The Scoop: Polyamorous couples often get a bad rap in the dating scene. Many people falsely conflate open relationships with cheating and treat the polyamorous with suspicion, judgment, and disdain. Yet the reality of ethical non-monogamy can defy labels and give individuals the liberty to love without restraint. Laurie Ellington of Austin, Texas, has been in a healthy open relationship for years and became the Poly Coach to share her experience and insight with others. Her niche coaching business caters to individuals and couples who want to explore ethical non-monogamy or other types of open relationships. During brief but impactful coaching sessions, Laurie instills in her clients the strong communication skills and support systems they need to make their relationships work.
Laurie Ellington calls herself the Poly Coach because she focuses on encouraging and guiding singles and couples who are interested in maintaining polyamorous relationships. Not many dating professionals have entered this niche, perhaps because of the stigma against open relationships, but Laurie firmly believes that poly people can build lasting relationships that work.
How does she know? Because she fell in love with a polyamorous man, and they have been happily living together for years now.
Laurie Ellington, aka the Poly Coach, fosters a dialogue about polyamory and ethical non-monogamy.
Laurie and her primary partner established early on in their relationship that loving one another meant giving trust and support without reservation. “I can honestly say I’m the happiest I have ever been,” she said. “I feel so free to be me. I feel incredibly blessed to have a primary partner who encourages me to be my authentic self and to follow my desires.”
Today, Laurie teaches her clients how to express their needs, set up healthy boundaries, and facilitate open and honest dialogues with their partner(s). A majority of her clients live in the US, but she also reaches people around the world.
During personalized coaching sessions, she fosters a judgment-free dialogue with her clients and answers their questions with wisdom and compassion. She said her goal as a relationship coach isn’t to tell her clients what to do but to help them decide for themselves what would be best for them.
“I never try to convert anyone or attempt to convince someone that one way of being in relationship is better than another way,” Laurie explained. “I offer insight and ask pointed questions to help people get clear on what they need and how to get their needs met.”
The Exploratory Session is 100% Free With No Obligations
Laurie understands that signing up with a dating coach is a little like taking a leap of faith. You don’t know if that person is going to have the answers you need, and you don’t know how helpful the sessions will be for you. Even clients who do their homework and read up on her can’t know for sure that her perspective on dating and relationships will work for them.
That uncertainty can keep some potential clients from enrolling in Laurie’s coaching programs, so it’s her first priority to make it low-risk to sign up and see what she’s all about. The Poly Coach offers a free, 30-minute exploratory session to chat with her and get a feel for her coaching style. If they have an enjoyable experience, they can become regular coaching clients.
“It gives potential clients an opportunity to experience what it’s like to work with me,” she said. “It’s like a mini-coaching session, and it’s free! There’s no obligation to work with me.”
Poly Coach clients learn valuable relationship skills, practice honest communication, and create a relationship that meets their needs.
Anyone can schedule an Exploratory Session by sending Laurie an email, filling out her website’s contact form, reaching out to her on social media, or giving her a phone call. She then sets up an appointment for a 30-minute session and contacts her potential client via phone, FaceTime, or Skype at the appointed time. Laurie said she prefers to use Skype, if possible, because it mimics face-to-face interactions rather well.
“All I ask is that people allow themselves to be open to feel supported in where they are and what they need to feel more alive, more empowered, and more authentic in their relationships,” she said.
Laurie is always open to supporting new clients and showing them what’s possible in their relationships. She meets her clients where they’re at emotionally and empowers them to pursue the type of relationship they desire.
Setting Up the Groundwork for Deeper Conversations
The Exploratory Session is ideal for singles or couples who are poly-curious. They may want to learn more about the different avenues available and explore their options with someone who has been there before. Laurie can succinctly explain the differences between and open relationships, polyamory, and monogamy, and she can recommend which would be best for particular situations and individuals.
Laurie told us the purpose of her Exploratory Session is to set the stage for the work ahead. She can explain the basics and ask the potential clients about their needs and expectations going forward. The Exploratory Session provides a safe space for clients to share their stories and get immediate feedback.
“I felt very met by Laurie’s approach and style,” said one client. “She met me right where I was at and helped reassure me that I was not alone in my feelings.”
“She helped me better understand the options we all have and offered strategies to help me better identify the kind of relationship I want without dishonor, disloyalty or guilt.” — One of Laurie’s clients
“People often leave the Exploratory Session feeling validated, understood, and more accepting of themselves and their situation,” she said. “This in turn helps them feel more empowered in their relationships.”
During their initial session, Laurie shows them a clear path forward, and sometimes they choose to walk it with her as their guide, and other times they choose to go it alone or with another professional. The Poly Coach allows clients to make that decision without pressure from her. The exploratory session is an opportunity to see if coaching is the right fit; not a chance to make a sales pitch.
“It’s incredibly important to me that anyone who hires me does so because it’s in their best interest,” she said, “and it’s in alignment with what they are needing and what I am able to offer.”
Laurie Ellington Opens Her Doors to Singles & Couples
Laurie’s primary partner opened her eyes to the possibilities and potential of polyamory, and she has been spreading the word about its benefits ever since. She is a staunch advocate for ethical non-monogamous relationships where partners set clear expectations and foster greater trust and love through open communication.
The Poly Coach counters false beliefs about polyamory and promotes a more free-thinking perspective on what it means to love another person. Her exploratory sessions give potential clients an overview of what they can expect from her as a coach and eases them into a fresh, revolutionary dating philosophy.
“My desire is to be a valuable resource to people who are curious about or actively engaged in ethical non-monogamy,” Laurie said. “There are healthy ways — and unhealthy ways — to explore multiple romantic partners. My goal is to help individuals and couples learn valuable skills to help them thrive in their lives and in their relationships.”
