What Is Discernment Counseling?
Have you ever wondered if your relationship is really meant to last? Maybe things have been rocky for a long time. Or, maybe you just feel like your spouse/partner isn’t “the one” for you, due to all of your differences.
Perhaps you want to continue your relationship, but your spouse/partner isn’t sure about it. While that can be a painful realization, it happens more frequently than you might think.
If any of those scenarios sound familiar, you might benefit from Discernment Counseling.
Let’s take a closer look at what this type of intervention for couples really is, and how it can benefit you and your relationship.
Considering Your Options
Discernment Counseling is a type of short-term, 1-5 sessions, couples intervention designed to help those who aren’t sure whether they should stay or go. If both you and your spouse/partner are wondering whether it’s “worth it” to keep going, or only one of you seems to want to stay, discernment counseling can help.
It’s important to understand that this type of couples intervention isn’t necessarily designed to “fix” the problems in your relationship. Rather, it can help you see clearer options. Once those options are in front of you, Discernment Counseling can help you work through all of them before you decide which step to take.
What Are the Options?
Of course, you aren’t given an endless list of options to make things more confusing. Essentially, you have three choices; keeping things as they are or maintaining the status quo, putting your maximum effort into the relationship for six months to try to save your relationship, or ending the relationship.
As you consider those possible outcomes, your therapist will meet with you both separately and together. You’ll cover negative patterns that might be contributing to your relationship issues. Your therapist might ask what you’ve already done to try to save the relationship. You might also be asked to think about happier times, and what was going on when your relationship felt strong and healthy.
After meeting individually with your therapist, you’ll come together at the end of each session. It’s up to you if you want to continue. This type of therapy typically works on a session-by-session basis. Most couples complete anywhere from 1–5 sessions.
What to Expect
This type of couples intervention isn’t meant to solve the problems in your relationship. Rather, it’s designed to help you figure out if those problems can be solved.
You’ll also likely spend more one-on-one time with the therapist than you would in traditional couples therapy. That helps them develop a clearer picture of both partners’ mindsets before everyone comes together to talk about a decision.
Wondering if Discernment Counseling is right for you? It often works best for couples who are nearly ready to close the door on their relationship. Maybe you’re days away from breaking up. Or, maybe you’re considering a divorce. However, those are obviously huge decisions, and they shouldn’t be taken lightly.
Discernment Counseling allows you to hit the “pause” button before making any rash decisions. It gives you the opportunity to really think about your relationship. You’ll be able to consider your history, identify negative patterns, and figure out where things essentially went wrong. Once you have a deeper understanding of those things, it’s easier to determine whether the relationship can be salvaged.
While it might not heal the wounds within the relationship itself, it can help you realize whether that partnership is worth fighting for. Sometimes, that’s all people need to stay in a relationship, or feel confident that it’s time to call it quits.
Next Steps
If you’re interested in learning more about Discernment Counseling click here or feel free to contact one of our therapists for more information. Or, consider setting up an appointment with your spouse/partner soon. Call us at 623-680-3486,text 623-688-5115, or email info@crossroadsfcc.com. You can ask all the questions you have and see if Discernment Counseling at Crossroads is the right fit for you and your spouse/partner. You can also learn more about Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) as well. Our offices are conveniently located throughout the Valley of the Sun including Phoenix, Anthem, online in Arizona, and Scottsdale. We would be honored to support you in better understanding your relationship. If you are in the process of exploring your thoughts and feelings regarding your relationship but you are not ready to engage in the process of Discernment Counseling perhaps Couples Therapy For One is the best choice.
You can start your therapy journey by following these simple steps:
- Contact Crossroads Counseling
- Meet with a Discernment Counselor
- Begin addressing your relationship struggles
