Couples on the Brink: Discernment Counseling
Are You or Your Partner Uncertain About the Future of Your Relationship?
When couples are considering separation or divorce, deciding what to do next can feel overwhelming. Discernment Counseling is a short-term, focused process for couples in San Francisco and California who want to better understand their options and decide on a direction.
What is Discernment Counseling?
Discernment Counseling is intended for couples when one or both partners are unsure whether they want to continue the relationship. It is not couples therapy. It is a structured way to consider whether to keep the relationship as it is, separate, or commit to a period of couples therapy.
Key Goals
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Clarity: Understand what got you here, and what options lie ahead.
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Confidence: Make an informed decision, whether to try reconciliation or to separate.
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Compassion: Move forward with respect and understanding, regardless of the outcome.
Who is It For?
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Couples considering separation or divorce.
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Partners with different levels of commitment to the marriage.
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Those seeking a nonjudgmental space to explore their feelings.
What to Expect
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Up to five sessions, focusing on understanding, not on solving marital problems.
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Individual and joint conversations with a trained Discernment Counselor (that’s me!).
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A structured, supportive environment.
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No pressure toward staying together or separating. The focus is on helping each partner make a considered decision.
About Me
I have been licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) for over a decade. In my work, I have seen how couples therapy can stall when partners do not share a clear commitment to working on the relationship. Discernment Counseling offers a different structure for these mixed-agenda couples, where one partner is leaning toward the relationship and the other is leaning away. My role is to help each of you understand your contribution to the relationship and consider your next step.
Getting Started
You can schedule a brief consultation to discuss whether Discernment Counseling fits your circumstances.