Event Details

Alex-Sanderson-Shortt and Niki D made this presentation for the The Psychologists Protection Society Trust AGM in Dun Laopghaire, Ireland on the 23rd May 2026.

PPS is grateful to all speakers who contributed to this event. The views expressed during presentations and discussions are those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of PPS.

Session Outline

Relationships are beautifully complex, diverse and deeply personal. Yet traditional therapeutic models often centre monogamy as the default, which risks the marginalisation of clients whose relationships exist beyond that norm.

Due to this, as two GSRD therapists specialising in working with polyamorous and open relationships, we created Opening Up CPD. A unique, in-depth course inviting participants to expand their relational lens, develop key skills and support ethically non-monogamous clients with confidence and competence.

We wanted to bring some of our knowledge and experience to PPS to invite conversation and enquiry. Our ideas are grounded in decolonising, queer and feminist principles which explore relationship diversity through what we have named – an Open & Polyamorous lens (O&P).

In this workshop, we engaged with the rich spectrum of consensual non-monogamy, including polyamory, open relationships, swinging, relationship anarchy, queer platonic partnerships and more – honouring how clients define and experience their connections.

Speaker Information

Alex Sanderson-Shortt is a psychotherapist, supervisor and educator with 20+ years of experience in charities and private practice. Alex holds an MA in Relationship Therapy (systemic & psychodynamic). He wrote and taught on Relate, level 4 & 5 courses in Relationship Therapy. Alex wrote a regular column on queer relationships for BACP Private Practice magazine. https://kascounselling.org/

Niki D is a psychotherapist, supervisor and educator with 35 years’ practice across private, statutory and voluntary sectors. She holds an MA in Existential Psychotherapy and is trained in somatic trauma therapy. Niki was a visiting lecturer on counselling and psychotherapy courses in London and has contributed four chapters on GSRD themes to therapy handbooks, combining professional insight with practical guidance. She runs in-person supervision and therapy groups in London. www.rainbowrelationships.com

Niki and Alex specialise in working with GSRD clients (gender, sexual and relationship diverse), are advanced accredited GSRD therapists and Pink Therapy clinical associates.

They are co-directors of Opening Up CPD, a specialist course for therapists and psychologists supporting clients in polyamorous and open relationships.  https://openingupcpd.com