Top-Rated NYC Polyamory Therapist Emily Lambert Robins
Compassionate counseling for ethically non-monogamous relationships
AASECT-certified sex therapist with specialized training in polyamory and ethical non-monogamy
15 years of therapy experience with 10 years in private practice
Non-pathologizing approach that honors your relationship choices
Evening availability for busy professionals
Certified Advanced Imago therapist skilled in working with couples and facilitating deeper connections
Sex-positive framework that celebrates diverse expressions of intimacy
Collaborative therapy style where we co-create your therapy experience
Meet Emily Lambert Robins
Polyamory therapy expert in NYC
I'm Emily Lambert Robins, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over a decade of experience helping individuals and couples navigate the unique challenges and joys of polyamorous relationships. My journey to becoming a polyamory-affirming therapist began through my passion for relationships and supporting diverse expressions of love and connection.
Before becoming a therapist, I worked as an attorney focusing on women's rights and child advocacy. During this time, I discovered my true passion was connecting with people and helping them navigate complex emotional terrain. My background in sexual health advocacy and work with a sex toy company further ignited my passion for supporting clients in creating fulfilling relationships and sexual experiences that align with their authentic selves.
As a Certified Advanced Imago therapist and AASECT-certified sex therapist, I bring a wealth of specialized training to my work with polyamorous clients. My approach is warm, engaging, and genuine—creating a space where you can explore your relationship dynamics without fear of judgment or misunderstanding.
My approach to polyamory therapy
My approach to polyamory therapy focuses on honoring the unique structure and agreements within each relationship while providing practical tools to navigate the complexities that can arise. I don't assume that relationship challenges stem from your polyamorous relationship style—instead, I recognize that all relationships face hurdles, and polyamory simply presents its own distinct set of considerations.
Using Imago relationship therapy techniques, I help partners communicate more effectively, understand each other's needs, and develop deeper connections. This approach is particularly effective for polyamorous relationships, as it facilitates the crucial conversations needed to establish and maintain clear boundaries, process complex emotions like jealousy, and ensure everyone's needs are acknowledged.
As a sex therapist, I also support clients in exploring the intersection of polyamory and sexual intimacy, helping you create fulfilling sexual connections that honor all relationships involved. My non-pathologizing stance means I see you as the expert of your own experience while providing guidance based on my professional expertise.
How to get started
01
Schedule a complimentary
Consultation
The first step is reaching out for a brief consultation where we can discuss your specific situation and goals for therapy. During this call, I'll answer any questions you might have about my approach and determine if we're a good fit for working together.
02
Complete initial
paperwork
Once we decide to work together, I'll send you intake forms that help me understand more about your relationship structure, history, and specific concerns. This information allows me to tailor our sessions to your unique needs from day one.
03
Attend your
first session
In our first session, we'll dive deeper into your relationship dynamics, establish goals for our work together, and begin developing strategies to address your concerns. For polyamorous relationships, this might include bringing in multiple partners or focusing on specific dyadic relationships, depending on your needs.
04
Continue with
ongoing therapy
Following our initial session, we'll establish a regular schedule that works for you and your partner(s). We'll regularly assess progress toward your goals, adjust our approach as needed, and celebrate the positive changes you're experiencing. Throughout the therapy process, I'll provide tools and exercises you can practice between sessions to strengthen your communication and connection.
COMMON REASONS WHY PEOPLE SEEK POLYAMORY THERAPY
Is my practice right for you?
While I'm passionate about supporting all kinds of relationships, there may be some situations where another resource could be a better fit. I may consider referring you elsewhere in these cases:
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While I'm committed to supporting clients through relationship challenges, my practice isn't designed for crisis intervention or immediate safety concerns. If you're currently experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 right away. If you're going through a mental health crisis, the 988 Lifeline is available 24/7. Once you're safe and stable, therapy can be an important part of your healing journey.
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While I respect all spiritual and religious beliefs, my therapeutic approach is secular and grounded in evidence-based practices. If you're specifically seeking faith-based counseling that incorporates religious texts, prayer, or spiritual guidance as a central component of therapy, I may not be the best fit for your needs. I'm happy to work with clients of all religious backgrounds, but my approach to polyamory and relationships is not framed within any specific religious context.
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As a private-pay practice, I don't directly work with insurance companies, though I do provide superbills for out-of-network reimbursement. If working with an in-network provider is essential for your financial situation, I'm happy to provide referrals to polyamory-friendly therapists who accept insurance. If you have questions about my rates and how payment works, I invite you to reach out.
FAQs about polyamory & therapy
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Ethical non-monogamy (ENM) is an umbrella term for relationship structures where people can be romantically or sexually involved with more than one person with the full knowledge and consent of everyone involved. The "ethical" part emphasizes honesty, transparency, and respect for all partners' boundaries and agreements.
ENM can take many forms, including polyamory, open relationships, relationship anarchy, and swinging, each with its own dynamics and practices. The common thread is that all participants have actively chosen this relationship style and communicate openly about their needs and expectations.
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No, they're not the same, though swinging falls under the broader category of ethical non-monogamy (ENM). Swinging typically involves couples consensually exchanging partners or engaging in sexual activities with others, primarily focusing on sexual experiences rather than forming emotional connections. The relationship between the original couple remains the primary focus.
In contrast, other forms of ENM, like polyamory, often involve multiple intimate relationships where partners may form deep connections with multiple people. Each ENM structure has its own set of common practices, values, and relationship dynamics.
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Yes, polyamory can be a mentally healthy relationship choice for many people.
Research shows that individuals in polyamorous relationships can experience comparable or even greater relationship satisfaction than those in monogamous relationships. The key factors for mental health in any relationship structure are communication, consent, and alignment with one's authentic self.
That said, polyamory isn't inherently better or worse than monogamy—it's simply a different approach that works well for some people. Like any relationship model, polyamory requires self-awareness, strong communication skills, and emotional intelligence to navigate successfully.
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A polyamory therapist is a mental health professional with specialized knowledge and experience in working with polyamorous relationship structures. Unlike some traditional therapists who might pathologize non-monogamy or lack understanding of polyamorous dynamics, a polyamory therapist approaches ethical non-monogamy as a valid relationship choice.
We understand the unique challenges polyamorous relationships may face—such as managing time between multiple partners, navigating jealousy, establishing boundaries, and dealing with societal stigma. A good polyamory therapist helps clients develop tools specific to their relationship structure without trying to steer them toward monogamy as a "solution."
Start ethical non-monogamy therapy in NYC today
Navigating polyamorous relationships can be both deeply rewarding and uniquely challenging. Whether you're new to ethical non-monogamy or have been practicing polyamory for years, therapy can provide the tools, insights, and support you need to create thriving relationships on your own terms.
As someone who has been helping individuals and couples navigate complex relationship dynamics for over a decade, I understand the nuances of polyamorous relationships and the courage it takes to live authentically in a world that often centers monogamy.
Ready to begin? Contact me today to schedule your complimentary, no-pressure consultation and take the first step toward more fulfilling polyamorous relationships.