This course helps social workers better understand different relationship structures that clients may discuss in therapy, including monogamous and non-monogamous types. 

We’ll start by defining current key terms and definitions surrounding relationships, focusing particularly on ethical non-monogamy and polyamory. In the discussion we’ll also explore cultural bias and stigma surrounding relationships outside of traditional definitions of monogamy. Then, we’ll use this knowledge to build concrete skills for discussing what clients want and need to help them feel comfortable, safe, and happy in their relationships.

Simulation: This course includes a simulated therapy session between the instructor, Ben Kudler, LICSW and Chris (played by an actor) who is hoping to discuss his current relationship.

Course curriculum

    1. Welcome!

    2. Our Plan

    1. Overview: Why These Conversations Matter

    2. Talking with Clients About Their Wants and Expectations in Romantic Relationships

    3. Why These Conversations are so Important: Talking to Clients

    1. Overview: Relationship Structures

    2. Relationship Structures

    3. Common Misconceptions About Ethical Non-Monogamy

    4. Monogamy & Ethical Non-Monogamy: Benefits & Costs

    5. Sarah's Story

    1. Overview: Transference and Countertransference

    2. Some Ways That Transference and Countertransference Show Up

    3. An Example of Transference and Countertransference

    4. Bias and Stigma in Society

    1. Overview: Skills for Talking with Clients

    2. Starting Conversations

    3. Skills Demonstration: Questions You Can Ask

    4. Core Ingredients for Healthy Intimacy in Relationships

    5. Skills for Helping Clients Explore Their Wants in Relationships

    6. Engaging with Curiosity and Humility

    1. Overview: Simulated Therapy Session

    2. Simulated Therapy Session: Background Information on Chris

    3. A Simulated Therapy Session with Chris (17.5 min.)

    4. Debrief of Simulated Therapy Session

About this course

  • $14.50
  • 1.5 CE Credits (Clinical)
  • Online, self-paced, noninteractive course
  • Available in the U.S. and Canada

Meet the Instructor

Ben Kudler

Ben Kudler, LICSW, CST-S is a clinical social worker and AASECT certified sex therapist in private practice in Boston who works with both individuals and folks in relationships, specializing in issues involving identity, sexuality, and trauma recovery with a commitment to LGBTQIA+ community and marginalized folks.

Course Details

Credits: This course offers 1.5 clinical continuing education credits. Learn more

Cost: $14.50

Format: This is an online, self-paced, noninteractive course that includes reading and recorded videos (asynchronous course).

Registration: To register for this course, click the "Enroll" button. This course is self-paced, so you can join at any time after completing your registration and payment.

Practice Level: Beginner

Target Audience: Clinical social workers who are seeking knowledge about different relationship structures and how to have supportive conversations with clients about their wants and needs in relationships. 

Learning Objectives

By the end of this training, you will learn to:

  • Define key terms related to modern day relationships, and clarify common misconceptions related to monogamy, ethical non-monogamy, and polyamory.

  • Describe how bias and stigma can impact transference and countertransference.

  • Give examples of skills for engaging clients in conversations about their wants and expectations in their relationships.

Continuing Education Credits

Continuing education credits are offered to social workers in all U.S. states except New York and across all Canadian provinces. If your state uses CE Broker, you will need to manually upload your certificate of credit. Learn more

Additional Information

Refund & Cancellation Policy: GetPractice will fully refund requests from learners who have not completed a course. If a learner has completed all requirements of a course and received their certificate of completion, they are no longer eligible for a refund. 

Accessibility: Please email [email protected] to discuss any questions or requests regarding accessibility & accommodations. 

System Requirements: This course is hosted on the GetPractice site. To complete the course and all required course materials, learners will login to the GetPractice course site. Learners will need a computer or smartphone and an internet connection to complete the course.

Course Completion Requirements: To complete the course and receive their certificate of credit, learners will complete all online lessons in the course, a posttest (a passing score of 80% is required, learners can retake the test if needed), and a course evaluation. Once these components are successfully completed, the learner’s certificate of credit will be available immediately on the course page and in their learner account.

Availability Notice: This course is currently available to customers located in the United States and Canada.

Questions or Concerns: Please reach out to [email protected] 

Course Creation Date: 10/06/2026

GetPractice LLC, provider #2517, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period:11/14/25-11/14/26. Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 clinical continuing education credits.

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