Marie Thouin, Ph.D.
Scholar • Author • Coach • Speaker
Author of What is compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Non-Monogamous Relationships
Research interests: Compersion, Consensual Non-Monogamy, Mindful Dating, Intimate Relationships, Somatic Sexology
Languages: English, French (fluent), and Spanish (conversational)
ACADEMIC EDUCATION
2014-2021: PhD in East-West Psychology, California Institute of Integral Studies, San Francisco, CA
Dissertation title: Compersion in Consensually Nonmonogamous Couples: A Grounded Theory Investigation (read HERE)
2010-2013: Masters of Business Administration, Management concentration, Golden Gate University,San Francisco, CA
2007-2009: B.A. in Business Administration, Management concentration, Golden Gate University, San Francisco, CA
2000-2002: Music and Humanities joint diploma, College de Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
PEER-REVIEWED PUBLICATIONS
Thouin, M. (2024). What is compersion? Understanding Positive Empathy in Consensually Nonmonogamous Relationships.Rowman & Littlefield.
Thouin-Savard., M.I., Flicker, S.M. (2023). Compersion. In: Shackelford, T.K. (eds) Encyclopedia of Sexual Psychology and Behavior. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-08956-5_2472-1
Flicker, S., Thouin-Savard, M. I., & Vaughan, M.(2022). Factors that facilitate and hinder the experience of compersion among individuals in consensually non-monogamous relationships. Archives of Sexual Behavior, 1-14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10508-022-02333-4
Thouin-Savard, M. I. (2021). Compersion in Consensually Nonmonogamous Couples: A Grounded Theory Investigation. Dissertation. https://www.proquest.com/openview/5c120b09231242ce5c7e078e9f49591c/1?cbl=18750&diss=y&pq-origsite=gscholar
Hartelius, G., Harrahy, M., Crouch, C., Adler, H., Thouin-Savard, M. I., Stamp, G., & Pardo, S. (2021). Second-Wave Transpersonal Psychology: Embodied, Embedded, Diverse, Transforming. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 53(1), 9-30.
Thouin-Savard, M. (2021). BOOK REVIEW: Love and Freedom: Transcending Monogamy and Polyamory, by Jorge Ferrer. Journal of Transpersonal Psychology, 53(2), 239-243. https://www.proquest.com/openview/2fc96a6060e1aabe2b879550f82dc4dd/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=49061
Thouin-Savard, M. I. (2019). Erotic Mindfulness: A Core Educational and Therapeutic Strategy in Somatic Sexology Practices. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 38(1), 203-219. https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2019.38.1.203
Thouin-Savard, M. I. & Malkemus, S. (2019). Introduction to the Special Section on Transpersonal Sexuality. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 38(1), 59-65. https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2019.38.1.59
Hartelius, G., Thouin-Savard, M. I., & Richards Crouch, C. (2018). Rigor in the multicultural psychology of the whole person: Embracing the challenge (Editors’ Introduction). International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 37(1). http://dx.doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2018.37.1.iii
Thouin-Savard, M. I. (2017). Adversarial Collaboration: How Free and Open Debate Leads to Better Transpersonal Ideas (Editor’s Introduction). International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 36(2). http://dx.doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2017.36.2.iii
Hartelius, G., Krippner, S., & Thouin-Savard, M. I. (2017). Transpersonal and psychology: An experiment in inclusivity and rigor (Editors’ introduction). International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2017.36.1.iii
Redfield, A., & Thouin-Savard, M. I. (2017). Electronic dance music events as modern-day ritual. International Journal of Transpersonal Studies, 36(1). https://doi.org/10.24972/ijts.2017.36.1.52
POPULAR PUBLICATIONS
Labriola, K., Thouin, M., & Diana, A. (2026, June). Cultivating compersion: Moving from jealousy to joy in nonmonogamy. [Zine]. MICROCOSM PUBLISHING. Retrieved from https://microcosmpublishing.com/catalog/zines/35155
Thouin, M. (2026, April 8). How to actually enjoy the dating process. UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center’s Magazine. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/how_to_actually_enjoy_the_dating_process?
