brink of divorce

Can This Marriage Be Saved? A Discernment Counseling Assessment May Be Right for You Both

by
Discernment Counseling Boca raton

Is there anything a marriage therapist can really do when one of the partners is one foot out the door?  Maybe both people are not sure staying married is the best idea.  Or, what if one spouse simply refuses to attend counseling?

An estimated 30% of couples presenting for marriage therapy actually have a “mixed-agenda.”  This means they both have differing desires as whether to save the marriage or not.  One (or both) may be seriously considering divorce or, in other words, “ambivalent” about saving the marriage.

Traditional marriage therapy only works when BOTH partners desire the same outcome to save the marriage. So, when one partner is ambivalent, it can seem like a pretty hopeless situation for both couple and therapist. That is, until fairly recently…

Now there is an approach for working with such couples called discernment counseling.  Prior to this method, traditional marriage therapy would often fizzle out or end in frustration for both the couple and the therapist. Yet, couples still desperately need meaningful help when they are in this space.

Thanks to Dr. Bill Doherty, Ph.D. and his relationship research institute, there is a way for working with the couples who are starting off in different places. He has been training therapists all over the country about how to do this counseling.  Dr. Doherty also has a program for family lawyers, mediators, and clergy who are frequently finding these couples in their midst as well.

Goals of Discernment Counseling

The goal of discernment counseling is for the couple to gain greater clarity and confidence in their decision making about whether to divorce or reconcile. The sessions are to explore specific topics relevant to three paths under consideration: (1) stay married as it has been, (2) move towards separation and divorce or (3) agree on a reconciliation period with an all-out effort in therapy.

Couples meet in the counseling sessions for a portion together and also one on one with the therapist. This is done so that each individual has time to work on their own goals. The crux of this will be about each partner’s personal agenda for change. It is deeply important that each person begins to see his/her own contributions to the relationship problems as well as the possible solutions.

All communications in these individual sessions are kept confidential. This is an important factor that allows the client to provide all necessary details (even in regard to an affair if there is one) to the therapist in order to help him or her sort through the decision making process. Each partner is treated in a respectful and compassionate way regardless of how they are feeling their marriage at the moment.

If reconciliation (path 3) is agreed upon, couples are educated about what marriage therapy looks like and what will be expected of them. Each partner is explained the expectations.  At this point, traditional marriage therapy can begin with the same counselor or they may return to their referring counselor.  If separation/divorce (path 2) is chosen, the couple is given education and resources to help them collaboratively work through the dissolution of the marriage.

If the partner considering divorce refuses to attend discernment counseling at all, individual “hopeful spouse counseling” is offered as an alternative.  Therapists often get desperate calls from this person when a partner threatens to leave the marriage.

The goal of hopeful spouse counseling is to help support the client in their desire to save the marriage. Strategies are designed to help the client manage the crisis and learn constructive and healthy ways to prevent the marriage from going the divorce direction if at all possible. If at any point the partner wishes to join in the process, this is of course welcomed.

The discernment counseling assessment process is a 4 session series consisting of joint time together and 1:1 separately, and then a final feedback session.

Please note that this is NOT  closure therapy as it is not intended to help one of the partners accept their partner’s final decision to divorce. If you need closure therapy, be certain to specify this to the therapist prior to any meetings. Discernment counseling is also not recommended for anyone coerced to come in or if there is a history of violence in the relationship.

Additional Benefits of a Discernment Counseling Assessment

This counseling has been found to be immensely useful in future relationships even if the marriage ends. It is also proven to help couples truly be more cooperative with each other in the divorce process if that is the chosen path.  We must consider that divorce is a decision with far-reaching impacts, even into future generations.  Discernment counseling can help a couple carefully and consciously decide their next step in regards to their marriage.

 

You might want to check out a podcast interview where I discuss the topic of Discernment Counseling. 

Discernment/divorce counseling assessment process is available for couples in a private and confidential setting in Boca Raton, Florida or online for any residents of FL, AL, MD, VT, SC.  Contact me for more information. To search the entire U.S., go to www.DiscernmentCounselors.com. 

What To Do To Help Save Your Marriage If Your Spouse Asks For A Divorce

by
divorce

Whether it seems “out of the blue” or you have been sensing it for a long time, it is scary as hell when your spouse wants a divorce. (By the way, it’s almost never “out of the blue,” but that’s another article). Maybe at this point, you will do anything to save your marriage…even marriage therapy. Anyway, what if your spouse says  those dreadful words…“I’m done…I want a divorce?”

As the saying goes, it’s not over ‘till it’s over. If you still desire to save your marriage, there are many things you should (and should not) be doing if your spouse is seriously considering divorce.

