Couples counseling is for couples in any stage or season of their relationship. For couples who are about to be married and newlyweds, couples counseling is a fantastic way to form a closer bond, create a shared vision of a life together, and talk about all the things. For happy couples, it’s a chance to strengthen an existing bond, build communication skills, and increase intimacy and affection within the relationship. For couples who are unsure about whether they want to stay together or not, there is discernment counseling.
What is Discernment Counseling?
Discernment counseling is designed for couples who are married but feel stuck and unhappy and aren’t sure whether they want to stay or go. “To discern” means to detect, to recognize, to come to know. Therefore, in a marriage where one or both partners is unclear about the future and about where they want to be, discernment counseling is a place to get the bottom of things and come to a clean, healthy decision about the future of the partnership, whatever that looks like.
Discernment counseling gives both partners the time and space to choose the next best steps. Over the course of approximately one to five therapy sessions, you will be asked questions and guided through exercises designed to give you clarity about what you truly want to do. Discernment counseling will also give you tools and support you to make the difficult and emotional decisions that are best for you both.
At the end of discernment counseling, couples will come to one of two decisions. Option number one is to commit to the relationship and the work. When you make this decision, both as individuals and as a committed union, you will be deciding to stay together and fix your marriage. This decision is the beginning of a journey together, towards each other, and towards a happier and healthier marriage. The decision to stay and fix your marriage means both of you are willing to put in the time and energy, the therapy sessions, the homework, the emotional exposure, and the self-reflection to transform your existing relationship into something healthy and strong.
But, this isn’t the only possible outcome
Option number two of discernment counseling is to choose to leave the relationship and end the marriage without regret. If one or both partners comes to the decision that the marriage is no longer the right fit for them, a couples counselor will be there to walk you through the separation. Both partners will receive support and guidance to grieve the loss of the marriage and the loss of the dream of marriage. Even if you are the one who wants to leave, expect that ending the marriage will be sad and difficult for all parties involved.
The decision to either fix your marriage or go without regret is not an easy one.
For this reason, at The Relationship Therapy Center, we recommend couples counseling with a licensed professional where you will receive emotional support and practical tools for relationship success or separation. We offer in-person therapy in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA, as well as online therapy for couples who are both located in the state of California. We have day, evening, and weekend appointments available to meet your scheduling needs. Contact us to speak with our client care coordinator or to schedule an appointment with one of our therapists.
Discernment Counseling
There are many ways you repair your relationship. Our caring therapists may suggest discernment counseling to help decide the fate of your relationship. Our Sacramento area counseling practice would be honored to help your relationship thrive! To start couples therapy in California, please follow these simple steps:
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Contact our counseling office for more information,
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Meet with a caring therapist
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Begin discernment counseling and start healing your relationship!
Other Services offered at The Relationship Therapy Center in California:
In addition to discernment counseling, Our Sacramento area counseling clinics located in Roseville and Fair Oaks, CA are pleased to offer a variety of mental health services. Our couples services include: Couples Counseling, Counseling after infidelity, sex therapy, co-parent counseling, family therapy, divorce counseling, intensive couples retreats, and premarital counseling. Our individual therapy services include anxiety treatment, therapy for children, teen therapy, depression treatment, codependency counseling and individual relationship counseling. Our therapists offer online counseling in California to treat a variety of mental health concerns. Please reach out to our Sacramento area therapy office to learn more about the many ways we can help you or your loved ones.