This online workshop is for people wanting a deep-dive into alternative relationship models, including those that want to know more about where they sit on the spectrum of monogamous through to not-at-all monogamous.
Are you thinking about opening up your relationship, but don’t know where to start?
Are you already engaged in some form of non-monogamy / polyamory, but have a sense that things could be rolling more smoothly?
Are you conceptually interested in poly, but need help wrapping your head around pragmatics or jealousy?
Watch the introduction below (of the online recorded version). Or scroll down for more workshop info about this 'live' online version.
Are you already engaged in some form of non-monogamy / polyamory, but have a sense that things could be rolling more smoothly?
Are you conceptually interested in poly, but need help wrapping your head around pragmatics or jealousy?
Watch the introduction below (of the online recorded version). Or scroll down for more workshop info about this 'live' online version.
We’re in changing times. Various expressions of polyamory are common conversations these days, along with other alternative relationship models… But solid, carefully thought-out and pragmatic education can be hard to come by, especially in a world that still, for the most part, only values monogamy. And while polyamory can be easy and very positive, it rarely goes smoothly without some deliberate work and planning.
To help with this, we believe you’ll find our workshop, ‘Opening Up to Opening Up (a deep-dive into alternative relationship models)’ useful.
This workshop is for people that want to know more about where they sit on a spectrum of monogamous to not-at-all-monogamous. It makes no assumptions that any type of relationship is right for all people. But it also appreciates that many people don’t feel quite ‘at home’ in the standard, off-the-shelf model of what a relationship is meant to look like.
This workshop is not designed as a breezy walk in the park. It’s a nuanced and in-depth deep-dive into what’s required for an intentional, deliberate relationship. We expect you to come out of it with a good sense of what you’re up for, and what you’re not up for.
The content of this workshop is respectful, ethically-informed, and non-judgemental. We’re aiming to supply the tools and information you need, so that you can understand and comfortably explore what might be right for you.
Facilitators: Roger Butler and Tess
Opening Up to Opening Up is presented by Roger Butler and Tess. Rog has been the principal facilitator and driving force behind Curious Creatures for nine years. Their training is in sexuality, facilitation, and counselling, and they’re easily one of Australia’s most prolific sexuality facilitators. Tess is an experienced facilitator in sexuality and self-development, and has been co-facilitating for Curious Creatures for over three years. They’re also a qualified occupational therapist with a deep passion for, and experience working in, sexuality in neurological rehabilitation and disability, in community and clinical settings. Find out more about Rog, Tess and the team.
Read a writeup in The Sydney Morning Herald: 'He's wonderful but he wants an open relationship'.
This is one of ~30 workshops offered by Curious Creatures (Australia’s biggest provider in the field). If you’re interested in this event you may want to check out related in-person workshops: Curiously Social Creatures at the pub (version for non-monogamous and poly-identified folks), An Introduction to Ethical Hook-Ups and the ‘Curiosity’ workshop and play-space. And the in-person version of Opening Up to Opening Up.
Or online 'live' workshop over zoom, Online Social (version for non-monogamous and poly-identified folks).
Or the online recorded version of Opening Up to Opening Up.
See all in-person, online, and pre-recorded workshops.
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Tickets
Our 'rounds' of tickets are really simple: they're all the same, except that some of them are cheaper, to encourage you to book in early (because it makes a huge difference to us in terms of planning). Round One tickets are similar to 'early bird' tickets, and make up almost half of all ticket sales. Round Two tickets, slightly more expensive than Round One, also make up almost half of all ticket sales. Round Three tickets are generally only there once we're close to being sold out, but can squeeze in a late-comer or two. If you're feeling generous, you can buy whatever ticket feels right, but in general, folks buy the cheapest ones available. For this workshop, tickets range in price from $130 to $170, per person. Dates and Times Click the following to purchase tickets: (Times in Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST) ie Melbourne, which is UTC +11.) ONLINE: |
Technology
For most people, a low level of technical knowledge is plenty for this workshop. PLATFORM BEING USED: Zoom (with registration) CAMERAS: This session involves use of your camera / webcam, so have a think about what’s in the background. HEADPHONES & MICROPHONES: An external headset with microphone is recommended, because it makes it easier for you to hear others, and them to hear you, which in turn makes video sessions more enjoyable. TWO PEOPLE PER LAPTOP?: Since we strongly recommend that couples do exercises with others, this means you’ll need separate devices, in separate rooms. ROOM: A reasonably quiet room, free from distractions, is needed. TIMING AND BREAKS: We recognise that Zoom has its advantages, but can be tiring. We include more breaks, accordingly. LATE POLICY: Workshops will be locked to new entrants a few minutes after the advertised start time, otherwise the workshop becomes confusing for you and other participants. Sign up to our newsletter to be notified when new sessions are released (put your location as 'online'). |
WHO THIS IS FOR AND NOT FOR...
