Discernment Counseling Resources
E V E N S O N G | Discernment Counseling Resources
Clarity and Confidence
For Couples on the Brink of Divorce
Welcome to Discernment Counseling Resources – I am glad you are here. My name is Krista Sisterhen and I own a private practice counseling, coaching and consulting practice called Evensong. I am passionate about helping couples when the future of their marriage is uncertain through a specialized, short-term approach called Discernment Counseling. Whether you are here seeking assistance for your own relationship or looking to help someone else, I hope you will find valuable information on this site.
If your marriage is on the brink of divorce, you will learn more about this innovative approach and determine if it is right for you and your spouse. Whether you are leaning out of your marriage but not sure if divorce is the right decision or if you are leaning in to restore the marriage, you will find information here to help you take the next step. I want to provide you with skilled and compassionate assistance as you move toward clarity and confidence at this critical time in your life.
If you are a professional who serves couples or individuals contemplating divorce, you will find resources to help equip and encourage you. Therapists, clergy or and divorce professionals have profoundly important roles in the lives of couples at a crossroad. On this site, you will learn more about the goals and process of Discernment Counseling, identify when it might be a good approach for couples you serve. You will also find access to free training to help you strengthen your skills when working with mixed-agenda couples. I want to be a trusted referral source for you and a resource for professional consultation and customized training on Discernment Counseling.
What is
Discernment Counseling?
If you or your partner are contemplating divorce but haven’t made a final decision, Discernment Counseling is designed to help. It provides an opportunity to pause, reflect, and better understand what has brought your relationship to this point, while exploring possible paths forward.
This type of counseling is especially useful for couples where one person is uncertain about continuing the marriage, while the other is more invested in trying to make it work.
The aim isn’t to resolve all of your marital issues but to determine whether they can be worked through. Both partners will receive support and understanding, no matter where they currently stand regarding the future of the relationship—there are no villains or heroes here.
If Discernment Counseling does not seem like a good fit for you right now, please explore the other counseling services I provide:
Leaning In
You want to rebuild the marriage and are focused on saving the relationship. Discernment Counseling helps you manage your emotions and approach your partner with empathy, without pressuring or pulling away.
Founder of Discernment Counseling Bill Doherty, PhD.
Leaning Out
You’re unsure about the future of your marriage. Discernment Counseling helps you reflect on your role in the relationship’s challenges and whether you want to work on these within the current marriage or pursue another path.
Are you a professional looking to obtain Discernment Counseling Training? Click Here!
Seeking to offer
Discernment Counseling
services at your practice?
A Path to Clarity
I offer you a compassionate space to decide if your marital challenges are resolvable.
The goal is not to fix the marriage right away, but to help you both understand whether it can be restored.
I will meet with you as a couple, but the real work happens in one-on-one conversations as each of you are starting from different places. I will help you gain a better understanding of what has happened in the marriage and your role in the relationship.
The counseling journey typically consists of one to five sessions, with the first session lasting two hours. During the initial session, I will meet with both of you together and ask you to respond to several questions before we meet individually. Subsequent sessions delve deeper into individual reflections, with each partner having dedicated time for introspection and sharing insights.
Throughout the sessions, expect to explore various facets of your relationship, including its history, individual contributions to challenges, and potential paths forward. Unlike traditional couples therapy, Discernment Counseling focuses on providing clarity and understanding rather than immediate resolution. It's a journey of self-discovery and mutual exploration.
As the sessions progress, you'll gradually work towards a decision regarding the future of your relationship. Whether committing to reconciliation, pursuing an amicable separation, or embarking on further couples therapy alternatives, the goal is to reach a point of clarity and confidence in your chosen path.
Remember, regardless of your chosen path, Discernment Counseling offers a valuable opportunity for growth, understanding, and informed decision-making. Embrace the journey, and may it lead you toward a future filled with clarity and fulfillment in your relationships.
No Matter Your Path,
You Deserve Clarity
I respect your reasons for divorce and I am here to help you explore whether restoring your marriage is possible. In every session, my goal is to help you both see your own contributions to the issues at hand and find the best path forward for each of you.
Ready to Find
Your Path Forward?
I am here to guide you through this difficult time. Whether you're leaning towards divorce, considering reconciliation, or just need more clarity, I can help you explore your options and make decisions with confidence.
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