Discernment Counseling for Couples

Couples on the Brink

Are you or your spouse considering divorce but feeling unsure?Before making a permanent decision, consider Discernment Counseling—a specialized approach designed to help couples gain clarity and confidence about the next steps for their marriage.

What is Discernment Counseling?

Discernment Counseling is a short-term process (1–5 sessions) designed for couples where:

One partner is leaning toward divorce.
The other partner wants to preserve the marriage.

Unlike traditional couples counseling, which focuses on solving marital problems, Discernment Counseling helps couples decide if their issues can be solved and whether they want to give their relationship a final, focused effort.

The goal:To uncover whether there is real, mutual buy-in to restore the marriage—or to decide if divorce is the best path forward.

What You’ll Gain

Clarity and Confidence: Understand the dynamics of your marriage and explore options with a clear mind.
Three Perspectives: Evaluate the problems from your perspective, your partner’s, and an objective professional’s viewpoint.
Guidance for Next Steps: Decide whether to move toward divorce or make a last, all-out effort to rebuild your relationship.
Deeper Insight: Learn what has happened to your marriage and whether meaningful change is possible.

Who is Discernment Counseling For?

Individuals or couples unsure if divorce is the right choice.
Those wanting to take one last look at their relationship before making a permanent decision.
Partners who wish to explore saving their marriage, even if one spouse is leaning toward divorce.

If traditional marriage counseling hasn’t worked, or one of you feels too hopeless or drained to start, this process can provide a fresh and tailored approach.

How It Works

Discernment Counseling combines individual and joint sessions for focused, honest exploration:

Separate conversations with each spouse to address individual concerns.
Time together as a couple to uncover shared understanding and explore possibilities.
A clear decision-making framework: either move toward divorce or commit to a focused counseling effort aimed at meaningful change.

This process provides:

A short-term, intensive format (1–5 sessions).
A structured agenda for exploring whether marital problems can be solved.
A chance to identify buy-in and hope for healing—if it exists.

Before deciding, take the time to discern.

Whether you choose to move forward together or apart, Discernment Counseling helps you do so with greater clarity, confidence, and peace.