Discernment Counseling Resources
E V E N S O N G | Discernment Counseling Resources
Advanced Discernment Counseling Training
Discernment Counseling has been an incredibly valuable resource for me in my private practice and I am passionate about helping others learn more about it. Toward that end, I am pleased to offer a few courses for professionals interested in learning more about Discernment Counseling. I hope you will find something here that fits your needs whether you are a professional therapist, a divorce professional or a clergy member.
All of the offerings on this page are currently available in a live, interactive webinar format. In coming months, I will be offering an “on demand” options as well. Several of the courses are pending approval for Continuing Education credits through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board and Association of Social Work Board’s ACE program. Approvals will be noted with each course offering as they happen. Finally, I am available to present these courses in live audience formats - please contact me if you would like to discuss scheduling a training for your group.
I am a Licensed Independent Social Worker in the States of Ohio an Indiana. I have been a certified Discernment Counselor since 2019 and completed a year-long residency with Dr. Bill Doherty, the developer of Discernment Counseling. I am one of very few professionals to have completed this residency and to have received approval from the Doherty Relationship Institute to provide the 3.0 hour workshop “Working With Divorce Ambivalent Clients”. I am passionate about equipping and encouraging others who are serving couples at such a critical time in their lives.
Get DC Certified
Please check out the updated Discernment Counseling training offered by the Doherty Relationship Institute.
I am offering a low-cost, weekly special small group experience for therapists currently engaged in that training called Learn Along Wednesdays.
Case Consultations
I offer individual and small group professional case consultation services to help equip and encourage professional therapists. Please contact me if you are interested in scheduling a Discernment Counseling case consultation or if you’d like to more about upcoming case consultation groups.
Refund Policy
Space is limited for this webinar to allow for interaction.
A refund requested prior to 30 days of the training event will be issued to the original form of payment minus a $25 processing fee. A refund requested 8-29 days prior to the training date, will be refunded 50% of the price of training. No refunds will be issued within 7 days of the training event or following the training event.
System Requirements
This live webinar takes place on Zoom and is fully interactive. Attendees may ask and answer questions throughout the presentation and participate in instructor-led discussions.
System requirements:
Operating Systems: Windows XP or higher, MacOS 9 or higher, Android 4.0 or higher
Internet Browser: Internet Explorer 9.0 or higher, Google Chrome, Firefox 10.0 or higher
Broadband Internet connection: Cable, High-Speed DSL and any other medium that is internet accessible.
Continued Education Credits
Continuing Education Credits are available for the 3.0 hour course, Working with Divorce Ambivalent Clients, through the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage and Family Therapist Board. Pursuing ACE approval for all three courses (3.0, 2.0 and 1.0 hour through the Association of Social Work Board as well for interactive distance learning).
On demand courses will be available early 2026.
Live workshop training is also available, please contact me if you would like to schedule a training for your group.
Learn Along Wednesday
Join fellow therapists currently enrolled in the Discernment Counseling training offered by the Doherty Relationship Institute for a weekly time of discussion and encouragement.
This is a great way to connect other like-minded professionals, process what you’re learning and discuss any questions you might have.
The topics will be generated by the group each week and the discussion will be facilitated by Krista Sisterhen, Discernment Counseling Master Practitioner.
We will meet via zoom on Wednesdays in from 2:00-2:45 Eastern. Cost is $25 per month.
Join us for the next Learn Along Wednesday
September Registration Page - Coming Soon!
October Registration Page - Coming Soon!
Live Course Offerings
Working with Divorce Ambivalent Clients
3.0 HR Class
Cost is $175.
Research supports the long-held observation that thoughts of ending a marriage are common, and that people often remain ambivalent about divorce well into the legal process of martial dissolution. Moreover, divorce ambivalence is a frequent topic in therapy, even when it is not among presenting problems, yet graduate training programs do not necessarily provide training on how to intervene with clients struggling with divorce ambivalence. In fact, recent research suggests that individual therapists may often resort to relationship-undermining statements when clients discuss problems in their marriage. This educational workshop provides valuable strategies for identifying divorce ambivalence and for addressing the unique challenges therapists face when indecision about marriage is present in therapy conversations. Participants learn methods of assessing and treating clients who are divorce-ambivalent and "leaning out" of their marriage. Finally, the workshop introduces discernment counseling as a promising process for couples experiencing divorce ambivalence and provides guidance for recognizing individuals and couples who would benefit from discernment counseling. The core goals and structure of discernment counseling are discussed.
Learning Objecives
1. Describe four or more clinical challenges unique to working with divorce ambivalent clients;
2. Differentiate between “hard” and “soft” reasons for divorce and name appropriate clinical strategies for each;
3. Identify three common emotional stances of leaning-out individuals;
4. Identify four or more negative interaction patterns common to couples in crisis;
5. Name the goals of discernment counseling, including the three path outcomes;
6. List at least three scenarios when a referral for discernment counseling WOULD be appropriate and at least three scenarios when discernment WOULD NOT be an appropriate referral.
