Discernment Counseling

For partners questioning whether to stay in their relationship I also offer discernment counseling to help both partners gain clarity & confidence in making decisions about the future of their relationship.  See below for additional information on session content, structure, fees, and recommended reading.

What is Discernment Counseling?

Discernment counseling is not couple’s therapy because the goal is not immediate change or to solve current problems. It is intended to guide partners as they decide whether to work on their relationship or choose a different path by exploring each partners’ contributions to the current state of the relationship and the changes that each partner might need to make to solve current problems.

In-session discussions will focus on the three paths open to you and your partner.

  1. The status quo path: to continue your relationship the way it currently is.
  2. The separation or divorce path: to end your commitment to each other as partners.
  3. The possible reconciliation path: to take divorce of the table and commit to 6-months of couple’s therapy in an all-out-effort to restore your relationship to health.

How long does discernment counseling last?

Discernment counseling is a brief process (one to five sessions) to help partners decide about the future of their relationship.  The number of sessions will depend on both partner’s willingness to continue the discernment process, and each partner commits to attending only one session at a time.

The initial session will last two hours, and subsequent sessions are approximately 1 hour and 35 minutes.

Sessions are structured as follows: 

 At the start of each session I will meet with both you and your partner together as a couple followed by some time dedicated to work with each of you one-on-one.  After each one-on-one portion of the session, each partner will summarize what he or she is “taking with them” from this discussion and share it with the other partner.  At the end of each session, we will meet all together to review the current status of the discernment process.

Discernment Counseling Fees: 

  • 2-Hour Initial Discernment Counseling Session (2-hours) $695
  • Follow-Up Discernment Counseling Session (approx 1-hour 35min) $550

Recommended Reading:

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Before starting discernment counseling both you and your partner will need to schedule a separate phone consultation with Dr. Bordieri.  This consultation is free of charge and is intended to help you and your partner determine if discernment counseling is right for you.

Individual therapy is also available if your partner does not want to participate in discernment counseling or if you prefer to explore your needs individually. 

Schedule your Free Consultation:
We welcome you to schedule a free consultation to explore how therapy might benefit you. 
Therapy is extremely personal, so it is important that you feel comfortable with the therapist you choose.  Consultations offer you the opportunity to ask questions and get a sense of who we are and how we work with clients to help you decide if the fit feels right.
Schedule an Appointment or Consultation
If you don't see a time that works for you, contact Dr. Bordieri directly to schedule your consultation: Dr.Bordieri@familyandcoupletherapy.com or 619-808-8509.
If you are having difficulty finding a time with one of our other practitioners you can email scheduling@familyandcoupletherapy.com

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