top of page

    To Discern is to see things as they REALLY are, not as you WANT them to be...

Often couples are unsure of whether or not they can remain in a committed relationship with one another. They attempt couples therapy but their hearts and souls are not entirely committed to the process ~ they are unsure if they want to do the work to restore their relationship to health. This is where Discernment Counseling comes in.

​

Discernment Counseling ~ what is it?

  • Precursor to Marital Therapy/Couples Counseling

  • Goal is not to solve your problems but to help you decide whether to try to solve your problems…seeing if change is possible

  • Clarity about what direction to take your marriage

  • Confidence as you move forward

  • A deeper understanding as to what happened to your marriage and what might be possible for the future

Structure:

  • One to Five sessions – YOU decide each session whether to meet again

  • Sessions are 90 minutes long and cost $200

    • First 25 minutes is with you both in the room

  • 30 minutes with each of you separately (60 minutes total)

  • Back together as a trio for wrap-up

​

The most intensive work is in the one-on-one conversations with each of you separately; this is because each of you are in a different place and I want to help you sort out how to move forward. I commit to providing you each with empathy, respect, and compassion regardless of which direction you are leaning.

​

The Paths

There are three paths for a couple:

  • Path 1: Keep marriage as its been

  • Path 2: Separation or Divorce

  • Path 3: An all-out effort for 6 months with marriage therapy to see if you can build a strong marriage that is good for both of you

If you choose path 3 – you decide at the end of that time whether or not you stay married, based on what you have learned during the six months.

​

*If you choose path 3, marriage therapy session length will be decided upon mutually based on therapist recommendation, budget, time constraints, etc. See Rates & Insurance tab for more information*

​

Why I do Discernment Counseling:

A large percentage of couples enter marriage therapy unsure of what it is they want. Discernment counseling provides a safe space in which to find clarity, confidence, and understanding ~ which are integral in making ANY huge life decision…especially whether or not to end a marriage and change a family system. 

​

bottom of page