Discernment Counseling
Helping Couples Navigate Life's Toughest Decisions
Is your relationship at a crossroads?
Deciding whether to stay in a relationship or move on can be one of the most challenging decisions a couple faces. Discernment Counseling is a unique and effective approach designed specifically for couples experiencing ambivalence about the future of their relationship.
What’s discernment counseling?
Discernment Counseling is a short-term, structured process that helps couples gain clarity and confidence about the direction of their relationship. Unlike traditional couples therapy, which focuses on improving the relationship, Discernment Counseling is for couples where one or both partners are considering separation or divorce but are not completely sure if it's the right path.
How does discernment counseling work?
I will help you decide whether to try and restore your relationship to health, separate, take a time out and decide later.
Through guided sessions, I help each partner understand their own contributions to the relationship dynamics, gain insight into their feelings and concerns, and explore possible solutions.
The goal is for you to gain clarity and confidence about a direction, based on a deeper understanding of your relationship and its possibilities for the future.
The goal is not to solve your marital problems, but to see if they are solvable. You will each be treated with compassion and respect no matter how you are feeling about your relationship at the moment. No bad guys, no good guys.
Benefits of discernment counseling:
Clarity and Confidence: Gain a deeper understanding of your relationship and make decisions with greater clarity and confidence.
Personal Insight: Learn about your own contributions to the relationship dynamics and how they impact your partner.
Guided Decision-Making: Receive professional guidance to explore all options and potential outcomes, ensuring a well-informed decision.
Reduced Pressure: Create a safe and non-judgmental environment where both partners can openly discuss their feelings and concerns.
How long does discernment counseling last?
How long is discernment counseling?
Discernment Counseling is a short-term process, usually consisting of 1-5 sessions that are approx 2 hours in length. The goal is to reach a decision about the future of the relationship in a relatively brief period.
What happens in discernment counseling sessions?
Initial Consultation: Our process begins with an in-depth initial consultation. This session allows us to understand your unique situation, assess your needs, and determine if Discernment Counseling is the right approach for you. We’ll discuss your goals, concerns, and what you hope to achieve through counseling.
Individual Sessions: You will come in as a couple, but the most important work occurs in your one-to-one conversations with me. Why? Because you are starting out in different places. Each partner will have the opportunity to speak privately with the counselor. These one-on-one sessions allow you to express your feelings, thoughts, and concerns without pressure. This individual time helps clarify your own perspective and what you want from the relationship.
Couples Sessions: In joint sessions, both partners come together with the counselor to discuss their relationship dynamics, explore strengths and challenges, and consider possible paths forward. The focus is on understanding each other's viewpoints and working collaboratively to make an informed decision about the future.
Is discernment counseling right for you?
Discernment Counseling may be beneficial if:
One or both partners are considering separation or divorce but are not completely sure.
You feel stuck in your relationship and need help deciding the next steps.
You want a structured, supportive process to explore your options and make a decision.
Discernment counseling isn’t for you if:
One person is coercing the other to participate
There is danger of domestic violence
One person has already made a final decision to separate