INTENSITY: At least two chillies (out of four), depending on how new this material is for you, and what historical hurts are up for you at the moment.
WHO’S IT FOR: Anyone interested in the nuances, challenges, myths and realities around relationship dynamics and how to explore them. It’s suitable for people new to non-monogamy, and also those with considerable experience (especially if challenges are present).
WHO’S IT NOT FOR: People that are happily in monogamous relationships, or that are confident that that’s where they want to be.
WHAT EXERCISES / ACTIVITIES?: A variety of exercises designed to help you unfold the right relationship structures and context for you. This includes some inner-work exercises (where you work alone, on a worksheet), some pair-work (where you verbally discuss things with a randomly chosen partner), and some discussional small group-work.
WILL THERE BE PARTNER WORK?: Yes (discussion exercises only). Also, discussion in threes.
HOW WILL PARTNERING BE DONE?: Randomly.
CAN YOU WORK WITH AN EXISTING PARTNER / FRIEND?: We highly recommend being available to do the discussion activities randomly, with other people. We know from experience they work better this way. However, you can overrule us on this one, and do exercises only with a nominated friend or partner. Part of the reason we prefer you to work randomly, is that if you find yourself in complicated relationship territory, we’re not in a position to provide relationship therapy or support in the context of this workshop. That said, couples (or moresomes) that do this workshop together will gain a lot from having done the same material, even if the exercises are done separately.
NUDITY & SEXUAL CONTENT: There is none, however there is likely to be discussions and education around relationships and various expressions of sexuality (‘Nudity’ and ‘Sexual Content’ is only mentioned here because Curious Creatures run a variety of other sexuality workshops).
COMMITMENT: You can sit out of any activity (or just do them to a simple level), or leave whenever you wish.
RATIO EXPERIENTIAL / THEORETICAL: Approximately 70/30 Theory and experiential (exercises).
WEAR: Anything you’re comfy in; there’s no dress-code.
WHO’S IT FOR: Anyone interested in the nuances, challenges, myths and realities around relationship dynamics and how to explore them. It’s suitable for people new to non-monogamy, and also those with considerable experience (especially if challenges are present).
WHO’S IT NOT FOR: People that are happily in monogamous relationships, or that are confident that that’s where they want to be.
WHAT EXERCISES / ACTIVITIES?: A variety of exercises designed to help you unfold the right relationship structures and context for you. This includes some inner-work exercises (where you work alone, on a worksheet), some pair-work (where you verbally discuss things with a randomly chosen partner), and some discussional small group-work.
WILL THERE BE PARTNER WORK?: Yes (discussion exercises only). Also, discussion in threes.
HOW WILL PARTNERING BE DONE?: Randomly.
CAN YOU WORK WITH AN EXISTING PARTNER / FRIEND?: We highly recommend being available to do the discussion activities randomly, with other people. We know from experience they work better this way. However, you can overrule us on this one, and do exercises only with a nominated friend or partner. Part of the reason we prefer you to work randomly, is that if you find yourself in complicated relationship territory, we’re not in a position to provide relationship therapy or support in the context of this workshop. That said, couples (or moresomes) that do this workshop together will gain a lot from having done the same material, even if the exercises are done separately.
NUDITY & SEXUAL CONTENT: There is none, however there is likely to be discussions and education around relationships and various expressions of sexuality (‘Nudity’ and ‘Sexual Content’ is only mentioned here because Curious Creatures run a variety of other sexuality workshops).
COMMITMENT: You can sit out of any activity (or just do them to a simple level), or leave whenever you wish.
RATIO EXPERIENTIAL / THEORETICAL: Approximately 70/30 Theory and experiential (exercises).
WEAR: Anything you’re comfy in; there’s no dress-code.
"It was fantastic. Definitely lived up to what it said on the tin: 'A Deep Dive into Non-Monogamy'."
•
"I really appreciated your personal shares and anecdotes, they were the most engaging and informative parts of the workshop for me. I also really appreciated the breaking down of jealousy and the suggested personal work to move through it."
