Accepting when your spouse wants a divorce: How Discernment Counseling can help couples on the brink of divorce or separation
This is our last post in a 4 part series on everything you need to know about Discernment Counseling!
If you missed our earlier posts, you can check them out here.
Can a couples therapist help my partner accept that I want a divorce?
You know the relationship is over, at least you’re pretty sure it is. But you’re still a good person and care about your partner. You’d love if your partner could see what you see and agree to end the relationship amicably. You don’t need them to LOVE that this is happening, but it would be so nice if they could at least understand and respect your decision.
Maybe your partner is insisting on couples therapy to try to fix the problems in the relationship. You’re hesitant to agree to that because you’re sure (or pretty sure) that you don’t want to fix it, you want to end it.
Discernment counseling is the right fit for this type of situation. And not all couples therapists know how to do discernment counseling. It’s short-term and specifically designed to help couples where one wants to keep the relationship and one wants to end it.
Taking a Breather: The art of amicable separation in Discernment Counseling
Taking a break doesn’t always equal breaking up. Sometimes, stepping back can recharge your batteries and give you the mojo to actually work on the relationship. And hey, guess what? This magic only happens when you’ve got a pro guiding you. Our relationship experts provide a safe haven to unpack your thoughts and feelings. With their expert insights, you can dig into your deepest needs, dreams, and worries. This newfound self-awareness lets you make choices that light up your heart.
When both are walking out, but love sneaks back in with the help of discernment counseling in Murrieta, CA
Now, for a story that’s like a rom-com plot twist: both partners are waving goodbye, but then they stop in their tracks. They realize they’ve got a treasure trove of memories, emotions, and adventures together. So, what do they do? They decide to give it one last shot. No, this isn’t the stuff of Hollywood — it’s the magic of Discernment Counseling.
See, our therapists aren’t like those palm readers who predict your future. Instead of telling you what to do, they help you figure out what your choices could look like. Through honest chats and exercises, you and your partner get to spill the beans about your fears and dreams. And guess what? This honesty often opens doors you didn’t even know existed.
Therapists: Not BFFs, but definitely champions of clarity
You might think therapists are like referees, blowing the whistle on your relationship game. But discernment counseling is more like a team huddle. Our therapists aren’t here to push you one way or another. Instead, they’re your guides in this epic journey of self-discovery and relationship reflection.
So, what’s the deal with Discernment Counseling?
Discernment counseling is short-term lasting from two to five sessions and focused on helping you and your partner decide what to do with your relationship. The therapist will guide you to deciding to
Keep things as they are
Separate
Enter 6 months of couples therapy to work on the relationship. During those 6 months, divorce is off the table. At the end, you can re-evaluate and decide if enough progress has been made that it’s worth staying.
Watch our video below for some examples of how Discernment Counseling has helped couples on the brink of divorce. Or sign up for your free phone consultation now.
At Inland Empire Couples Counseling we offer the best marriage counseling we can! Our couples therapists are trained in helping couples heal from infidelity, substance use in relationships, childhood trauma, communication skills, as well as providing the LGBTQIA+ community with pride counseling. We have online couples counseling in California. We have couples therapy in Riverside, CA. We also have marriage counseling in Murrieta CA or the Temecula Valley. Please reach out for help by clicking the button below to schedule a free 15 minute consultation with our Intake Coordinator.
Have questions about couples counseling? Visit our FAQs page to find out more.
