Discernment Counseling
A short-term, facilitated process for couples deciding whether to end or continue their relationship so they can move forward with clarity and confidence. Pre and Post-Divorce support to minimize conflict and co-parent as peacefully and productively as possible.
What is discernment counseling?
The goal of discernment is to help couples arrive at greater clarity and confidence in their decision making about the future of their marriage based on a deeper understanding of the problems in the marriage and each person’s contributions to them.
Discernment counseling is typically a brief counseling modality and could last anywhere between one and five sessions. There is no need to commit to all five sessions because each of you would only commit to attending one session at a time.
Sessions include time for meeting as a couple with the counselor as well as dedicated time to speak one-on-one with the counselor.
What does discernment counseling look like?
The first session is 2 hours, and subsequent sessions are an hour and a half each.
In discernment counseling, we discuss the paths that are before every couple on the brink of divorce.
Path 1 is the status quo, in which the relationship continues on its current path.
Path 2 is the separation or divorce path.
Path 3 is the possible reconciliation path, in which both partners agree to take divorce off the table for a 6-month period of couples therapy, and each person commits to working on themselves and the relationship to see if they can get the relationship to a healthier place.
These three paths frame the discussions we have in discernment counseling.
Marriage Counseling vs. Discernment Counseling
Discernment counseling is different from typical couples counseling. The goal is not to solve your problems but to help you decide whether to try to solve your problems or choose a different path. It’s not about immediate change in your relationship but seeing what changes each of you might need to make in the future if you decide to work on yourselves and your marriage.