•
"Thank you both for putting together training with so much care and thought and humour. I really appreciated how thorough you've been and the fact that such workshops exist at all."
•
"This workshop was incredibly comprehensive in covering the forms of non-monogamy, and what can come up in exploring it. I appreciated how open-minded and non-judgey it was - I noticed that monogamy wasn't judged as bad and that the workshop truly aimed to help people find the right relational style for them. I enjoyed the playful dynamic between the facilitators, and their sharings around their own open relationship (and personally different styles of non-monog). What stood out to me is that communication and relational skills can be learned that will help me and partners navigate more easefully. And that the 'teething period' between monogamy and polyamory can be the hardest, but once skillful polyamory is established: joy!"
•
"Loved it. As a newbie to non-monogamy, I felt like it gave a really good overview of most areas while honing in on some of the difficult stuff like jealousy and agreements. I also LOVED the fact that we got a comprehensive workbook (felt more value for money to have resources to walk away with), as well as inner work exercises and the opportunity to have small group discussions."
•
"It was great - I learned a lot about ways to better practice non-monogamy and polyamory, even though I have been ethically non-monogamous for many years."
•
"Honestly wish I'd had access to this earlier - brilliant resources given out, lots of follow up material links provided, and great to have a mix of new and more experienced attendees in the workshop."
•
"I loved the 'jealousy story time' and would buy that story book."
•
"Fantastic workshop. Appreciated the opportunity to break out into small groups and discuss various topics with other workshop participants. Great mix of humour and serious approaches to heartfelt topics."
•
"It was wonderfully sobering. The workshop unpacked the difficulties around living a non-monogamous life and I felt that it was very thorough. I feel the second half was quite heavy but it was necessary to have the real story and how to navigate it. Excellent value for Money."
•
"Loved the content and the way it was presented.. thank you."
•
"I found it educational and liberating. I liked the topics discussed. It was real not glorified. The personal stories and group chats were what made the workshop interesting."
•
"It was informative and helpful. I found that hearing your own experiences was also helpful for me. I liked the handout and the exercises were thought-provoking. You guys are great and have a wonderful energy that you bring to the workshop."
•
"I really appreciated your personal shares and anecdotes, they were the most engaging and informative parts of the workshop for me. I also really appreciated the breaking down of jealousy and the suggested personal work to move through it."
•
"Thank you both for putting together training with so much care and thought and humour. I really appreciated how thorough you've been and the fact that such workshops exist at all."
•
"This workshop was incredibly comprehensive in covering the forms of non-monogamy, and what can come up in exploring it. I appreciated how open-minded and non-judgey it was - I noticed that monogamy wasn't judged as bad and that the workshop truly aimed to help people find the right relational style for them. I enjoyed the playful dynamic between the facilitators, and their sharings around their own open relationship (and personally different styles of non-monog). What stood out to me is that communication and relational skills can be learned that will help me and partners navigate more easefully. And that the 'teething period' between monogamy and polyamory can be the hardest, but once skillful polyamory is established: joy!"
•
"Loved it. As a newbie to non-monogamy, I felt like it gave a really good overview of most areas while honing in on some of the difficult stuff like jealousy and agreements. I also LOVED the fact that we got a comprehensive workbook (felt more value for money to have resources to walk away with), as well as inner work exercises and the opportunity to have small group discussions."
•
"It was great - I learned a lot about ways to better practice non-monogamy and polyamory, even though I have been ethically non-monogamous for many years."
•
"Honestly wish I'd had access to this earlier - brilliant resources given out, lots of follow up material links provided, and great to have a mix of new and more experienced attendees in the workshop."
•
"I loved the 'jealousy story time' and would buy that story book."
•
"Fantastic workshop. Appreciated the opportunity to break out into small groups and discuss various topics with other workshop participants. Great mix of humour and serious approaches to heartfelt topics."
•
"It was wonderfully sobering. The workshop unpacked the difficulties around living a non-monogamous life and I felt that it was very thorough. I feel the second half was quite heavy but it was necessary to have the real story and how to navigate it. Excellent value for Money."
•
"Loved the content and the way it was presented.. thank you."
•
"I found it educational and liberating. I liked the topics discussed. It was real not glorified. The personal stories and group chats were what made the workshop interesting."
•
"It was informative and helpful. I found that hearing your own experiences was also helpful for me. I liked the handout and the exercises were thought-provoking. You guys are great and have a wonderful energy that you bring to the workshop."