Are you not too sure whether to stay in this relationship or if it is time to say goodbye? Do you feel torn, confused, and really wish you knew what to do next? Maybe, you know exactly what you want but your partner isn’t too sure… 

IECC offers Discernment Counseling sessions to help couples gain CLARITY and CONFIDENCE in their decision making about the future of their relationship! 

Below you’ll find what you an your partner can expect from these sessions and if it sounds right for you contact us today! We offer in-person counseling in Riverside, CA and later this month we’ll be offering in-person counseling in Temecula, CA! Don’t want to come in-person? That’s okay! We also provide online couples counseling through a secure platform so there’s no where we can’t help you!

What is Discernment Counseling?

Discernment counseling is a brief approach to counseling that could last between 1-5 sessions with each partner committing to only one session at a time.

In discernment counseling, we discuss the paths that are before every couple on the brink of divorce or separation:  

Path 1

We call the status quo and represents your relationship continuing 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. 


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. 

Our Goal: help couples arrive at 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. 

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 please feel free to contact us! If you would like to learn more about the therapists that provide Discernment Counseling services please visit Gloria Magaña and Stephanie Gross


Have questions about couples counseling? Visit our FAQs page to find out more!

We are now offering online couples counseling in California and in-person marriage counseling services in Riverside, CA and Temecula, CA; and online marriage counseling services!! It’s so important for you to find the right marriage counselor for you. Learn more about what’s unique about our couples therapists here.

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Jaquelynn Flietstra, AMFT

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Rebecca Williams, LMFT and Owner of Inland Empire Couples Counseling