Are you and your partner “stuck”, unsure how and if you want to end your relationship?
Discernment counseling is a way for couples to look at their options before making a final decision about separation and divorce. It is most appropriate for couples where one partner wants to preserve and repair the relationship and the other is leaning towards ending it.
Research shows that this kind of “mixed agenda” is common among couples approaching divorce, and there is a dearth of special services for them. It’s also a common and (difficult) presentation in couples counseling.
Discernment counseling differs from regular marriage counseling in three ways:
- The goal is not to solve problems in the relationship, but to figure out whether the problems can be solved
- The process involves mainly individual conversations with each partner, since they each have different needs, agendas and perspectives
- It is always short term ( maximum 5 sessions)
What can couples expect to gain from Discernment Counseling?
- Clarity and confidence about next steps for their relationship
- A deeper understanding of what has happened to their relationship and each person’s contributions to the problems
What does Discernment counseling involve?
The counseling focuses on three paths: ending the relationship via separation or divorce; carving out a six-month period of time for an all-out effort in couples counseling (and sometimes other services) to preserve the marriage/relationship; or staying the course (status quo) and deciding later.
The sessions involve mostly individual conversations with me, along with sharing about what each partner is learning in these conversations. I respect the reasons for ending the relationship while opening up the possibility of restoring the relationship to health.
I help both partners see their individual contributions to the problems and the possible solutions. Understanding one’s own contributions to the problems can be important to the success of future relationships even if this one ends.
Discernment counseling is NOT suitable when:
- One partner has made a final decision to end the relationship and only wants counseling to encourage the other partner to accept that decision
- One partner is coercing the other to participate via threats of any kind
- There is danger of domestic violence
- There is an Order of Protection from a Court