Discernment

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Discernment Counseling

Not sure whether to stay or go? You don’t have to decide yet.

Discernment counseling is designed for couples where one or both partners are uncertain about the future of the relationship. It’s a focused, time-limited process to help you gain clarity before making any final decisions.

This is different from couples counseling. We’re not trying to fix the marriage right now. We’re helping you figure out whether fixing it is something you both want to pursue.

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What to Expect

Sessions are brief by design: 1 to 5 meetings, each about 1.5 to 2 hours. You’ll spend time meeting with a counselor individually, and together, so each of you has space to be honest about where you stand.

By the end, most couples leave with a clearer sense of one of three paths:

• Moving toward separation or divorce
• Committing to a dedicated period of couples counseling
• Staying with the status quo while continuing to reflect

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What We’re Working Toward

We consider discernment counseling successful when both people feel clarity, confidence in their next step, and a better understanding of what brought them to this point, regardless of what they decide.

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A Few Things to Know

Discernment counseling isn’t the right fit when one partner has already made a final decision and is seeking counseling only to convince the other to accept it, when participation is coerced in any way, or when there is a risk of domestic violence or an active order of protection.

All participants sign a legal agreement confirming that records remain the property of The Couples College and that no therapist will be called to participate in any court proceedings.