discernment counseling

Sometimes couples are at an impasse; one partner may feel unsure about continuing with the relationship while the other partner would like to remain committed and to move forward, or both partners may feel uncertain how or if they should try to move forward with their relationship or exit. When couples are not on the same page about the direction of their relationship, or feel stuck in indecision about what they should do, discernment counseling may be a good fit.

Discernment counseling is not couples’ therapy - it is counseling designed to let each partner freely explore the potential outcomes of exiting the relationship, or engaging in couples’ therapy with the hope of being able to reconnect and recommit to the relationship. Lasting 3-5 sessions, with both partners attending the session for an initial check-in, then splitting the time to meet individually. In these individual meetings, I guide each partner to explore each of the potential paths available, identifying areas of desire, hope and distress. As we approach the 3rd through 5th sessions, more focus on next steps for each partner starts to form. If both partners decide to engage in couples’ therapy to see if they can repair and rebuild, they are in a much better position to understand what their own needs are in the relationship, how to communicate them, and how to receive their partners’ expression of needs and be authentic in their responses.

Please note: Sessions are typically scheduled at 75 minutes for $250 per session.