Couples on the brink of divorce face a difficult and confusing time. They feel uncertain about repairing their relationship and overwhelmed by negative emotions, unsure about the future. Discernment counseling offers guidance, support, and a safe space to work through issues for couples in challenging times.
Why Couples Counseling doesn’t work for Divorce-Ambivalent Couples
Discernment counseling is specifically designed for couples considering divorce as an alternative to traditional couples therapy.
Traditional couples counseling is counseling is for committed, introspective couples
When divorce-ambivalent couples enter couples therapy, they’re likely to experience frustration and failed treatment. Couples therapy isn’t right for the. You see, traditional couples therapy repairs relationships; discernment counseling helps couples decide to work on the relationship or separate.
This counseling aims to help couples clarify their thoughts and feelings about their relationship and decide about the future. This is accomplished through a series of counseling sessions with a Certified Discernment Counselor. During these sessions, the Counselor helps the couple explore options, understand impacts, and make decisions.
What to Expect in Discernment Counseling
A brief, time-limited process that usually lasts between one and five sessions. These sessions last between 90 minutes and two hours. The sessions focus on helping the couple understand their options and make an informed decision about their future. The therapist will help the couple clarify their goals and provide tools to decide about their relationship.
Key Benefits of Discernment Counseling
One of the key benefits of discernment counseling is that it saves clients time and money. Couples commit to one session at a time, up to five sessions, instead of investing in inappropriate, costly therapy. Couples often get the needed clarity before the fifth session!
Secondly, it offers a safe, supportive space for honest, open conversations about relationships. This is crucial for overwhelmed couples considering divorce, feeling negative emotions, fear, or anxiety.
Discernment counseling can help couples understand the reasons behind the challenges they face in their relationship. This can help them identify underlying problems and find solutions to repair their relationship should they decide to do so. However, If the couple separates, it can help them manage the transition constructively.
Another key benefit of discernment counseling is that it gives couples a realistic perspective on their relationship. The therapist will help the couple understand challenges, including patterns of behavior and communication contributing to problems. This helps couples see their relationship differently and understand what’s needed to move forward.
Discernment counseling can also help couples understand the impact of their decisions on their lives. For example, If the couple stays together, they may need to rebuild trust, improve communication, or deal with conflicts. If they separate, they may need to plan logistics, divide assets, arrange custody, and manage the emotional impact.
Finally, discernment counseling can provide couples the support they need to decide their future. The therapist will work with the couple to help them understand their options, provide guidance, and offer them the support they need to make an informed decision about their relationship.
Discernment counseling is an effective approach for couples on the brink of divorce and unsure about what to do. This approach provides couples a safe and supportive space to work through their issues, clarify their thoughts and feelings, and make informed decisions about their future. Whether they decide to stay together or separate, discernment counseling can help couples manage the transition healthily and constructively.
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