Discernment Counseling

Help for troubled relationships in Murrieta CA and Riverside CA

Are you feeling unsure about whether to stay in your current relationship or move on?

Are you struggling to make a decision and feeling torn and confused? Perhaps, you know what you want but your partner is uncertain...

At Inland Empire Couples Counseling, we understand the importance of CLARITY and CONFIDENCE in decision making when it comes to the future of your relationship. That's why we offer Discernment Counseling sessions to help couples on the brink. We will support you to confidently choose whether to end your relationship, leave things as they are, or enter couples therapy to work on the problems in the relationship.

What is Discernment Counseling?

Discernment Counseling is a unique approach to counseling that can last between 1-5 sessions with each partner committing to only one session at a time. It's different from traditional marriage counseling as it helps couples arrive at a greater clarity and confidence in their decision making about the future of their relationship based on a deeper understanding of the problems in the relationship and each person’s contributions to them. In discernment counseling, we discuss the paths that are before every couple on the brink of divorce or separation:  

Path 1: The status quo, where your relationship continues as it is. 

Path 2: Represents the separation or divorce path. 

Path 3: Is the possible reconciliation path in which the couple agrees to take divorce off the table for a 6-month period of couples therapy. Each partner commits to work on their Self and the relationship to determine whether they can get the relationship to a healthier place. 

Paths to consider

  • Relationship continues as is

  • Separation or divorce path

  • Reconciliation during therapy

Discernment counseling is different from typical marriage counseling

The format of sessions consists of meeting as a couple and having some time dedicated to one on one work with the therapist. The goal is not to solve your problems but to help you decide whether to try to solve your problems or choose a different path.

It’s not about immediate change in your relationship but seeing what changes each of you might need to make in the future if you decide to work on yourselves and your relationship. 

Don’t let uncertainty hold you back any longer

Schedule a phone consultation for Discernment Counseling in Murrieta CA today

With Discernment Counseling, you can have the support and guidance you need to navigate the difficult decision of whether to stay or go. If you think Discernment Counseling is right for you, click below to meet our therapist, Jackie Flietstra, who has expertise in this service. Our goal is to empower you and your partner to make informed decisions about your future. If you feel this approach to couples therapy can be helpful for you and your partner to decide what next steps to take in your relationship, we invite you to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with our Intake Coordinator.