Explore non-monogamy in depth.
This workshop is designed both for people with experience at non-monogamy, and anyone (such as newbies) wanting a thorough understanding of the concepts.
This workshop is designed both for people with experience at non-monogamy, and anyone (such as newbies) wanting a thorough understanding of the concepts.
Are you already engaged in some form of non-monogamy / polyamory, but have a sense that things could be rolling more smoothly?
Needing some guidance and coaching on topics such as jealousy and relationship agreements?
Are you thinking about opening up your relationship, but don’t know where to start?
Watch the introduction below (of the online recorded version). Or scroll down for more workshop info about this in-person version.
Needing some guidance and coaching on topics such as jealousy and relationship agreements?
Are you thinking about opening up your relationship, but don’t know where to start?
Watch the introduction below (of the online recorded version). Or scroll down for more workshop info about this in-person version.
We’re in changing times. Discussions and representations of various forms of non-monogamy are common 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, and a little bit of retooling.
To help with this, we believe you’ll find our workshop, ‘Opening Up to Opening Up (a deep-dive into alternative relationship models)’ very useful.
This workshop is for people seeking the tools for more successful non-monogamous relationships and also for people starting out, 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 fine-tune your relationships and comfortably explore what might be right for you.
What we cover:
- Introduction to non-monogamy concepts and language
- Various relationship models and what might be right for you
- Busting some common ‘poly misconceptions’
- A 5 step program to successfully exploring non-monogamy
- Communication
- Relationship Agreements
- The worst of both worlds
- Jealousy
- More Jealousy! (We deep-dive)
- New relationship energy (NRE)
- Coming out
- Safer Sex
- ...Plus a whole bunch of fun activities throughout (and a take-home workbook!)
People are welcome to come as singles, couples, triads or moresomes and work together in the activities or separately if they wish.
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 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.
Or online 'live' workshop, Online Social (version for non-monogamous and poly-identified folks).
Or the online recorded version of Opening Up to Opening Up.
See all upcoming workshops on our calendar.
|
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. Logistics LATE POLICY: Unless otherwise stated, workshops start at the advertised time, and doors will be locked ten minutes later. This is because late arrivals interrupt the dynamic of the group, and will miss crucial safety information. TICKETS ON DOOR?: All workshop tickets must be pre-purchased online, before the event. It is never possible to pay cash at the door; you will be turned away. More info at https://www.curiouscreatures.biz/faq.html |
To book into this workshop...
To book into any Curious Creatures workshop, we have a once-off application process that takes less than five minutes. Once you've done it, we will give you a level of access, and you can then book into as many workshops as you wish at that level of access. You can read more about this application process here. To apply, click here now. This workshop requires 'Normal' (or higher) access level. If you've already applied and received access, you can access the ticket-booking link here:
Sign up to our newsletter to be notified when new in-person sessions are released (put your location as VIC). RECORDED ONLINE: Find more info about the recorded online version which you can watch any time, here. |
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). Singles, couples, triads and moresomes welcome.
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 (discussing exercises only).
HOW WILL PARTNERING BE DONE?: Randomly (if we can count!), unless you’ve got someone you want to do exercises with. Please note that although you’re welcome to arrive with intimate partners, this workshop doesn’t include ‘relationship work’.
CAN YOU WORK WITH AN EXISTING PARTNER / FRIEND?: Yes, you can work with a friend/partner throughout the day or be paired with others whenever you like. There is one exercise that we highly recommend doing with a stranger.
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: It’s a full day 10am-5pm, mostly theory with some activities (verbal and written). You can sit out of any activity, or leave whenever you wish.
RATIO EXPERIENTIAL / THEORETICAL: Approximately 70/30 Theory and experiential (exercises).
BRING: A bottle of water. Snacks, lunch or money to buy lunch in the break half-way through the day.
WEAR: Comfy sitting clothes, we have beanbags, cushions and chairs.
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). Singles, couples, triads and moresomes welcome.
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 (discussing exercises only).
HOW WILL PARTNERING BE DONE?: Randomly (if we can count!), unless you’ve got someone you want to do exercises with. Please note that although you’re welcome to arrive with intimate partners, this workshop doesn’t include ‘relationship work’.
CAN YOU WORK WITH AN EXISTING PARTNER / FRIEND?: Yes, you can work with a friend/partner throughout the day or be paired with others whenever you like. There is one exercise that we highly recommend doing with a stranger.
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: It’s a full day 10am-5pm, mostly theory with some activities (verbal and written). You can sit out of any activity, or leave whenever you wish.
RATIO EXPERIENTIAL / THEORETICAL: Approximately 70/30 Theory and experiential (exercises).
BRING: A bottle of water. Snacks, lunch or money to buy lunch in the break half-way through the day.
WEAR: Comfy sitting clothes, we have beanbags, cushions and chairs.
"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."