📖 Overview
Jessica Fern is a psychotherapist and relationship counselor who specializes in non-monogamous relationships and attachment theory. She holds a master's degree in counseling psychology and maintains a private practice focused on polyamory, open relationships, and alternative relationship structures.
Fern developed the concept of "polysecure attachment," which applies attachment theory principles to polyamorous relationships. Her work examines how people can form secure attachments with multiple partners simultaneously and navigate the emotional complexities of non-monogamy.
She wrote "Polysecure: Attachment, Trauma and Consensual Nonmonogamy" in 2020, which became her primary published work. The book combines clinical psychology research with practical guidance for people practicing polyamory.
Fern presents workshops and speaks at conferences about polyamory and relationship structures. She contributes to discussions about ethical non-monogamy in both academic and popular contexts.
👀 Reviews
Readers praise "Polysecure" for providing a scientific framework for understanding polyamorous relationships through attachment theory. Many appreciate that Fern validates non-monogamous relationship styles while offering practical tools for managing jealousy, communication, and multiple partnerships. Polyamorous readers frequently mention the book helped them understand their relationship patterns and develop more secure attachments.
Readers value the book's integration of trauma-informed approaches with polyamory practice. Several reviews note that Fern addresses how past trauma affects relationship dynamics in non-monogamous contexts. Many find her writing accessible despite covering complex psychological concepts.
Some readers criticize the book for being too academic or theoretical rather than practical. Others note that certain sections feel repetitive or that the attachment theory framework doesn't apply to all polyamorous situations. A few readers mention wanting more diverse relationship examples beyond the heteronormative case studies presented.
Mental health professionals and relationship coaches frequently recommend the book to clients exploring non-monogamy.