Discernment Therapy in Philadelphia
For Couples at a Crossroads
When a relationship feels uncertain, jumping straight into couples therapy can feel overwhelming or even premature. Discernment counseling offers a structured, time-limited process to help couples slow things down and decide what direction makes the most sense.
At A Better Life Therapy, discernment counseling is designed for couples where one or both partners are unsure whether to continue the relationship and want support in making a thoughtful, grounded decision
What is discernment counseling?
Discernment counseling is a focused decision-making process, not long-term therapy. Rather than trying to fix the relationship right away, the goal is to help couples gain clarity about what to do next.
This process helps couples decide between three possible paths:
Commit to couples therapy and work intentionally on the relationship
Pause on making major changes while gaining greater understanding and stability
Move toward ending the relationship in a thoughtful and respectful way
There is no pressure to choose a particular outcome. The work is about clarity, responsibility, and emotional honesty—not persuasion.
Who is discernment counseling for?
Discernment counseling is often helpful when:
One partner feels “leaning out” and the other is “leaning in”
Couples feel stuck between staying and leaving
Repeated attempts at couples therapy haven’t led to clarity
Emotions feel high and decisions feel rushed or reactive
It is not couples therapy and does not focus on resolving long-standing relationship problems, unless and until both partners decide to commit to that work.
Our discernment counseling process
At A Better Life Therapy, the discernment process follows a clear and intentional structure that looks similar to the below structure (because we tailor therapy to you, it might differ slightly):
1. Initial 90-minute joint session
The first session brings both partners together to:
Understand what has led the couple to this crossroads
Clarify each partner’s perspective and concerns
Determine whether discernment counseling is the right fit
This session sets the foundation for a thoughtful, contained process.
2. Individual and joint sessions
After the initial meeting, sessions include a mix of individual and joint conversations, allowing each partner space to:
Reflect on personal patterns and contributions to the relationship
Clarify values, hopes, and fears
Explore what each possible path would realistically involve
The number of sessions is intentionally limited and focused on decision-making.
3. Clarity and next steps
By the end of the process, couples arrive at one of the three paths:
Committing to couples counseling
Pausing and reassessing without immediate change
Moving toward separation with intention and care
What happens if we choose couples therapy?
If both partners decide to recommit to the relationship, discernment counseling flows directly into couples counseling.
Couples who choose this path agree to:
Commit to a set period of couples therapy
Work intentionally on patterns, communication, and repair
Approach therapy with openness and accountability
This transition helps ensure that couples therapy begins with shared clarity and commitment.
Discernment counseling provider in Philadelphia
Discernment counseling at our Philadelphia location is offered by Alicia Steinmetz, a couples therapist experienced in helping partners navigate moments of uncertainty with care, structure, and respect.
Alicia works with couples to slow the process down, reduce pressure, and support thoughtful decision-making—whatever direction a couple ultimately chooses.
Schedule a consultation
If you and your partner are feeling unsure about the future of your relationship, discernment counseling can provide a supportive space to gain clarity.
Contact A Better Life Therapy in Philadelphia to learn more or schedule an initial discernment counseling session with Alicia Steinmetz.