Discernment Counseling


Discernment Counseling 
Not sure which direction to go in your relationship? At a crisis point and unsure if your marriage will survive? One of you may be ‘leaning out’, thinking divorce is the only path while the partner is ‘leaning in’ and will do anything to rebuild the relationship.


Maybe you are both considering divorce yet are having second thoughts.  You may be concerned for your children, worried about emotions, families, friends, finances, or your own religious convictions. Maybe you’ve had a short period of couples therapy and are wondering if there is hope for your relationship.  This is not where you expected to be with regards to your relationship!


What is Discernment Counseling and What to Expect
Discernment Counseling is a chance to slow down, take a breath, and look at your situation prior to making any long-term decisions. This process can help you gain clarity and confidence in your decision while gaining a deeper understanding of what happened and which path to choose.


Unlike traditional Couples Counseling, Discernment Counseling does not assume that both partners want to remain in the relationship. The process of Discernment Counseling will help both partners understand what happened in the relationship, what each contributed, and whether there is hope of repair through Couples Counseling. Each of you will be treated with compassion and respect as you decide whether to take the path of repair, the path of a moving toward dissolution or divorce, or take a time out and decide later.


Discernment Counseling is a short term process, from 1-5 sessions. After an initial 2-hour session, each subsequent session will be 90 minutes if agreed upon by both partners. Each partner will have individual time with the therapist as well as time together as you weigh your decision of staying together in the relationship or ending it in a more healthy way.  The therapist will help you discover where things have gotten off-track  and will also explain the process and committment of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy.  Should the outcome be an end of this relationship, resources will be explored.


This is a painful and stressful time. You can reach out for support in your decision making process!


Call today for a free complimentary Discernment Counseling phone consultation.
760 822-0321

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