Therapy Services
Discernment Counseling for Couples Considering Divorce
When one of you isn't sure whether to work on the relationship or move toward separation.
In-person sessions in Mission Valley.
Few experiences are more painful than feeling uncertain about the future of your relationship — especially when you're considering divorce.
Perhaps one of you is hoping to save the marriage while the other is thinking about divorce. You may feel stuck between continuing as things are and making a life-changing decision.
Discernment Counseling provides a structured, supportive process to help couples gain clarity about what comes next — a form of marriage counseling before divorce that helps you decide with intention rather than pressure.
You Don't Have to Decide Today
When couples are deeply hurting, pressure often makes things worse.
One partner may feel desperate to save the relationship, while the other feels exhausted, hopeless, or uncertain.
For couples considering separation, this moment can feel especially heavy.
Discernment Counseling is not about convincing either of you to stay or leave. It's about helping both of you better understand what has happened and decide on a path forward with greater clarity and intention.
Discernment Counseling May Be Helpful If:
One of you wants to work on the relationship and the other isn't sure.
Separation or divorce has been discussed.
You feel stuck and don't know what to do next.
One partner feels hopeless.
You want to make thoughtful decisions rather than reactive ones.
You're unsure whether traditional couples therapy is the right next step.
Clarity is possible, even when things feel uncertain.
What Is Discernment Counseling?
Discernment Counseling is a short-term process designed to help couples understand how they arrived at this point and consider their options thoughtfully.
The goal is not to solve all of the relationship problems. The goal is to decide between three paths:
- Continuing the relationship as it is
- Separating or divorcing
- Committing to a period of focused couples therapy to see whether meaningful change is possible
If separating becomes the path you choose, we can talk through next steps — from working with a divorce mediator to building a plan for co-parenting after divorce.
Both partners are treated with respect and compassion throughout the process.
My Role
My goal isn't to decide who's right or wrong.
My goal isn't to convince either of you to stay together.
My role is to create a space where both of you feel understood and where thoughtful decisions can emerge. I believe there is room for both partners' experiences and pain.
"My goal isn't to tell you what to do. My goal is to help you find clarity about what comes next."
If You Decide to Work on the Relationship
Some couples decide that they want to commit to a period of focused work together.
In those cases, I provide Couples Therapy and Relationship Resets to help couples better understand their patterns and create new ways of connecting.
A Comfortable Place for Difficult Conversations
My Mission Valley office offers a calm, welcoming environment where difficult conversations can happen with honesty, compassion, and respect. Easy freeway access and ample parking make getting to therapy simple.
Related Services
Serving Couples Throughout San Diego
My Mission Valley office is conveniently located with easy freeway access and ample parking. I work with couples throughout San Diego, including Mission Valley, Mission Hills, Point Loma, Del Cerro, La Mesa, Coronado, and surrounding communities.
Frequently Asked Questions
You Don't Have to Figure This Out Alone.
You don't have to rush into decisions or carry the weight of uncertainty by yourselves.
Whether you're hoping for clarity, healing, or simply a better understanding of what comes next, I'm here to help. I'd be honored to walk alongside you.