Discernment Counseling in San Antonio, TX.
Discernment Counseling Online in Texas, Florida, Nevada, and Vermont.
Online Discernment Counseling for Couples
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN COUPLE AND DISCERNMENT COUNSELING?
The difference between Couple Counseling and Discernment Counseling is the agenda of the couples. In couple counseling both partners want to save the marriage/relationship; whereas in discernment counseling the agenda is mixed. One partner may want to save the marriage/relationship, while the other partner is uncertain and/or leaning toward ending the relationship. It is not uncommon that one partner may want something different than the other partner.
HOW DOES DISCERNMENT COUNSELING WORK?
Discernment Counseling is a brief therapeutic approach meant to help the couple make a much-needed decision about whether they want to work toward saving the marriage/relationship or end it. Once both partners have completed their individual assessments, the therapist will lead the couples through five 60 or 90 minutes sessions; during this process, couples will learn:
Understand the reality of the relationship from the other party's perspective. Acknowledging and addressing “the pink elephant” in the room.
Analyzing the causes of issues, problems, and disagreements between the two partners. Weighing the pros and cons of breaking up or staying together.
Learn how to communicate better with your partner. Communicate your needs more clearly and express them more emphatically.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT?
Intake evaluation is an Individual assessment where each member of the couple sees the counselor separately. Typically intake evaluation takes about one therapeutic hour (60 minutes). Couples with more complex issues to address may need more time or multiple sessions, before starting. Please let your therapist know if you believe you may need more time or additional sessions.
Five discernment therapy sessions (60 to 90 minutes) with your partner. By the end of the fifth session, the couple will make the decision on whether they will Commit to six months of intensive couples counseling to see if the relationship can be saved. Individual therapy, workshops, classes, or reading and homework may also be prescribed.
At this time, don't make any decisions about staying or leaving; just keep things as they are. Sometimes one partner needs more time to process their feelings, in order to make a decision; and may need more individual therapy before proceeding. Proceed with separation or divorce (couples often continue coming to therapy for guidance in this process, especially if there are children involved); Once the couples have come to a decision the focus of the session will be focusing on the next steps to move forward. As well as, any appropriate referrals.
WHO IS DISCERNMENT COUNSELING FOR?
Couples who are struggling with “how to move forward.” Discernment counseling benefits couples who aren’t on the same page, and are unable to move forward without professional intervention. Discernment counseling is about empowering couples to make a collaborative decision about their future and does not view divorce as a failure or staying together as a success.
WHEN IS DISCERNMENT COUNSELING NOT APPROPRIATE?
A partner has already made the decision to leave.
Domestic Violence and/or child abuse in the home
Imminent crisis related to suicidal thoughts, substance misuse.
For couples who are experiencing the above, will be offered individual counseling or referred to a counselor with the appropriate expertise.
DOES MY INSURANCE COVER DISCERNMENT COUNSELING?
Couples counseling and discernment counseling are rarely covered by insurance. Insurance will only cover treatment that meets medical necessity in treating a verified psychiatric diagnosis. In some cases, insurers may cover couples counseling if the demand for counseling is directly related to an individual's psychiatric diagnosis. In spite of this, discernment counseling rarely falls under this category.
HOW MUCH DOES DISCERNMENT COUNSELING COST OUT OF POCKET?
Discernment Counseling is for Couples who are struggling with “how to move forward” with one partner wanting to save the marriage/relationship, while the other partner is uncertain and/or leaning toward ending the relationship. Discernment counseling is about empowering couples to make a collaborative decision about their future and does not view divorce as a failure or staying together as a success.
Sometimes, a partner is not ready to face discernment counseling or flat-out refuses counseling of any sort. If that is the cause, I often see clients on an individual basis. Our session focus will be on the concern and issues you are experiencing in your marriage. How the issues in the relationship have impacted you, and whether or not it is something that can be repaired? If you have any more questions or concerns about Discernment Counseling.
“ Providing accessible online therapy for all your therapeutic needs.”
— Accepting new clients located in Texas, Florida, Nevada, and Vermont. Call your insurance provider today to see if Mending Hearts Counseling is in network with your provider.