Thouin, M. (2022, September 19). When you feel jealous, think about cultivating “compersion”. UC Berkeley Greater Good Science Center’s Magazine. Retrieved from https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/when_you_feel_jealous_think_about_cultivating_compersion
Thouin, M. (2019, October/November). Compersion: Transforming Jealousy and Envy Into Joy. Common Ground Magazine. Retrieved from http://onlinedigitaleditions2.com/commonground/archive/web-10-2019/
SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS
02/2026: IGNITE TALK: The Erotic Alchemy of Jealousy. Live audience event hosted by Bonobo Network. Recording here.
11/2024: IGNITE TALK: When Jealousy and Compersion Collide: How to Navigate a COMPERSTRUGGLE. Live audience event hosted by Bonobo Network. Recording here.
CONFERENCE PRESENTATIONS, WORKSHOPS AND TRAININGS
06/2026: Guest Workshop: The Art & Science of Compersion. Two-hour virtual interactive workshop hosted by Wicked Grounds.
04/2026: Webinar: 6 Pillars of Mindful Dating Masterclass. 90-minute virtual interactive workshop.
11/2025: The Art of Relational Freedom. 5-week virtual interactive workshop.
03/2025: Guest Workshop: Transform your Dating Life with the 6 Pillars of Mindful Dating. Two-hour virtual interactive workshop hosted by Wicked Grounds.
02/2025: 6-Week Virtual Group Workshop: Transformation in Dating and Relationships: A Coaching and Process Group. Co-facilitated by Alexandra Ballensweig. View details.
01/2025: Guest Workshop: Mindful Swiping: Dr. Marie Thouin’s Framework for Humanizing Online Dating. 90-minute virtual interactive workshop hosted by Plura Community.
01/2025: Professional training (CE units available): What Does it Take to Love your Lover’s Partner?. Two-hour virtual interactive seminar offered hosted by Rouse Therapy & Wellness.
10/2024: Professional training (CE units available): The Research-Based Roadmap to Compersion. Two-hour virtual interactive seminar offered hosted by Sex Therapy New Mexico.
10/2024: Guest Workshop: The Art & Science of Compersion. Two-hour virtual interactive workshop hosted by Wicked Grounds.
09/2024: Webinar: Humanizing Online Dating with Mindful Swiping. 90-minute virtual interactive workshop.
07/2024: Webinar: 6 Pillars of Mindful Dating Masterclass. 90-minute virtual interactive workshop.
05/2024: Guest Workshop: The (research-based) Roadmap to Compersion. 90-minute virtual interactive workshop hosted by Plura Community.
03/2024: Guest Workshop: Embodying your Authentic Self in Romantic Relationships. Six-hour virtual interactive workshop hosted by the California Institute of Integral Studies Public Programs.
09/2023: Webinar: How to find joy when your partner is on a date with someone else. Interactive presentation & lecture co-hosted by MonogamishMe Community.
09/2023: Conference Presentation (CE units available): Fresh Perspectives on Breakups. Hour long lecture presented at the Sexual Health Alliance’s The Science Behind Relationships Sexceptional Summit (online).
05/2023: Guest Workshop: Embodying your Authentic Self in Romantic Relationships. Six-hour virtual interactive workshop hosted by the California Institute of Integral Studies Public Programs.
03/2023: Guest Workshop: Dating YOUR way. Two-hour virtual interactive workshop offered to Normalizing Non-Monogamy Community.
10/2022: Guest Workshop: The Roadmap to Compersion in Polyamory. Two-hour virtual interactive workshop offered to Leveled Up Love Community.
05/2022: Conference Presentation (CE units available): What is Compersion? Understanding Empathic Joy in Consensually Nonmonogamous Relationships. Hour long lecture presented at the Sexual Health Alliance’s More Than Two: Trailblazers in CNM Research & Education Summit (online).
03/2022: Guest Workshop (CE units available): Healthy Relationship & Intimacy Skills. Two-hour virtual interactive workshop offered to Youth Services of the Richland Department of Public Health (Ohio).
02/2022: Guest Interview: Rethinking Relationships Summit. Compersion: How can we find sympathetic joy in our relationships? Presented at the Rethinking Relationships virtual conference.
01/2020: Guest Presentation (CE units available): Compersion in Consensually Nonmonogamous Relationships. Webinar presented at the Community-Academic Consortium for Research on Alternative Sexualities (CARAS) (online).
