By Shirley Shropshire, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Associate
When a couple begins the conversation of divorce, it often follows a long period where one or both partners have been considering exiting the relationship. The reasons, situations, and heartache that lead to divorce can seem unclear and sudden for one partner and perhaps a long time coming for another. Couples who reach the point of considering divorce often realize that there is a place or places in the relationship where issues became unmanageable together. The unmanageable place in the relationship may have one or both partners considering divorce even though there are aspects of the relationship they truly appreciate and enjoy.
Regardless of what leads a couple to discuss divorce, couples are often overwhelmed with thoughts of whether to stay together or end their relationship. Discernment counseling is a 1-5 session process to assist couples in clarifying their decision and determine if repair is possible.
What is Discernment Therapy and what does it do?
- A short term process that supports both partners in making a decision about their relationship.
- A therapy that often involves split sessions where partners are seen individually and together.
- It supports each partner in gaining perspective about their relationship.
- Partners are invited to share realizations or insights with one another.
- It helps each person see their personal contribution to what is happening in the relationship.
- Respects the couple and acknowledges the difficulty for each partner.
Who is Discernment Therapy for?
- Couples who have different ideas about what to do and where to go in their relationship.
- Partners who disagree about whether or not to get a divorce.
- Couples who are considering divorce but are uncertain if it is the right path.
- Partners who need time to determine if they want to commit to long term couple therapy.
- Couples who seek information that will give them perspective in relationship decision making.