Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness
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    • Discernment Counseling
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      • Bru Ramirez, Psicoterapeuta Licenciada
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Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Finding Clarity in Your Relationship

Are you and your spouse on the brink of divorce?  Are you feeling unsure about the future of your relationship?  Do you even want to try?  If these are questions you are asking, discernment counseling can help you navigate the direction you want to take your relationship.
I'm Ready to Book, Let's Get Started


​What is Discernment Counseling?


​Discernment counseling is a specialized form of therapy designed specifically for couples who are unsure about the direction of their marriage.  It offers a safe space for both partners to explore their options based on a deeper understanding of what has happened to their marriage and each person’s contributions to the problems.  With greater clarity and understanding, couples can make an informed decision about their future. 

Unlike traditional couples therapy, which focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts, discernment counseling focuses on helping partners gain clarity about their relationship and explore three possible paths:
  1. Staying as you have been: This option involves accepting the status quo and continuing the relationship as it currently exists.

  2. Moving towards separation or divorce: This option acknowledges that the relationship may not be salvageable and explores the possibility of ending the marriage.
    ​
  3. Engaging in a six-month all-out effort in therapy: This option recognizes the potential for growth and healing through intensive couples therapy.
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The Process


​During discernment counseling, couples engage in a series of 1-5 sessions with a trained discernment counselor. These sessions provide a supportive environment for each partner to express their thoughts, concerns, and desires without judgment. The counselor facilitates open and honest communication, helping the couple explore the underlying issues that have led them to question their relationship.
Through this process, couples gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their partnership. They develop insight into patterns of interaction, unresolved conflicts, and underlying emotions. This newfound clarity enables them to make more informed decisions about the future of their relationship.

​Benefits of Discernment Counseling


Discernment counseling offers several benefits for couples who are unsure about the next steps in their relationship:
  1. Guidance: Trained discernment counselors provide unbiased guidance and support throughout the process, helping couples navigate their emotions and uncertainties.
  2. Clarity: The structured sessions of discernment counseling allow couples to gain clarity about their individual needs, desires, and limitations within the relationship.
  3. Empowerment: Through self-reflection and exploration, couples regain a sense of agency and control over their lives, enabling them to make decisions that align with their values and goals.
  4. Informed Decision-Making: By exploring different options and potential outcomes, couples can make more informed decisions about the future of their relationship.

​Take the First Step Towards Clarity


​Discernment counseling is not about solving your problems, but to decide whether to TRY to solve your problems.  Discernment counseling will help you determine if change is possible.  Inquire about discernment counseling today to schedule an initial session and begin your journey toward greater clarity and confidence in your decision making.
Let's Get Started

Related: ​


  • Couples & Relationship Counseling at Banyan Tree Counseling

    ​

Individual Counseling    •    Psychiatric Services     •     Medication Management    •     Nutrition counseling
   COUPLES & FAMILIES      •     CHILDREN & TEENS     •     EDUCATIONAL ADVOCACY

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​Phone:

ph: (336) 448-4451
fax: (336) 450-1884

Winston-Salem Locations:

3303 Healy Dr Suite B +
3305 Healy Dr

Winston Salem, NC 27103

**In-person and telehealth!
Wilmington Location:

​206 N. 4th St, Suite 15
Wilmington, NC 28401
​

**Wilmington is accepting telehealth clients. In-person availability September 2025!**
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If you are in a life threatening situation call 1 (800) 273-8255 or use these resources to get immediate help.

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All content on this website, unless otherwise specified, is the sole property of Banyan Tree Counseling & Wellness and is protected by copyright laws.
Any unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or use of this content is strictly prohibited and may result in legal action.
  • Home
  • Book Appointment
  • About Us
    • About Us
    • Our Story
    • Mission & Values
    • YouTube Channel
    • Blog
    • Crisis Resources
    • JEDI Philosophy
  • Services
    • Services
    • Psychiatry | Medication Management
    • ADHD
    • Autism Assessments >
      • Book ADOS-2 Assessment
    • Coaching
    • Couples >
      • Angel Joel, LCMHCA - Couples Therapist & UNCG PhD Candidate | Winston-Salem, NC
      • Lisa Carpenter, LMFT, Couples & Relationship Therapist
      • Jared Brinkerhoff, LCMHC, Couples & Relationship Therapist
      • Jennifer Cui, LCSW, Couples & Relationship Therapist
      • Discernment Counseling
    • Discernment Counseling
    • Educational Consulting | Special Needs Advocacy >
      • Jordan Peterson, MEd, MA, LCMHCA - Educational Consultant & Advocate
    • Exposure & Response Prevention for OCD
    • Groups & Webinars
    • Nutrition
    • Parenting + Family Therapy
    • Play Therapy for Children
    • Separation Counseling + Collaborative Parenting
    • Telehealth
    • Therapy for Teachers
    • Trauma
  • Meet Our Team
    • Meet the Whole Team!
    • Abby Olmstead
    • Adrienne Fisher
    • Alexa Brenner DeConne
    • Amber Miner
    • Andrea Miles
    • Angel Joel
    • Autumn Martin
    • Brittany Proxmire
    • Britt Stewart
    • Bru Ramirez >
      • Bru Ramirez, Psicoterapeuta Licenciada
    • Christine Ridley
    • Emily Ortiz Badalamente
    • Emily Rodgers
    • Hayley McCraw
    • Jared Brinkerhoff
    • Jennifer Cui
    • Leslie "Les" Gura
    • Lisa Carpenter
    • Maggie Latta-Milord
    • Miriam Dineen, Psychiatric Practitioner
    • Sarah Vanderpool
    • Savannah Ornt
    • Simone Banks
    • Tess Job
    • Tiffany Woods
    • Yubi Aranda Sandoval
    • Administrative Staff >
      • Christal Stewart, Billing Administrator
      • Emu Aragon, Administrative Support
      • Emilia Lipnicki, Intake Coordinator
      • Jamee Nunnery, Administrative Support
    • Leadership Team >
      • Jamie Cullen
      • Chantal D. Hayes
      • Jordan Peterson
      • Graham Hayes
  • Fees & Insurance
    • Fees + Insurance
    • Pay My Bill
  • Hiring
    • Hiring Therapist
    • Hiring Psychologist
    • Hiring PMHNP/PA
  • Client Portal