11/2019: Guest Lecture: Compersion in Consensually Nonmonogamous Relationships. Hour long presentation co-sponsored by the sociology and psychology departments. El Camino College; Torrance, CA
04/2019: Conference Lecture: Erotic Mindfulness: A Core Educational and Therapeutic Strategy in Somatic Sexology Practices. Association of Transpersonal Psychology 50th anniversary conference; Pacific Grove, CA
04/2019: Conference Panel: Second-Wave Transpersonal Psychology: Embodied, Embedded, Diverse, Transforming. Association of Transpersonal Psychology 50th anniversary conference; Pacific Grove, CA
11/2016: Conference Poster Presentation: Embodied Intimacy as Spiritual Path: Towards a Presence-Based Model of Optimal Sexuality. Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality conference; Phoenix, AZ
11/2015: Conference Lecture: Sex, self-transcendence and collective transformation: Towards a new paradigm of human sexuality. Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality conference; Albuquerque, NM
05/2014: Conference Lecture: Sex, self-transcendence and collective transformation: Towards a new paradigm of human sexuality. East-West Psychology Student Symposium; San Francisco, CA
MEDIA FEATURES
THE GUARDIAN. (2026, May 8th). When women choose non-monogamy: ‘It’s an opportunity for more integration'. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2026/may/08/women-polyamory-open-marriage
THE NEW YORK TIMES. (2025, December 10th). Five books to help you through a breakup. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/10/well/breakup-books.html?unlocked_article_code=1.7k8.Vhsl.Yq_6tEJMATDi&smid=url-share
SF STANDARD. (2025, July). Strap-ons and spreadsheets: How the hosts of a nerdcore sex podcast get off. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://sfstandard.com/2025/07/26/slutstack-bay-area-sex-podcast-is-hot/
PRIDE.COM. (2025, July). What is ‘compersion’ and why are LGBTQ+ folks more likely to experience it? Sex experts explain. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://www.pride.com/answers-advice/love-and-sex/what-is-compersion
POOSH BY KOURTNEY KARDASHIAN BARKER. (2025, April). BURNT OUT ON DATING APPS? Here’s How to Stay Optimistic. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://poosh.com/dating-app-burnout/
THE NEW YORK TIMES. (2024, October 16th). 6 Books About Nonmonogamy, Recommended by Therapists. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/16/well/live/nonmonogamy-books.html?unlocked_article_code=1.Sk4.q1LR.8nLMC0_liPiT&smid=url-share
WOMEN’S HEALTH MAGAZINE. (2024, October 12th). How To Ask Someone Out In Real Life—And Why It Can Help You Gain Confidence. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealthmag.com/relationships/a62501603/how-to-ask-someone-out/
HUFFPOST. (2024, May 31st). You May Be In A 'Tolyamorous’ Relationship Without Ever Having Discussed It.[Interviewed for article]. Retrieved fromhttps://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-tolamory-meaning-relationship_l_665661bde4b022987c32077e
HUFFPOST. (2023, July 18th). You Might Be Experiencing ‘Compersion’ In Your Relationship. Here's How To Know. [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-is-compersion-strengthen-relationships_l_64aee1c6e4b07252cc15b600
ELLE QUEBEC. Larochelle, S. (2019, August 26). La compersion: La nouvelle emotion cool? [Interviewed for article]. Retrieved from https://www.ellequebec.com/societe/psycho/la-compersion-la-nouvelle-emotion-cool/(Contributor)
PODCASTS
MULTIAMORY. (2026, June). Buddhist Perspective on Compersion with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.multiamory.com/podcast/584
PLAYING WITH FIRE Podcast w/Joli & Ken Hamilton. (2026, February). JEALOUSY CAN BE EROTIC, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOt9feaP4CY&t=1s
DEEPER DATING. (2024, November). 4 Keys to Make Online Dating Work: Interview with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qvjohb10NbY
SHAMELESS SEX. (2024, October 22nd). Why compersion is your new favorite relationship tool, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://deepcast.fm/episode/404-why-compersion-is-your-new-favorite-relationship-tool-with-dr-marie-thouin
JUST BETWEEN US. (2024, October 9th). Compersion with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://open.spotify.com/episode/3E3iI7fqxRH1sC6PUMznxA
LAST FIRST DATE RADIO. (2024, August 27th). How to develop compersion in any relationship, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://lastfirstdate.com/how-to-develop-compersion-in-any-relationship/