Designed for Therapists, Divorce Professionals and Clergy
2.0 HR Class
Cost is $100.
Research supports the long-held observation that thoughts of ending a marriage are common, and that people often remain ambivalent about divorce well into the legal process of martial dissolution. Moreover, divorce ambivalence is a frequent topic in therapy, even when it is not among presenting problems, yet graduate training programs do not necessarily provide training on how to intervene with clients struggling with divorce ambivalence. In fact, recent research suggests that individual therapists may often resort to relationship-undermining statements when clients discuss problems in their marriage. This educational workshop provides valuable strategies for identifying
divorce ambivalence and for addressing the unique challenges therapists face when indecision about marriage is present in therapy conversations. Participants learn methods of assessing and treating clients who are divorce-ambivalent and "leaning out" of their marriage. Finally, the workshop introduces discernment counseling as a promising process for couples experiencing divorce ambivalence and provides guidance for recognizing individuals and couples who would benefit from discernment counseling. The core goals and structure of discernment counseling are discussed.
This workshop will provide an overview of Discernment Counseling as a resource for couples who are uncertain about the future of their marriage. You will gain a working understanding of the goals, process and structure of this short-term protocol. You will also learn strategies to help you work more effectively with clients who are struggling with divorce ambivalence.
Learning Objecives
1. Be able to describe the goals and structure of Discernment Counseling and how it is different than couple’s therapy.
2. Be able to identify a mixed agenda couple and couples that are not a good fit for Discernment Counseling.
3. Be able to identify the characteristics of “Leaning Out” and “Leaning In” partners and articulate some strategies for assisting them.
4. Know how to describe Discernment Counseling to your clients and how to make a referral.
I am passionate about Discernment Counseling and the valuable service it provides couples facing one of the most difficult times in their lives. I want to help others be well equipped to assist couples on the brink of divorce. I have made a significant investment to continue developing my skills as a Discernment Counseling therapist, trainer and consultant to be of service to therapists, divorce , trainer and consultant gaining expertise in the Discernment Counseling to benefit couples on the brink of divorce and to assist other professionals who use the protocol. I am one of only six professionals internationally to complete a year-long residency program with Dr. Bill Doherty, the founder of Discernment Counseling. The residency with Dr. Doherty provided me with a deep dive into the nuances of Discernment Counseling and valuable case consultation experience which has enabled me to develop a case consultation practice for Discernment Counselors. I enjoy training other professionals and am one of very few professionals licensed by the Doherty Relationship Institute to offer a three-hour Discernment Counseling training module for individual therapists.
Training
I offer training for therapists, clergy and divorce professionals who want to know more about Discernment Counseling. I currently offer 1-, 2- and 3-hour training modules on Discernment Counseling for professionals. In addition, I offer brief specialty training on the different components of the model for Discernment Counselors wanting to hone their skills and share experiences in small group settings. Finally, I offer a Marital First Responder workshop designed to help friends and family members and have more confidence and clarity about offering support to those who turn to them in a marital crisis.
Introduction to Discernment Counseling
This is a one-hour training module designed for therapists, divorce professionals and clergy. This training provides an overview of the model to include the goals, process and the characteristics of couples that it is designed to serve. This training also includes information about how to make and receive good referrals to a certified Discernment Counselor. I offer this training throughout the year via video, and I am available to present it to your group in person or via video.
Discernment Counseling: A Resource for Couples on the Brink of Divorce
This is a two-hour training module designed for individual therapists and marriage counselors. This training includes an overview of the Discernment Counseling model and covers the characteristics of the target population, contraindications, goals, structure, outcomes and how it is different from couples therapy. This training also identifies strategies for working with mixed agenda couples and common presentations. I offer this training throughout the year via video and am available to present it to your group in person or via video.
Working With Divorce Ambivalent Clients
This is a three-hour training module designed for individual therapists. This training includes research on divorce ideation and how to work with individual clients dealing with divorce ambivalence: leaning out of their marriage but not ready to move towards divorce. I share strategies for assessing and helping these clients with compassion. This training includes a thorough overview of Discernment Counseling for couples on the brink of divorce and referral options for divorce ambivalent clients. I am one of only a few professionals licensed by the Doherty Relationship Institute to provide this training. I offer it throughout the year via video and by request via video or in person.
Marital First Responder Workshop
This is a weekend workshop designed to help friends and family members be well equipped to assist those who tur to them for support in a marital crisis. Even mental health professionals admit they often struggle knowing how to be good confidant for family and friends outside of their professional roles. Topics include how married couples deal with ADHD, depression, anxiety, money problems, time management differences and other challenges they face.
Professional Consultation
Professional case consultation is an excellent way to strengthen skills and receive encouragement in a supportive, professional environment. I offer both individual and small group case consultation services throughout the year. Individual case consultation sessions are typically 30- or 45-minutes in length. Group sessions are typically one hour in length with 3-4 participants in each consultation group.
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