July 9, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Discernment Counseling: Should I Stay or Should I Go?

By Lee Miller

There comes a time, when you are not sure if you should stay together as a couple or start to formally dissolve your partnership. Sometimes there is a niggling feeling that it’ll be ok in the end; “if only”, even though one of you seems less committed. You are not sure what to do. Can you rekindle the relationship or is it too late? Most times, if not always, having a mediator guide you through the emotional experience is the best decision you’ll ever make.

The formal process to a step-by-step walk you through the life changing decision is known as Discernment Counseling.

 

 Should I Stay or Should I go?

If that’s the question you need answered, Discernment Counseling will help you work out the answer, in consultation with your partner. A series of meetings are set up, up to a maximum of five. The sessions usually last 1.5-2 hours. The investigative process follows a set procedure that has a finite end. You need to commit to the full six meetings, or end earlier, if you reach an understanding sooner. The meetings are usually held on neutral ground, in the Counselor’s office. The sessions are pre-booked, initially together, and then one on one individual sessions with the Counselor, before returning to joint sessions. The individual meetings are key as each of you will have different points of view and outlook and desired outcome.

Tell Me Why?

Discernment Counseling is not marriage counseling. Discernment Counseling meetings:

  1. Are targeted towards getting clarity on how you got where you are -answering the how and why questions.
  2. Understand that it took both of you to get to this stage – and that each of you contributed and therefore both of you will know what behavior and action adjustments to make
  3. Sets out what can be done and what can’t be done from this point in time – giving you a plan going forward.

Hotline Bling Can Only Mean One Thing

Discernment Counseling will give you confidence to move forward to the next stages;

  1. Resolve to stay together
  2. Intensive couples therapy to repair your relationship – suggested for six months for maximum resolution
  3. A defined path to a trail separation, or divorce proceedings.

Who You Gonna call?

Mediators and Therapists can provide the counseling. An understanding of the law, the process of negotiation and the emotional journey you are both experiencing and an agreed actionable result is achieved at the end of the discernment counseling sessions.

 

Lee Miller is a Licensed Marriage And Family Therapist: leemillertherapist.com

in News
<>Related Posts

Housing for Health Chief Appointed to Lead Unified Homeless Services Department

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

Veteran Housing Advocate to Oversee Streamlined LA County Services The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday confirmed the...

‘Adoptapalooza’ Pet Adoption Festival Returns to Main Street This Weekend

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The free, family-friendly event aims to connect adoptable animals with new owners Green Dog Dental & Veterinary Center will host...

Virtual Town Hall to Discuss Proposed Resilient Rebuilding Authority

July 9, 2025

July 9, 2025

The agency, to be run by political appointees, would manage permitting, development, zoning, and funding, modeled after post-disaster recoveries Los...

New Agenda Coaching: Changing Lives in LA

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Students Work Toward Applied Success with Executive Function Coaching Services The demands of daily routines and studies sometimes bear weight...

Saint Monica Prep Students Win Award for Anti-Street Racing PSA Video

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The winning public service announcement, titled “Not Worth It,” was highlighted in a post on X by @LADOTofficial  Students from...

Anti-Drunk Driving Resolution Introduced as City Council Honors Late Palisades Teen Killed in Crash

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Levi, who was set to attend the University of Virginia this fall, was killed by a drunk driver on May...

Free and Reduced Price School Meals Available for Eligible Families in Santa Monica-Malibu District

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Parents in Need Encouraged to Apply, SMMUSD Commits to Nutritious, Accessible Meals By Brandyi Phillips, SMMUSD Chief Communications Officer Santa...

Big Blue Bus to Raise Fares for First Time in Nearly a Decade

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

The fare increase aims to offset rising costs for fuel, utilities, and supplies, according to the agency. The Santa Monica...

Shore Hotel: A Local Destination for Summer Fun

July 8, 2025

July 8, 2025

Bring on all things summer. Walking or biking along Santa Monica Pier, you might find yourself taking a pause at...

Santa Monica’s 150th Anniversary to be Celebrated with Vibrant State of the City Event

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets, beach chairs, and picnics to enjoy during the performances Santa Monica will mark its...

Soprano Golda Zahra Returns to BroadStage For a One-Night-Only Musical Celebration

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Hailed as “the rising star of the opera world” by The Hollywood Times, internationally acclaimed soprano Golda Zahra makes her much-anticipated return to BroadStage in...

(Video) Hundreds of Drones Light up the Sky for Palisades to Celebrate July 4th

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The Event Marked One of the First Large Gatherings Among Palisadians Since the January Wildfires. The Event Marked One of...

Transform Your Life: The Free Virtual ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT Debuts July 18-20, 2025

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

The ONENESS GLOBAL SUMMIT, a transformative three-day virtual event, is coming, July 18-20, 2025, offering participants worldwide a free opportunity...

Santa Monica Home Defies Convention: Architect Eric Owen Moss Debuts Shape-Shifting Design

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

Pistachio-Colored Marvel Boasts Curving Walls, Sharp Angles, and Challenging Design A striking residence in Santa Monica is turning heads with...

Caitlyn Jenner’s Friend and Former Foundation CEO Dies in Malibu ATV Crash

July 7, 2025

July 7, 2025

ATV Plummeted 350 Feet After Rear-Ending Vehicle in Malibu Sophia Hutchins, former CEO of the Caitlyn Jenner Foundation and longtime...