Navigating the Different Stages of ENM
Practical tools for opening up, staying connected and navigating change
There is no single way to do ethical non-monogamy - and there isn't a point where you suddenly have it all figured out.
You might be curious about opening your relationship and wondering where to begin. You might be navigating the excitement (and occasional chaos) of your first year of ENM. Or perhaps you've been non-monogamous for a decade and have discovered that new relationships, changing needs and unexpected feelings can still throw you the occasional curveball.
Wherever you are, this workshop is designed to meet you there.
In this practical 2.5-hour workshop, certified sexologist and experienced ENM educator James will explore the different stages and challenges that can arise in non-monogamous relationships, and give you practical tools for navigating them with greater confidence, communication and care.
Drawing on 18 years of personal ENM experience and his work with hundreds of individuals and couples, James takes a realistic approach to non-monogamy. It's not about finding the "right" way to do ENM. It's about developing the skills to create relationships that work for the actual people in them.
Whether you're single, partnered, solo-poly, monogamish, practising relationship anarchy, part of a polycule or still deciding what any of this might look like for you, there'll be something here for you.
WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
Together we'll explore:
- The different stages ENM relationships can move through - from curiosity and opening up to established non-monogamy
- How to start conversations about ENM with a partner
- Practical communication frameworks for difficult or emotionally charged conversations
- How to communicate needs, wants, fears and expectations more clearly
- What happens when partners want different things or move at different speeds
- Agreements, rules and boundaries - what they are, how they differ and when they may need to change
- Navigating new partners and shifting relationship dynamics
- Making space for multiple relationships while managing time, attention and emotional bandwidth
- Understanding and navigating jealousy when it arises
- Fostering compersion without treating it as something you should feel
- Building security and trust within non-monogamous relationships
- Recognising when an agreement or relationship structure needs to be revisited
- Practical tools for navigating change without assuming that a difficult patch means ENM isn't working
This isn't a workshop about being "good at polyamory". It's about becoming better equipped to navigate relationships that inevitably grow, change and occasionally get complicated.
YOUR FACILITATOR
James - Certified Sexologist & ENM Educator
James brings 17 years of lived experience with ethical non-monogamy alongside his professional work in sexology and relationship education. He has supported hundreds of individuals and couples navigating open relationships, polyamory, jealousy, communication, boundaries and changing relationship dynamics.
James has also facilitated a number of workshops at Passionfruit, bringing a practical, conversational approach to topics that can otherwise feel complicated or intimidating.
WHAT TO EXPECT
This is an informal, inclusive educational workshop for all genders, sexualities and relationship structures.
You don't need to currently be practising ENM to attend. If you're curious about non-monogamy, considering opening an existing relationship or simply want to understand it better, you're very welcome.
There's no expectation to share personal details or discuss your own relationship in the group. Participate as much or as little as feels comfortable.
Come alone, with a partner, with a friend, or bring the polycule.
Places are limited to 25 participants to keep the workshop relaxed and conversational.
MAKE A DAY OF IT
This workshop is the first session in our ENM & Relationships Saturday.
Stay for the afternoon workshop, Jealousy: Understanding, Managing & Moving Through It, for a deeper exploration of one of the most common, and misunderstood, emotions that can arise in any relationship structure.
Single Workshop - $75
Sunday D/s Pass - $130 (both workshops, save $20)
Full Weekend Pass - $230 (all four weekend workshops, save $70)
GOOD TO KNOW
All workshop attendees receive 10% off in-store purchases on the day, with time to shop before and after the session.
You don't need to print your ticket - we'll have your name at the door.
Cancellations must be made at least 72 hours before the workshop. Unfortunately, we can't offer refunds for no-shows or cancellations made within 72 hours.
Accessibility: Our workshop space is upstairs above the Passionfruit store and requires climbing approximately 20 stairs. If you have accessibility concerns, please contact us before booking.
Questions? Call Passionfruit on 03 9421 3391 or email hello@passionfruitshop.com.au.
Image by Aaron Barrera
