Discernment Counseling
Are You at a Crossroads in Your Relationship?
Sometimes, one or both partners are unsure whether to work on the marriage or move toward separation. This can feel like living in limbo—painful, confusing, and emotionally draining.
Discernment Counseling is a short-term, structured process designed specifically for couples where one person is leaning out of the relationship while the other is still hoping to save it. Unlike traditional couple therapy, which assumes both partners are ready to work on the relationship, discernment counseling meets you exactly where you are—with honesty, compassion, and respect.
What Is Discernment Counseling?
Discernment Counseling is not about solving marital problems right away. Instead, it helps you:
- Gain clarity and confidence about which path to take—reconciliation, separation, or taking time out.
- Understand the dynamics that have brought you to this point.
- Explore possibilities without pressure or premature decisions.
It typically involves 1–5 sessions, each lasting 1.5–2 hours.
Who Is Discernment Counseling For?
Discernment Counseling may be right for you if:
- You are considering divorce but aren’t completely sure.
- You feel stuck between staying and leaving.
- One partner is committed to saving the marriage while the other is ambivalent or leaning out.
- You want to make a thoughtful decision rather than an impulsive one.
If both partners are fully committed to working intensively on the relationship, traditional couple therapy may be a better fit.
What to Expect in the Process
Sessions include:
- Individual Conversations: Each partner spends time separately with the therapist to share perspectives and reflect without interruption.
- Joint Discussions: You come together to hear insights and consider next steps.
- No Pressure: The therapist guides you with openness—helping you explore options without pushing for a particular outcome.
At the end of the process, you will choose one of three paths:
- Stay the Course: Continue as you have been, without making changes.
- Separate or Divorce: Move forward with ending the relationship.
- Commit to Couples Therapy: Agree to a 6-month effort to restore the marriage, without separation as an option during that time.
Benefits of Discernment Counseling
- Reduces confusion and conflict.
- Provides a structured, respectful space to be heard.
- Helps avoid regret and second-guessing later.
- Clarifies whether reconciliation is feasible and desired.
Take the First Step Toward Clarity
If you and your partner are struggling to decide what comes next, discernment counseling can help you find a way forward.
Ready to explore whether discernment counseling is right for you?