Here are the top 10 things you SHOULD NOT do if your spouse asks for a divorce and you want to save your marriage:

  • Do not beg, plead, pursue, or make demands. This will have the opposite effect and turn your spouse off.
  • Do not make excessive phone calls and texts to your spouse. Do not act desperate or needy.
  • Do not continually point out all good points in marriage or about you.
  • Do not try to get him/her to read marriage books, look at your wedding pictures, etc.
  • Do not trail your spouse around the house like a sad puppy. In fact, do not appear like a sad puppy at all!
  • Do not ask family or friends to encourage your spouse to stay with you. Discussing such personal matters with these people will upset your spouse and make things worse.
  • Do not buy gifts, flowers, and cards to make up for what you may have done. You will not be successful at buying back love.
  • Do not spy on spouse by following in your car, checking emails, cell phone, bills, etc.
  • Do not say “I love you.” Your spouse is not in the mood to hear it right now, and it will come off as manipulative or “pushy.”
  • Do not go wild. Stay away from drugs, alcohol, the bar scene or having sex with others. If you really want to get your spouse back, these behaviors will not do it!

Here are the top 10 things you SHOULD DO if your spouse wants to divorce and you want to save your marriage:

  • Do bring your “best self” to this crisis. It is not the time to fall apart, go into a rage or get vengeful.  Muster up the best attitude you can.
  • Do keep up with your appearance. Going unshaven, stinking from not showering, looking like a slob or sitting endlessly on the couch watching TV will not be enticing to your spouse at all.
  • Do behave respectfully toward your spouse and have self-respect as well.
  • Do act as though you are moving forward with confidence regardless of whether or not your spouse stays with you.
  • Do keep busy. Continue your day to day activities. And, go out on your own, with friends, with family and the kids. Go to a place of worship, try a new hobby, get some exercise. In other words, get a life for yourself despite what happens with your marriage. You may invite your spouse, but do not react negatively if he or she does not take you up on your suggestion. Do not change your intended plans.
  • Do give your spouse some space! Do not question your spouse about his/her whereabouts or schedule.
  • Do let your spouse see you as content regardless of your current feelings. Your moods will be fluctuating. However, you should be someone that your spouse would want to be around because you are pleasant.
  • Do allow your spouse to come to you with any questions or concerns about the marriage, not the other way around. Other than sincerely letting your partner know that you want to save the marriage, be patient about any discussions about you two. If he or she does come to talk, be an active and engaged listener, showing you care about what is being said.
  • Do not engage in arguments.  Do not “take the bait” if your spouse tries to get you to do this.  You may even have to walk away. (If your spouse claims that you “always walk away,” just state you would be happy to stay and have a civil conversation…then do it!)
  • Do get help. Read self-help or self-improvement books or see a counselor. Divorce Remedy is a good book for your circumstances.

It can be devastating to hear that your spouse wants to leave you. Even spouses that say they want to divorce are actually still somewhat ambivalent about doing so. You want the best opportunity to have things work out in your favor. Many people completely sabotage this by acting desperate, angry, nasty or vengeful. This is the opposite of what you should be doing.  It’s also not a bad idea to suggest a process called discernment counseling to see if he/she is willing to push “pause” on the process so you can both rationally sort through the options for the future of your marriage.

Follow these dos and don’ts and, above all, be consistent in these actions and behaviors. You must demonstrate that you are capable of real change. You need to think deeply about what has gotten you both to this place in your relationship where divorce is on the table. What are the reasons divorce is now imminent? What behaviors are you willing to change to get your marriage on track? Think about what your spouse has probably been complaining about for a very long time. What have you been remiss in hearing and responding to?

It may seem unfair that you have to do all the changing. For now, yes, you most likely do because you are at a disadvantage. It’s essential that you start changing first and before you expect change from your partner. If you have an addiction (porn, substance or other) or you had an affair or you are abusive (physical and/or emotional), you must get your own treatment to work on these. You will also have a long road ahead of you to repair the damage you caused.

Making positive changes (whether your marriage works out or not) is always a good idea. Chances are there are some behaviors or traits you have that would be problematic in most relationships. If you can get your spouse back on board with you about working on the marriage, making changes would definitely not have been in vain.

I’m Dr. Marni Feuerman, is a licensed psychotherapist in Boca Raton, Florida who specializes in working with couples who are highly distressed or on the brink of divorce. Reach out to me for help with your marriage. 

Expert Contributions Appearing In:

Connect with me!

By signing up for my newsletter you'll be the first to hear about my media contributions, articles, and special offers!