Discernment Counseling

Effective techniques include reflective listening, which fosters understanding and empathy; the use of individual sessions to allow partners to explore their feelings privately; role reversal exercises to help partners see each other's perspectives; and the miracle question to encourage envisioning a positive future. Each technique provides the couple with insight and clarity about their relationship.

Discernment counseling is not a long-term or individual therapy option but a short-term decision-making process. It's focused on helping couples decide the direction of their relationship rather than resolving deep-seated marital issues. Furthermore, it may not be suitable when one partner has already made a definitive decision to leave or if there are issues of domestic abuse.

While discernment counseling is not specifically designed to prevent divorce, it can lead couples to a clearer understanding of their relationship, which might result in a decision to work on the marriage. However, its primary aim is to assist couples in making a decision that feels right for both partners, whether that means reconciliation or parting ways.