CC25 Keynote 02 - How to Open A Relationship While Enhancing Intimacy: What We Can Learn From Male Couples - Rick Miller, MSW

For decades, many male couples have successfully navigated open relationships. But it’s been done quietly, and the mental health and couples fields have only recently begun addressing models of consensual non-monogamy.
Join Rick Miller, LICSW during this keynote as he discusses his work with male couples who have navigated the terrain of open relationships in the context of couples therapy. He will provide guidelines for success and failure, including his model in which couples incorporate honest communication, and modes for assessing how the model is working and what can shift. 
He will provide videos of a couple who have struggled with honesty and fears, yet found a way to strengthen their joint intimacy by incorporating individual needs.
Attendees are encouraged to step out of their own comfort zones to consider appreciating and supporting a consensual non-monogamy model with couples wishing to explore their options.

1. Attendees will learn about how open relationships can be successfully carried out in a long term relationship while simultaneously deepening intimacy.
2. Attendees will learn how to provide guidelines to couples who are considering opening up their relationship.
3. Attendees will learn to challenge their existing beliefs regarding relationship models as well as how increase their confidence in navigating these discussions in couples therapy.