Discernment Counseling
2 hour initial discernment session | $325
1.5 hour follow-up discernment session | $245
You might find yourselves going back and forth about whether to stay together or separate, unsure what the right decision is. One day you may feel hopeful, and the next ready to step away. Conversations can feel tense, avoided, or go in circles, making it hard to know how to even begin talking about it.
I offer discernment counseling for couples who feel uncertain about the future of their relationship. We’ll step back and look at what’s led you here, giving each of you space to speak honestly and be heard, so you can come to a clearer, more grounded decision about whether to continue working on the relationship or move toward separation.
When This Might Be the Right Next Step
Uncertain About the Future
You’re not sure whether to stay together or separate and need clarity before making a decision.
Feel Stuck or Confused
You care about each other but feel stuck in patters or unsure how to move forward.
High Emotional Pain
The relationship feels painful, overwhelming, or conflicted, making it hard to think clearly about next steps.
Wanting a Safe, Neutral Space
You need a structured environment to explore your feelings without judgement or pressure.
Need to Hear Each Other Clearly
Both partners want to be fully understood and want to understand the other before deciding the future of the relationship.
Different Levels of Commitment
One partner is leaning toward ending the relationship while the other hopes to repair it, and you need support navigating these mixed feelings and goals together.
How Discernment Counseling Works
Discernment counseling offers a structured, supportive process to help you gain clarity about the future of your relationship. It begins with a brief phone consultation to see if this approach feels like the right fit. If you move forward, I’ll send a few forms to better understand each partner’s perspective and the challenges you’re facing before we meet.
The first session is a two-hour meeting where you’ll spend time together and individually. This allows each of you to reflect, share openly, and better understand your partner’s experience. Discernment counseling is done one session at a time, with up to five sessions total. Follow-up sessions are 90 minutes and follow a similar structure, with time together and individual conversations to explore options and consider next steps.
By the end of the process, couples typically move toward one of three paths: committing to couples therapy with a clear plan for change, moving toward separation or divorce, or choosing to take more time without making a final decision. Throughout this work, you can expect a space that is steady, nonjudgmental, and guided with warmth and care as you gain clarity in an important and often difficult season.