Discernment Counseling in Fort Worth
When you aren't sure where to go next, start with understanding where you are.
Discernment counseling may be helpful when:
One partner is leaning toward divorce or separation, while the other wants to save the relationship.
Both partners feel uncertain about whether their relationship can or should continue.
Previous attempts at couples therapy have not helped resolve the uncertainty.
Couples feel stuck in a cycle of conflict, uncertainty, or indecision.
What is Discernment Counseling?
Discernment counseling is a brief, structured therapy option for couples who are on the fence about their relationship. This is not traditional couples therapy. When one partner is considering ending the relationship and the other hopes to work on it, it can be difficult to know what to do next.
Should we stay together or go our separate ways?
Rather than immediately focusing on fixing the relationship or making a decision to separate, discernment counseling helps couples slow down, explore their options, and gain clarity about the path forward.
What can you expect?
Discernment counseling typically involves 1 to 5 sessions. The goal is to reach a decision on choosing one of the following three paths:
Path 1: Keep the Status Quo - Couples decide to continue their relationship as it is, without making a significant commitment to change at this time. This may be a temporary decision influenced by financial considerations, health concerns, parenting responsibilities, or simply not feeling ready to make a more definitive choice.
Path 2: Separation or Divorce - Couples decide that ending the relationship is the direction they want to pursue. Although this decision can be emotionally difficult, reaching greater clarity about the future can help couples approach the separation process with more intention and direction.
Path 3: Commitment to Couples Therapy - Couples decide to make a genuine commitment to working on their relationship through couples therapy. This typically involves a longer-term commitment, often around six months, during which both partners actively work to better understand and address the challenges within their relationship.
Is Discernment Counseling Right for You?
Discernment counseling may be a good fit if you and your partner are struggling with the decision of whether to stay together or separate, particularly when you are not equally committed to working on the relationship.
You do not have to know what you want before beginning. In fact, gaining clarity about what you want is the purpose of the process.
If you would like to learn more about discernment counseling and determine whether it may be helpful for you and your partner, we invite you to contact us. We would be happy to answer your questions and discuss whether this approach is a good fit for your situation.
Certified Discernment Counselor
