Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey Debunks Polyamory Myths in BBC Feature

Sarah Davis · 2026-05-14

Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey, a clinical psychologist and relationship expert, recently appeared in a BBC article that cuts through the noise around non-monogamous relationships. The piece, titled "Having Multiple Partners Isn't All About Sex – It's Honesty, Logistics and a Good Calendar," brings much-needed clarity to a topic often filled with myths and stigma. ### What Consensual Non-Monogamy Really Means Bisbey gets straight to the point. She defines consensual non-monogamy as an agreement between romantic partners that they won't be exclusive. But here's the kicker: it's not always about sex. "There are people who have very deep emotional relationships that don't include sex that they would still include under this rubric," she explains. This is a huge shift from how most people think about polyamory.  ### Busting the Biggest Myth One of the most stubborn beliefs about polyamory is that it's all about avoiding commitment or just having more sex. Bisbey calls that "utter rubbish." She's been in a non-monogamous relationship with her husband for 17 years and with another partner for 10. That kind of longevity isn't casual. It takes work, honesty, and a whole lot of communication.  ### The Hard Truth About Non-Monogamy Bisbey doesn't sugarcoat it. Non-monogamy isn't a fix for relationship problems. She warns that if you're insecure, it'll only make you more insecure. And going along with it just because your partner wants it? That's a recipe for disaster. Healthy polyamory depends on: - Clear, ongoing communication - Radical honesty about feelings and boundaries - Strong logistical planning (yes, calendars matter) - Emotional stability and intention ### Why This Matters Now We're seeing more conversations about relationship diversity than ever before. But with that comes misinformation. Bisbey's feature in the BBC helps set the record straight. It's not about being "free" to do whatever you want. It's about building structures that work for everyone involved. ### About Dr. Lori Beth Bisbey Dr. Bisbey is an accredited GSRD (gender, sexuality, relationship diversity) therapist based in Edinburgh. With over 30 years of experience, she specializes in helping people create meaningful relationships. She's also the host of "The A to Z of Sex" podcast and appears on Channel 4's "Open House: The Great Sex Experiment." Her work focuses on moving from trauma to thriving, whether you're monogamous or not. ### Final Thoughts This BBC feature is a must-read for anyone curious about non-monogamy or looking to challenge their own assumptions. Bisbey's voice is clear, professional, and refreshingly honest. She reminds us that love and relationships come in many forms, and what matters most is how we treat each other. To dive deeper into Dr. Bisbey's work, you can visit her website or check out her Linktree for more resources.