Holly Altson, Psy.D.

Clinical Psychologist, Licensed in Oregon and Washington

Sex-positive Therapy

Whether you're curious about opening your relationship, already practicing polyamory or ethical non-monogamy, or just want to talk about your life without judgment—this is a space where your choices are valid and your feelings are real.

Polyamory, Ethical Non-Monogamy, Kink

Approach & Methods

Polyamory, ethical non-monogamy (ENM), and kink exist on a spectrum of relationship and intimacy choices. What they share is intention — a deliberate decision to structure relationships in a way that feels authentic to you, rather than defaulting to convention.

I work with people at every stage: those exploring whether ENM might be right for them, those already practicing and navigating challenges, and those whose presenting issue has nothing to do with their relationship structure — but who need a therapist who won't judge them for having one.

The work often focuses on communication, jealousy, and attachment. Many people arrive with an idealized version of non-monogamy ("I won't feel jealous," "This will fix our marriage," "Everyone will be happy"), and part of therapy is getting honest. Jealousy, insecurity, and complicated feelings aren't signs of failure — they're data. The question isn't whether you feel them, but how you choose to respond to them and what they might be telling you about your needs, your past, or what's actually missing in a particular relationship.

I also pay attention to the logistics. Polyamorous and ENM relationships can demand enormous amounts of time, emotional labor, and energy. Sometimes that's sustainable and generative; sometimes it masks burnout or unsustainable expectations. We can explore that together.

And yes — I recognize that neurodivergent people, queer folks, and people exploring alternative relationship structures often overlap. If you're gender-fluid, ADHD, kinky, or all of the above, that's not pathology to fix. It's part of who you are, and it may well influence how you relate to others.

My Philosophy

Polyamory, ENM, BDSM, kink. These aren't for everyone, and that's okay. But if you're here, I want to create a space where you can explore your choices without judgment, and where your feelings are valid. I don't pathologize non-monogamy or kink, and I don't assume that monogamy is the "default" or "healthy" choice. What matters is whether your relationship structure works for you, and whether it aligns with your values and needs.

Therapy is a place to explore your feelings, your relationships, and your choices. It's a place to be honest about what you want, what you need, and what you're willing to compromise on. It's a place to learn how to communicate effectively, navigate jealousy, and build relationships that are healthy, fulfilling, and authentic.

Other Areas I Work With

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