NORMALIZING NON-MONOGAMY. (2024, July 26th). Ask us anything about compersion. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.normalizingnonmonogamy.com/post/aua10
EVOLVING LOVE. (2024, July 19th). Can compersion be selfish? [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/evolving-love/id1618624835?i=1000662729807
SEX & PSYCHOLOGY. (2024, June 28th). Mastering the art of mindful dating, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-305-mastering-the-art-of-mindful-dating/
SEX & PSYCHOLOGY. (2024, June 25th). What is Compersion?, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.sexandpsychology.com/blog/podcast/episode-304-what-is-compersion/
MULTIAMORY. (2024, June 18). Compersion is a Spectrum, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.multiamory.com/podcast/484-what-is-compersion-with-dr-marie-thouin
MAKING POLYAMORY WORK w/Libby Sinback. (2024, May 21). Nerding out on compersion, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.makingpolyamorywork.com/episodes/nerding-out-on-compersion
PLAYING WITH FIRE w/Joli & Ken Hamilton. (2023, October 14). COMPERSTRUGGLE: When compersion and jealousy collide, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/joli-hamilton/episodes/127-Comperstruggle-When-jealousy--compersion-collide-with-Dr--Marie-Thouin-e2a8se0/a-aaeqh1i
THE BONDING HOUR w/Eli Sheff & Carrie Jeroslow. (2023, October 9). Can compersion change the narrative of intimate relationships? Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1sddDJWPcIs
THE WRIGHT CONVERSATIONS w/Rachel Wright. (2023, August 2). A conversation about compersion, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-wright-conversations/id1637283550?i=1000623254156
THE SAVAGE LOVECAST w/Dan Savage. (2023, June 13). ‘Feel the compersion’ with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://savage.love/lovecast/2023/06/13/feel-the-compersion-with-dr-marie-thouin/
THE RELATIONSHIP DIVERSITY PODCAST. (2023, June 8). Embracing compersion: The transformative power of joy in non-monogamous relationships, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/relationship-diversity-podcast/id1646039750?i=1000616140873
NOPE! WE’RE NOT MONOGAMOUS. (2023, May 18). Embracing compersion in your relationships, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.elleciapaine.com/notmonogamous/2023/5/17/embracing-compersion-in-your-relationships-with-marie-thouin-ep-49
CURIOUS FOX. (2022, December 7). Nurturing compersion according to research, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.wearecuriousfoxes.com/podcast
PLAYING WITH FIRE: NON-MONOGAMY & INDIVIDUATION (2022, November 5). How can I feel more compersion? with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://anchor.fm/joli-hamilton/episodes/85-How-can-I-feel-more-compersion--with-Dr--Marie-Thouin-e1q2rke
EVOLVING LOVE (2022, October 24). Cultivating compersion, with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. https://podcastaddict.com/episode/147336879
OPEN LATE (2022, September 28). Compersion is available to you and you and you! with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://player.fm/series/open-late/ep-54-compersion-is-available-to-you-and-you-and-you
MULTIAMORY. (2022, August 20). Compersion: Is it necessary? with Drs. Marie Thouin and Sharon Flicker. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.multiamory.com/podcast/386-compersion-is-it-necessary-with-dr-marie-thouin-and-dr-sharon-flicker
LOVING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES with Kitty Chambliss Podcast. (2022, July 1). Interview with Drs. Marie Thouin, Sharon Flicker, and Michelle Vaughan on compersion. https://lovingwithoutboundaries.com/2022/06/21/podcast-interview-sharon-flicker-michelle-vaughan-and-marie-thouin-on-compersion/
COURAGEOUSLY EXPANDING LOVE with Elizabeth Cunningham. (2022, April 12). Immersing in compersion with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Video Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZpeR4lrl-w&list=PL0DTaFbNAqSIs_Ww5mkqV2NkjT2_EJw-3&index=2
NORMALIZING NON-MONOGAMY with Emma & Fin. (2022, March 11). Compersion! with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.normalizingnonmonogamy.com/post/ffs2episode5
SEX OUT LOUD Podcast with Tristan Taormino. (2021, June 25). Compersion in Polyamory with Dr. Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://sexoutloud.libsyn.com/compersion-in-polyamory-with-marie-thouin
LEADING EDGE LOVE with Sumati Sparks (2021, June 8). Interview with Dr. Marie Thouin, Compersion Researcher, Dating & Relationship Coach. Retrieved from https://www.blogtalkradio.com/sumatisparks/2021/06/09/leading-edge-love-radio--marie-thouin-mindful-dating-relationship-coach
