Couples & Polycule Therapy

We offer affirming, collaborative relational therapy for couples and polycules of all configurations. Whether you're navigating communication challenges, rebuilding trust, deepening intimacy, or redefining the structure of your relationship, our couples and polyamory therapists are here to support you. We recognize that healthy relationships come in many forms, and we welcome queer, trans, kink, non-monogamous, and other non-traditional partnerships into a space free from judgment and pathologization.

Our relational therapists bring a trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and consent-centered approach to the work, helping partners strengthen connection, repair ruptures, clarify boundaries, and navigate life transitions together. We meet you where you are, with tools tailored to your shared goals and unique dynamics.

We offer online relationship counseling throughout Illinois and Connecticut. In-person couples and polycule therapy sessions are available at our office in Irving Park, Chicago. Hybrid sessions are also available to accommodate your schedule and accessibility needs.

BIPOC couples therapy in Chicago, Illinois
LGBTQIA+ couples therapy in Chicago

Areas of Clinical Specialty

  • LGBTQIA+: We offer affirming, inclusive couples and polycule therapy designed specifically for the LGBTQIA+ community. Our queer-identified therapists are skilled in supporting the unique dynamics queer couples and polycules face. We are dedicated to providing compassionate support rooted in respect.

  • ENM/Poly Folks: Our clinical therapists have a deep understanding of ethical non-monogamy (ENM) and polyamory, offering nonjudgmental, consent-centered relationship therapy and polycule counseling. Whether you’re exploring new relationship structures, navigating transitions, or addressing the systemic stigma often faced by ENM and poly communities, we provide tailored support to help you build connections, clarify boundaries, and communicate effectively. 

  • BDSM/Kink Community: The Hinterlands affirms kink as a valid and enriching aspect of identity, intimacy, and connection. Our kink-aware therapists are experienced working with couples and polycules in BDSM and fetish communities. We create a safe, non-pathologizing space for exploring relational dynamics, consent, and communication within kink-positive relationships.

  • Immigrants/Refugees: We provide culturally sensitive and trauma-informed relationship counseling for immigrant, refugee, and first-generation couples and polycules. Whether you’re managing the stress of displacement, intergenerational trauma, or navigating bicultural identities together, our therapists offer culturally responsive care rooted in dignity and deep listening.

  • Substance Use: For couples and polycules facing substance use challenges, we offer compassionate, harm reduction-focused therapy without shame or coercion. Whether your goal is sobriety, moderation, or understanding how substances impact your relationships, we support you with curiosity and respect.

  • Chronic Illness/HIV: Living with chronic illness or HIV brings unique emotional and relational challenges. We provide relationship therapy for couples and polycules that honors your autonomy, body sovereignty, and the realities of navigating health and care within your partnerships, without minimizing your lived experience.

  • Autism/ADHD/Neuroqueer: We affirm neurodivergence as natural human variation and offer disability-affirming couples and polycule therapy that respects sensory needs, communication styles, and authenticity. Whether you and your partner(s) identify as autistic, have ADHD, or embrace neuroqueer identities, our therapists create a supportive environment for connection and growth.

  • Multi-Cultural/Mixed-Race: Navigating multiple cultural identities within a relationship or polycule can bring complexity and rich growth opportunities. Our therapists are experienced in supporting BIPOC couples therapy and multicultural partnerships as you explore belonging, cultural dissonance, and identity together.

  • Artists/Performers/Craftsfolk: Many of our therapists have backgrounds in the arts and understand the emotional demands of creative work. We support couples and polycules navigating burnout, impostor syndrome, performance stress, or creative blocks that affect your relationships.

  • Religious/Spiritual Trauma: We offer specialized care for couples and polycules recovering from religious and spiritual trauma. Whether unpacking coercion, shame, or disconnection, we help you create space for grief, reclamation, and redefining your spiritual and relational identities.

  • Parenting: We support caregivers and parenting partners through the emotional complexities of raising children, co-parenting, intergenerational trauma, and parenting neurodivergent kids. Our therapists help cultivate presence, clarity, and collaboration in relationships.

  • Educators: We provide relationship counseling tailored to the unique stressors teachers and educational leaders encounter, whether managing burnout or fostering connection with your partner(s).

  • Activists: We hold space for couples and polycules engaged in justice work, addressing burnout, grief, moral injury, and the desire for accountability and restoration. Our psychotherapists understand activism as both a source of pain and a path to healing within your relationships.

  • Mad/Crip Folks: We offer clinical couples and polycule therapy for Mad/Crip individuals and partnerships seeking care that resists psychiatric pathologization. Our disability-affirming therapists focus on autonomy, consent, and reducing medical system interference within your relational healing.

ENM couples therapy in Chicago

What to Expect

No two relationship therapy sessions look the same. We start by understanding the unique histories, cultures, neurotypes, and temperaments of everyone involved. Together, we’ll explore your goals for relationship growth and healing, anticipate challenges that might arise, and choose therapeutic approaches that best fit your collective needs. Therapy is one valuable tool in a broader journey toward relational wellness—one that honors the impact of environment, identity, systems, and culture on your connections. Exploring these elements can be challenging but also deeply meaningful, joyful, and even fun.

Your first appointment is a space for mutual discovery—where all partners get to know your therapist, and the therapist gets to know your relational dynamics. By the end of the session, we’ll discuss if and how to move forward together, including scheduling, payment, and policies. We aim to create a welcoming space where you can foster deeper connection, communication, and understanding within your relationships and community.

Polyamory couples therapy in Chicago

Polycule & Couples Therapy FAQs

  • Couples and polycule therapy can be a helpful space whenever you want to strengthen communication, navigate transitions, resolve conflicts, or deepen intimacy within your relationship(s). Whether you’re facing challenges like trust issues, boundary-setting, external stressors, or simply want to grow your connection intentionally, therapy can offer tools and support tailored to your unique dynamic. If you’re exploring ethical non-monogamy (ENM) or polyamory, polycule therapy provides affirming, nonjudgmental care designed to address the complexities of multi-partner relationships. Our psychotherapists collaborate with you to determine if relationship therapy fits your current needs and goals.

  • Every session is shaped by the specific needs and rhythms of your relationship(s). Typically, sessions involve open dialogue facilitated by your therapist to explore feelings, communication patterns, and relationship dynamics. We work to build understanding, develop healthy boundaries, and practice skills that support connection and conflict resolution. For polycules, sessions may focus on group dynamics, individual partner needs, or both. Your therapist will work to create a safe, affirming space to navigate challenges and celebrate strengths, using approaches that resonate with your relationship style, whether that’s talk therapy, experiential exercises, or communication tools.

  • Yes, we accept insurance for couples and polycule therapy. The psychotherapists at The Hinterlands are in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO and Aetna. We are out-of-network with all other insurance providers, including Medicaid and Medicare. Payment is due at the time of service.

    If you're using out-of-network benefits, we’re happy to provide monthly superbills and statements to support your reimbursement process. We accept HSA cards, Zelle, and all major credit cards for payment.

  • The Hinterlands is committed to offering affordable therapy for couples and polycules. We offer a range of cash-pay options, including sliding scale therapy sessions. These rates are based on therapist availability and the type of treatment, and typically range from $25 to the full session fee.

    Sliding scale slots are limited and tend to fill quickly. During your intake call, you can ask your therapist whether they currently have sliding scale availability.

Ready to get started? Learn more about our team of Chicago therapists or contact us today.