Are you considering marriage or couples counseling but feeling unsure if it’s too late to save your relationship? Many people wrestle with the decision to continue or end a relationship, often finding it a heavy burden to bear. If this resonates with you, know that you are not alone.
The Timing of Seeking Help
Research shows that couples typically face relationship challenges for an average of six years before seeking professional help. By this time, about 30% of couples fall into the category of ‘mixed agenda couples.’ These couples often have differing goals: one partner is ‘leaning in’ (eager to work on the relationship), while the other is ‘leaning out’ (uncertain about staying). In some cases, both partners are leaning out, unsure about continuing the relationship.
Introducing Discernment Counseling
If this scenario sounds familiar, Discernment Counseling may offer the clarity you need. Unlike traditional marriage counseling, which focuses on rebuilding the relationship, Discernment Counseling is specifically designed for couples grappling with uncertainty. It provides a structured, goal-oriented approach to help couples decide on the best path forward.
How Discernment Counseling Works
The main objective of Discernment Counseling is to help couples decide whether to:
Restore their marriage to health.
Move toward divorce.
Take additional time to make a decision.
This short-term process typically involves one to five sessions. After each session, couples decide whether to continue with another session. The focus is not on solving marital problems but on determining if those problems can and should be addressed together.
Goals of Discernment Counseling
The primary goal of Discernment Counseling is to provide clarity and confidence about the future of your relationship. It aims to reduce ambiguity by helping you gain a deeper understanding of your situation and its possibilities. This process supports couples in making a well-informed, mutually agreeable decision.
The Structure of Discernment Counseling Sessions
Discernment Counseling sessions are designed to foster meaningful dialogue and reflection. Here’s what you can expect:
1. Initial Session
In the first session, the counselor explores the couple’s relationship history, current challenges, and each partner’s hopes and concerns. This session lays the groundwork for understanding the dynamics at play.
2. Individual Sessions
Subsequent sessions include one-on-one time with the counselor for each partner. This private time allows for personal reflection and a safe space to express individual thoughts and emotions.
3. Joint Sessions
The couple then comes back together to discuss insights gained during the individual sessions and to explore potential paths forward. These discussions are guided by the counselor to ensure productive and respectful communication.
Deciding on the Next Step
At the end of each session, couples decide whether to proceed with another session. This step-by-step process ensures that both partners remain engaged and invested. The ultimate goal is to reach a decision that is thoughtful, deliberate, and mutually agreed upon.
The Benefits of Discernment Counseling
Discernment Counseling offers several unique benefits:
Clarity: Gain a clearer understanding of your relationship and the issues at hand.
Direction: Follow a structured approach to determine the future of your relationship.
Short-Term Commitment: With a maximum of five sessions, it’s a focused, time-limited process.
Decision-Making Focus: Emphasis is placed on making a decision, not solving all marital problems immediately.
Is Discernment Counseling Right for You?
Discernment Counseling is ideal for couples where one or both partners feel uncertain about the future of their relationship. It’s particularly useful for those who are not ready to commit to long-term therapy but need guidance in deciding their next steps.
How to Get Started
If you’re curious about whether Discernment Counseling is right for your relationship, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can learn more or schedule a session by clicking here or calling 701-478-4144. Taking this step can provide the clarity and confidence you need to make an informed decision about your relationship’s future.
Final Thoughts
Deciding the future of a relationship is never easy, but resources like Discernment Counseling offer structured and supportive solutions. Whether you choose to work on your relationship or part ways, the goal is to reach a decision that feels right for both partners. By taking this important step, you can reduce stress, gain clarity, and move forward with confidence.