couple fighting

Discernment Counseling for Couples on the Brink of Divorce

Discernment Counseling is designed for couples that are contemplating divorce— especially when one partner is considering it more heavily, while the other hopes to save the marriage.

Developed by Dr. Bill Doherty, this short-term counseling process helps couples slow down, explore their options, and gain clarity about their options for the future of the relationship.

Discernment Counseling is not actual “couples therapy,” because the goal is not to solve marital problems, but to determine whether they are solvable. The focus is on better understanding how the relationship got to this point, and each partner’s perspective and contribution to the issues.

Gaia Center Office

    • Clarity and Confidence: Get clear on whether to separate/divorce, commit to 6 months of couples therapy, or continue with the status quo.

    • Compassionate Guidance: Both partners are treated with respect, regardless of their current stance on the marriage.

    • Personal Growth: Each partner will explore their contributions to the relationship dynamics, which can be beneficial for future relationships.

    • Neutrality: The Discernment Counselor is not pushing for any particular outcome, but rather facilitating the partners in getting clearer and more able to articulate to each other what their issues and needs are, so they can better determine the best path forward.

  • Discernment Counseling at the Gaia Center is currently offered by our founder, Valerie Martin. The structure involves between 1 and 5 sessions, and the couple only commits to one session at a time, deciding whether to schedule an additional session at the end of each one. The first session lasts 2 hours and costs $480, and each subsequent session lasts 90 minutes and costs $360.

    • One spouse has already decided to divorce

    • There is coercion to participate

    • There is a risk of domestic violence

    • A couple is contemplating breaking up, but has never made a lifelong commitment to each other and/or had children together

  • Research shows that about half of the couples who undergo Discernment Counseling decide to continue on to regular couples therapy. The ultimate goal is to achieve clarity and make informed decisions about the relationship that support what is best for both individuals.

    Significant research has been done regarding potential outcomes, based upon a two year followup study of research on Discernment Counseling— learn more in this 3-minute video.

Get Divorce Help in Nashville

If you and your spouse are at a crossroads, Discernment Counseling can provide the support and clarity you need. Contact The Gaia Center for Embodied Healing to schedule a free brief phone consultation and take the first step towards understanding if Discernment Counseling is a fit for your relationship.