Discernment Counseling

Deciding whether or not to stay in a marriage or get divorced can be one of the most difficult and agonizing decisions you face in life. For many couples, this state of limbo (should I stay or should I go) can last months or even years. Discernment counseling is an assessment process that was created to help partners decide between three outcomes: to work on improving the relationship (often with couples counseling), to maintain the current relationship as is, or to get divorced. Unlike traditional couples counseling, which is typically open-ended and can last for years, discernment counseling is generally brief and typically completed in 3-5 sessions. Think this approach could work for you and your partner(s)? Reach out to one of TherapyDen’s discernment counseling experts today. 

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If you're struggling with your marriage and uncertain about the future, I understand how difficult that can be. You haven’t agreed to end your relationship, but you haven’t decided to stay together either. When one or both partners is seriously considering separation or divorce, discernment counseling can help. Discernment counseling helps couples struggling with the decision to stay together or separate find clarity and confidence in whatever decision they make.

— Valery Krieg, Clinical Social Worker in Evergreen, CO

Discernment Counseling isn't therapy. The discernment process is meant to provide you with clarity and confidence about a direction for your relationship based on a deeper understanding of what has happened in your relationship as well exploring the possibilities for the future. Discernment counseling is brief- just 1-5 sessions; and goal-directed, meaning there's no time to waste. If you're stuck and uncertain of the future. Discernment counseling can help.

— Mark Cagle, Counselor in Dallas, TX
 

I'm a certified Discernment Counselor who helps couples unsure about their relationship's future. Through our sessions, we'll explore the issues that have brought you to this point, and I'll help you to understand the dynamics of your relationship and to make an informed decision about the best path forward. I aim to help you and your partner find clarity, peace of mind, and the confidence to make the right decision for both of you.

— Dr. Tom Murray, Sex and Relationship Therapist, Sex Therapist in Greensboro, NC

I have worked with couples who are at a crossroad in their marriage determine next steps for their relationship. Discernment counseling helps couples decide whether or not to end their marriage. This approach can be particularly effective when one partner wants to leave the relationship, but the other wants to remain together. Within one to five sessions, the therapist helps the couple determine if they would like the marriage to remain as is, commit to 6 months marriage counseling, or divorce.

— Shari Anderson, Marriage and Family Therapist Associate in Nashville, TN
 

If you or your partner are considering divorce but are not completely sure that’s the best path, Discernment Counseling is designed for you. I will help you decide whether to try to restore your marriage to health or move toward divorce. 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.

— Katrina Kuzyszyn-Jones, Psychologist in Durham, NC

If you're struggling with your marriage and uncertain about the future, I understand how difficult that can be. You haven’t agreed to end your relationship, but you haven’t decided to stay together either. When one or both partners is seriously considering separation or divorce, discernment counseling can help. Discernment counseling helps couples struggling with the decision to stay together or separate find clarity and confidence in whatever decision they make.

— Valery Krieg, Clinical Social Worker in Evergreen, CO
 

Discernment counseling is a short-term model designed to assist couples on the brink. The goal of this intervention is to develope clarity about the marriage, secure confidence in moving forward, and understanding of the role each partner has contributed to the struggle. These goals are obtained by focusing on three specific pathways: path 1. Remaining in the marriage without change, path 2. Separation or divorce, path 3. Commitment to a course of 6 months of couples therapy.

— Joseph Winn, Licensed Clinical Social Worker in Concord, MA

Trained and working towards certification with Dr. Bill Dougherty in helping couples decide to work on their relationship.

— Traci Ruble, Marriage & Family Therapist in , CA

The purpose of Discernment Counseling is to help couples arrive at a greater clarity and confidence in their decision making about the future of their relationship based on a deeper understanding of the problems in the relationship and each person’s contributions to them.

— Lindsey Ritter-Ingorvaia, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Murrieta, CA
 

Discernment Counseling is for couples thinking about divorce but don't know if they should. It is a highly structured process that gives them clarity on how their relationship got to where it's at now and points out exactly what would need to change in order to feel happier in the relationship. It asks both partners to take accountability. What I love about Discernment Counseling is how effective just one session can be!

— Corrin Voeller, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in St. Louis Park, MN

As a therapist who practices discernment counseling, my focus is on helping couples who are uncertain about the future of their relationship gain clarity and make informed decisions. Rather than assuming that the goal of therapy is to save the relationship, I acknowledge that not all relationships are meant to be saved. Instead, I work with clients to explore the underlying reasons for their uncertainty and the factors that may be contributing to the challenges they are facing.

— Regina Abayev, Associate Marriage & Family Therapist in Hermosa Beach, CA
 

Discernment counseling is a brief (4-6) session process of evaluating whether the parties are leaning into, or out of, a relationship. This approach is about creating a conditional alignment that opens up possibilities of more collaborative engagement and understanding between partners.

— Mark Stewart, Registered Marriage and Family Therapist Intern in Columbia, SC

Discernment counseling is a new, very brief, targeted type of therapy for couples who are considering splitting up. Our goal is to find clarity and confidence about how to proceed. We don't try to solve your problems as a couple in discernment counseling. We determine whether your problems are solvable. One possible outcome is choosing to enter couples therapy together, but we don't assume that is the right path for you. I have extensive training in discernment counseling.

— Gretta Duleba, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist in , WA
 

Discernment Counseling is for Couples who are struggling with “how to move forward” with one partner wanting to save the marriage/relationship, while the other partner is uncertain and/or leaning toward ending the relationship. Discernment counseling is about empowering couples to make a collaborative decision about their future and does not view divorce as a failure or staying together as a success. Click here to learn more about Discernment Counseling

— Jennifer Hillier, Licensed Professional Counselor in San Antonio, TX

Discernment Counseling is for couples on the brink. It is a chance to make space to look at your options for your marriage, without working on the relationship. 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. I will work with each of you to help you decide whether to try to restore your marriage to health, move toward divorce, or take a time out and decide later.

— Rosemary Senjem, Marriage & Family Therapist in Stillwater, MN
 

I have specialized training in Discernment Counseling and have worked with couples on the brink of divorce or breaking (i.e., discerning what to do) throughout my entire career.

— Kaleb Burningham, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist

I was born with the spirit of discernment. I have always been this way and I have never left God’s side or shall I say, God has never left my side. My discernment guides not only my life, but also how I work with clients. I have had many clients feel as if I was reading their mind or as if I really understand them. Discernment leaves no room for error, whereas, education, biases and projections do. Discernment counseling is spiritual in nature and allows God to speak through counselor/coach

— Chiaku Hanson, Counselor in Los Angeles, CA