Discernment Counseling

Trained and working towards certification with Dr. Bill Dougherty in helping couples decide to work on their relationship.

Discernment counseling is a short-term model designed to assist couples on the brink. The goal of this intervention is to develope clarity about the marriage, secure confidence in moving forward, and understanding of the role each partner has contributed to the struggle. These goals are obtained by focusing on three specific pathways: path 1. Remaining in the marriage without change, path 2. Separation or divorce, path 3. Commitment to a course of 6 months of couples therapy.

I have studied the theory and worked with multiple couples at varying stages of discernment with different outcomes. I find this model to be instrumental with couples in which one partner is "one foot out" while the other partner is "hanging on to the final thread." It is critical that they get on the same path before attempting couples therapy, and Discernment Counseling is an excellent model to determine if that is possible.

I'm a certified Discernment Counselor who helps couples unsure about their relationship's future. Through our sessions, we'll explore the issues that have brought you to this point, and I'll help you to understand the dynamics of your relationship and to make an informed decision about the best path forward. I aim to help you and your partner find clarity, peace of mind, and the confidence to make the right decision for both of you.

If you or your partner are considering divorce but are not completely sure that’s the best path, Discernment Counseling is designed for you. I will help you decide whether to try to restore your marriage to health or move toward divorce. The goal is for you to gain clarity and confidence about a direction, based on a deeper understanding of your relationship and its possibilities for the future. The goal is not to solve your marital problems but to see if they are solvable.

I was born with the spirit of discernment. I have always been this way and I have never left God’s side or shall I say, God has never left my side. My discernment guides not only my life, but also how I work with clients. I have had many clients feel as if I was reading their mind or as if I really understand them. Discernment leaves no room for error, whereas, education, biases and projections do. Discernment counseling is spiritual in nature and allows God to speak through counselor/coach

This is a specific therapy for couples who are contemplating separation or divorce. You may be unsure about whether you want to stay in their marriage or whether traditional couples therapy can work for you. Each partner may be experiencing different feelings about what to do, and this supports both parties as they work through their feelings (together and individually). Some goals include getting clearer, managing emotions, and learning about yourself and relationships.

As a therapist who practices discernment counseling, my focus is on helping couples who are uncertain about the future of their relationship gain clarity and make informed decisions. Rather than assuming that the goal of therapy is to save the relationship, I acknowledge that not all relationships are meant to be saved. Instead, I work with clients to explore the underlying reasons for their uncertainty and the factors that may be contributing to the challenges they are facing.

I am a certified Discernment Counselor. Discernment Counseling is a brief model of 1-5 sessions that seeks to help very ambivalent couples gain clarity and confidence in a direction for their relationship/marriage.

Discernment Counseling is 1-5 sessions (in person in WA or virtual). I help couples gain clarity about the problems in their relationship and each person's contributions to those problems while also exploring the next best path (path 1-status quo/keep things as is, path 2-separation or divorce, path 3-couples therapy). Once a path is chosen clients often choose to meet an additional time to plan for their chosen path. I am certified with the Doherty Institute as a discernment counselor.

Discernment Counseling is for couples thinking about divorce but don't know if they should. It is a highly structured process that gives them clarity on how their relationship got to where it's at now and points out exactly what would need to change in order to feel happier in the relationship. It asks both partners to take accountability. What I love about Discernment Counseling is how effective just one session can be!

I am currently getting certified as a Discernment Counselor to serve my clients that find themselves in a space where they need assistance finding clarity on if their relationship is salvageable. When we assimilate early on in relationship it can cloud our judgement of if we selected a mate that is well matched for us. This type of brief therapy (1-5 sessions) is aimed at figuring out if all parties want to forge ahead working on the issues or finding a way to peaceful dissolution.

Discernment counseling is a brief (4-6) session process of evaluating whether the parties are leaning into, or out of, a relationship. This approach is about creating a conditional alignment that opens up possibilities of more collaborative engagement and understanding between partners.

Feeling uncertain about your relationship? As a therapist specializing in discernment counseling, I offer a spiritual approach to help individuals explore their feelings and values. This unique method allows you to reflect deeply on your relationship—whether it’s about deepening your commitment, taking a step back, or considering separation—while connecting to your inner wisdom. Together, we’ll navigate your emotions and clarify your path forward with intention and compassion. If you’re ready to