Discernment Counseling

What is Discernment Counseling?

Divorce is one of life’s most stressful transitions that has a significant impact on those involved, especially children. 

The Discernment Counseling process was developed by Dr. Bill Doherty, Ph.D., as an in-between space that is not therapy but also not divorce.  It is a short-term – no more than five appointments – structured process designed to help clients gain clarity about what needs to change in the relationship, if they agree to work on the relationship, and what it might look like to divorce.  

Many clients gain clarity quickly in this process and all clients can leave with a plan for what is next – the healing work of therapy or the disentangling work of divorce. 

I can help clients plan a Therapeutic Separation, which is a structured separation with clear goals and boundaries to support healing while the couple is living apart. Instead of separating without a plan, which most often leads to a divorce, a therapeutic separation is designed to continue exploring if the relationship can move forward. Relationships vary in what they need during a therapeutic separation, so I will work with you to clarify needs and goals and develop a supportive plan. 

Do both of us need to be at each session?

Yes. During each session I will spend time with you together and also with each of you individually. This will happen every time we meet.

What is the outcome of Discernment Counseling?

By the final session, clients will have a clear path forward. Clients will have chosen to do one of three things: 1) maintain the status quo, 2) separate/divorce, or 3) begin an all out effort to work on the relationship through couples therapy.

How long is each session and what is the fee?

Sessions are 90 minutes and the fee is $470 ($475 for the processing fee if a credit card is used).