LOVING WITHOUT BOUNDARIES with Kitty Chambliss Podcast. (2021, May 11). Interview with Dr. Marie Thouin, Compersion Researcher, Dating & Relationship Coach. https://lovingwithoutboundaries.com/2021/05/10/podcast-interview-dr-marie-thouin-researcher-and-relationship-coach/
THE SHAME-FREE ZONE with Veronica Monet. (2021, March 25). Jealousy, empathy, and sex: Interview with Dr. Marie Thouin. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCjjGFnxARs&t=82s
MULTIAMORY. (2020, August 18). Compersion research with Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://www.multiamory.com/podcast/285-compersion-research-with-marie-thouin
MAGIC OF THE SPHERES. (2020, May 3). Mindful dating with Marie Thouin. [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://shows.acast.com/magic-of-the-spheres-podcast/episodes/51-mindful-dating-with-marie-thouin-of-love-insight
EMOTIONS. (2019, March 31). La compersion: Peut-on apprendre à être heureux du bonheur de l’autre? [Audio Podcast]. Retrieved from https://louiemedia.com/emotions/2019/4/1/la-compersion-peut-on-apprendre-tre-heureux-du-bonheur-de-lautre-
PROFESSIONAL TRAININGS
Consensual Non-Monogamy Level 1: Clinical Skills and Interventions. Presented online. 15 CE Credits. Taught by Martha Kauppi. Endorsed by the American Association of Sexuality, Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Completed in May 2026.
Embodied Relational Sex Therapy (ERST) Training. In-person, 12 CEs. Taught by Dr. Stella Resnick. Endorsed by the American Association of Sexuality, Educators, Counselors and Therapists (AASECT). Completed in November 2017.
WORK EXPERIENCE
Founder, Dating and Relationship Coach @ Dr. Marie Thouin(02/2020—current)
Privately coached over 300 clients (individuals and couples) to design and nurture an authentic love life
Taught over 50 classes and webinars on topics related to mindful dating, relationships, consensual non-monogamy, compersion, and more
Designed and offered continuing education trainings to groups of therapists and helping professionals
Cultivated a vibrant media presence through numerous podcasts, speaking engagements, publications, and media features
Published and promoted the first comprehensive scholarly book on compersion
Research Faculty @ California Institute of Humane Science; Integral, Transpersonal, and Positive Psychology Department(12/2024—current)
Responsible for developing the syllabus and teaching the elective PhD-level course on Transpersonal Sexuality in the 2026-2027 winter semester
May be invited to be a member on PhD Dissertation Committees
May be invited to participate in, or propose, mini-conference events
Member of Thesis Committee @ Sacramento State University(01/2023 - 04/2024)
Reviewed and assessed a Master’s student thesis connecting compersion, jealousy, and mindfulness in consensually non-monogamous relationships
Participated in mentoring the student in developing their research and improving their thesis
Participated in the thesis defense and decision-making process with the other committee members
Editor @ International Journal for Transpersonal Studies (11/2014 – 12/2024)
Co-edited and curated a Transpersonal Sexuality Special Topic Issue
Coordinated all operations towards publication of several journal issues
Solicited manuscripts on different topics relevant to the Journal, evaluated new submissions for suitability, and communicated with authors about publication decisions and requests for revisions
Managed editorial and peer-review processes for new article submissions, including composing editorial reviews, recruiting peer reviewers, evaluating authors’ revisions, and working closely with authors to bring manuscripts to publication standards
Proof-read and edited articles for consistency and formatting standards
Trained and supervised over ten interns and journal staff members
Updated journal website (hosted on BePress) with new publications and corrections
Program Manager for the Integral & Transpersonal Psychology PhD program @ California Institute of Integral Studies (08/2016 – 07/2019)
Closely assisted Program Chair and Founder with launching and developing the program in a startup-like environment
Assisted Program Chair with budget planning and daily financial operations
Recruited faculty members and assisted with hiring process
Represented the program at different events such as open houses and online information sessions
Acted as the main University liaison for all students in the program
Hired, trained, and supervised several Program Assistants