challenges and emotional patterns that can affect open relationships.
She often combines hypnotherapy with techniques like guided visualization and EFT to help clients address jealousy and improve trust.
Sessions are available both in person and through teletherapy.
Learn more on her official website, Yelp profile, and LinkedIn page.
6) Jhana Goldenflame – Specialist in emotional and spiritual counseling
Jhana Goldenflame offers counseling that blends emotional healing with spiritual guidance.
She works with clients facing difficult life transitions, trauma, or personal growth challenges.
Her practice includes transformational coaching and EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques), providing structured support in a safe and confidential setting.
Sessions are available in San Francisco and online, making her services accessible to a wide range of clients.
Learn more on Yelp, Goldenflame.us, and MapQuest.
7) The Couples Center – Experienced in non-monogamy therapy
The Couples Center provides counseling for individuals and partners exploring open or non-monogamous relationships.
Their therapists focus on communication, trust, and boundaries.
They offer in-person sessions in San Francisco as well as online options across California.
Services also include support for LGBTQ+ couples and those in diverse relationship structures.
Learn more at The Couples Center San Francisco and The Couples Center counseling services.
8) Herst Wellness – Focused on relationship trust and boundaries
Herst Wellness offers coaching that helps people explore both mind and body while addressing challenges in relationships.
The practice emphasizes building trust and setting healthy boundaries.
Clients often seek support when navigating complex dynamics, including open relationships.
The approach encourages clarity, self-awareness, and balanced communication.
Herst Wellness is led by Chad Herst, a coach with experience in mindfulness and integrative practices.
Learn more at Herst Wellness and Herst Wellness Yelp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Therapists in San Francisco who focus on open relationships often bring training in relationship dynamics, cultural awareness, and communication strategies.
They can support both individuals and couples in navigating challenges such as jealousy, boundaries, and emotional balance.
What qualifications should I look for in a therapist specializing in non-monogamous relationships?
Look for a licensed professional such as an LMFT, AMFT, or LCSW who has specific experience with non-monogamous clients.
Many therapists, like Allyson Byers, highlight their training in open relationships and couples counseling.
How can I find a culturally competent therapist for open relationships in the San Francisco area?
Cultural competence involves respecting diverse identities, values, and relationship structures.
Platforms such as Mental Health Match allow people to filter for therapists who specialize in open relationships and understand cultural differences.
What are common challenges that therapists can help with in open relationships?
Therapists often address jealousy, communication breakdowns, and boundary setting. Professionals like Kay B Heatherly focus on helping clients manage difficult emotions and create agreements that support trust and clarity.
Can individual therapy be beneficial for someone in a non-monogamous relationship, or is couples therapy recommended?
Both options can be useful. Individual therapy gives space to explore personal feelings and values.
Couples therapy supports partners in improving communication and resolving conflicts. Many San Francisco therapists, such as J.C. Chance, offer both approaches.
What should I expect from the first therapy session if I’m in an open relationship?
The first session usually covers relationship history, current challenges, and goals for therapy. Therapists like Loren Hadassah, MA MFT often ask about agreements, boundaries, and communication styles to understand the client’s needs.
How do I know if a therapist is truly experienced in dealing with the dynamics of open relationships?
Experience can be confirmed by reviewing their background, specialties, and client focus.
For example, Fiachra Figs O’Sullivan is known for expertise in polyamory counseling.
Asking direct questions during an initial consultation can also clarify their level of experience.
