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.