A Short-Term, Decision-Focused Clinical Process
Discernment Counseling is designed for couples who feel uncertain about the future of their relationship and are not ready to engage in traditional couples therapy.
Often, one partner is leaning toward separation or divorce while the other hopes to continue working on the relationship. In these situations, standard couples therapy, which focuses on solving relationship problems, is often not the right starting point.
Discernment Counseling offers a different clinical framework. The focus is on helping partners gain clarity about next steps rather than attempting immediate change.
The Purpose of Discernment Counseling
Discernment Counseling is not relationship repair. It is a decision-support process.
The focus is on:
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Understanding how the relationship reached its current point
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Examining each partner’s role and perspective
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Clarifying whether further relationship work is appropriate
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Supporting informed and intentional decision-making
The process does not assume a particular outcome and does not pressure couples toward reconciliation or separation.
How Discernment Counseling Works
Discernment Counseling typically involves a combination of:
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Individual conversations with each partner
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Time together as a couple
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Structured clinical guidance
This format allows each partner to speak openly and reflect thoughtfully, while also considering the relationship as a whole.
The clinician’s role is not to take sides or direct a decision, but to support clarity, responsibility, and professional perspective.
Scope & Timeframe
Discernment Counseling is intentionally short-term.
Most couples engage in a limited number of sessions focused on:
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Clarifying each partner’s position
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Exploring possible paths forward
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Determining whether to:
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Conclude the relationship, or
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Commit to a defined course of relationship therapy
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If couples decide to pursue further therapy, Discernment Counseling helps determine whether couples therapy is appropriate and what that work would involve.
When Discernment Counseling Is a Good Fit
Discernment Counseling may be appropriate if:
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Partners are unsure whether to stay together
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There is disagreement about pursuing couples therapy
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Prior therapy has not led to clarity
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A structured, neutral process is needed to support decision-making
It is not designed to resolve ongoing conflict or teach relationship skills.
Determining Next Steps
At the conclusion of Discernment Counseling, couples may:
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Decide not to pursue further relationship work
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Transition into couples therapy with a clear agenda
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Explore alternative forms of care or support
Whatever the outcome, the goal is that decisions are made with greater understanding, intention, and professional guidance.
Consultation
A consultation is recommended to determine whether Discernment Counseling is the appropriate starting point.
If you are seeking a structured, research-based approach to relationship or individual therapy, a consultation can help determine whether ERC is the right fit.
*If you are insured with Medicaid, due to state laws, you must see a Medicaid provider or risk losing your insurance coverage.
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