Ann Russo, a licensed therapist and mental health advocate, recently shared her insights on communication in relationships, societal misogyny, and her personal understanding of jealousy on the popular podcast, “Nope! We’re Not Monogamous.”
With her extensive background in integrative therapies.Ann brought a wealth of knowledge to the discussion with podcast host Ellecia Paine. Throughout the episode, Ann’s personal and professional experiences helped shape her perspectives and responses.
Communication: The Foundation of All Relationships
One of the central themes of Ann’s podcast discussion was the role of communication in both monogamous and non-monogamous relationships. According to Ann, communication is the key to success in any relationship — not necessarily just non-monogamous ones.
“People grow and change no matter what kind of relationship you’re in,” Ann explained during the podcast. “This is about being insightful to your growth and your change and being able to communicate that to your partner or partners. And them being able to communicate it back to you.”
Ann’s approach to relationship dynamics is rooted in her commitment to integrative therapies, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychodynamic insights. As the founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy, she leads a team of therapists who specialize in providing inclusive mental health services, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and those exploring non-monogamous relationships.
Early in the episode, Ann emphasized the uniqueness of every relationship. She stated that there can be no one-size-fits-all approach to navigating the intricacies of human connections. What matters most is clear communication about personal boundaries, emotional needs, and evolving dynamics.
“It’s about understanding yourself,” Ann points out. “And that’s the real work. Getting to know yourself and communicating what’s coming up for you is an ongoing process.”
Insights on Women’s Social Roles and Misogyny
During the podcast, Ann shared her thoughts on why misogyny is so deeply ingrained in society and how it manifests in everyday life. Reflecting on a personal experience, Ann recounted watching an old TV show from the 1950s with her mother. In one episode, the wife gets kicked out of high school after a male student becomes distracted by her leg and causes an accident.
“I was watching this with my mom, and I thought, ‘Wow, did you see that?’” Ann recalled. “There was no recollection or reaction from her that this was weird or misogynistic.”
Ann explained how this scene exemplified the normalization of misogyny in society. “It is in us to accept this deep misogyny, all of us. My mom would never think in a million years that she was blind to it, but that was such a misogynistic situation, and it just didn’t register for her.”
Through her work, Ann hopes to shed light on these societal issues and help others confront the ingrained misogyny that continues to influence how women are perceived and treated. “There’s a whole section in my book about women’s roles from the 1950s to now, looking at culture, laws, and media,” Ann explained. “It’s disgraceful, frankly, and it’s so important that we’re doing this work.”
How Ann’s Childhood Shaped Her Understanding of Jealousy
Ann’s upbringing in a queer, non-monogamous household in the 1980s and 1990s played a significant role in shaping her perspectives on relationships and jealousy.
“Growing up, I didn’t see much jealousy,” Ann shared. “I was raised in a gay male household, and my dad and his partner had a very similar way they operated. Over time, they practiced non-monogamy very differently, but jealousy was not something I saw much of.”
This experience allowed Ann to approach relationships from a more open and understanding perspective. “It was a gift, really,” she reflected. “I wasn’t afraid to explore what could work or not work, and the changes over time.”
Ultimately, her childhood gave Ann unique insights into how jealousy and boundaries function in relationships, and she continues to use those insights to guide her clients today.
A Lifelong Commitment to Empowering Others
Beyond her personal insights, Ann is committed to reducing societal stigma and empowering others through her work. As the founder and clinical director of AMR Therapy, Ann leads a team of 15 therapists who provide inclusive mental health services, with a focus on the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, and non-monogamous relationships.
Ann’s work extends to public speaking, blogging, podcasting, and authoring her upcoming book, Her Own Terms, which explores women’s empowerment through integrative therapies like CBT and psychodynamic insights. Her goal is to create a more inclusive and understanding world for those navigating diverse relationship structures.
“Through my writing and speaking engagements, I hope to break down the barriers of shame and stigma around non-monogamy, queerness, and other aspects of identity,” Ann explained.
Her proactive approach to advocacy and education is driven by a deep belief in the power of communication and self-awareness, and she continues to inspire others to embrace their true selves without fear of judgment.
For those interested in hearing more of Ann’s insights, her episode on the “Nope! We’re Not Monogamous” podcast is a must-listen, offering a thoughtful exploration of love, relationships, and self-discovery. If you’d like to learn more about her, you can visit her website or subscribe to her free newsletter.
Published By: Aize Perez
