Discernment Counseling in Columbia, MD

Clarity for Couples at a Crossroads.

Wellness Space Counseling Team

Licensed Mental Health Professionals

Online & In-Person Sessions
Licensed in Maryland
We see Individuals, Couples, Teens & Kids
Available Monday to Sunday

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Get To Know Us

We specialize in Discernment Counseling — a short-term, structured process designed for couples who are seriously considering separation but aren’t ready to make that decision without clarity. As a trained discernment counselor, I help both partners slow down, reflect honestly, and decide their next step with confidence and compassion — not pressure.

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Our Approach to Discernment Counseling

Discernment Counseling is not traditional couples therapy — it’s a focused, short-term process specifically for couples where one or both partners are leaning out of the relationship. At Wellness Space Counseling, we help you gain a clearer understanding of what’s happened, each partner’s contributions to the struggles, and whether committing to couples therapy — or parting with compassion — is the right next step.

Benefits of Discernment Counseling:

Gain clarity on whether to stay, separate, or commit to couples therapy
Explore your options without pressure, blame, or conflict
Understand each partner's contribution to the relationship's struggles
Meet individually and together for honest, supported reflection
Get unstuck from the painful “should I stay or should I go?” cycle
Make your next decision with confidence, compassion, and intention

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The Discernment Counseling Process

What to Expect:

Goal

To make a clear, grounded, and intentional decision about your relationship.

Outcome Options

This process is designed to help you decide between three paths:

Recommit to the relationship and begin couples therapy
Separate in a thoughtful, supported way
Continue as is with greater clarity

90 min

Intake

20 min together — overview & process
25 min each (individual)
20 min together — themes & next steps

60 min

Sessions 1–4

45 min individual (partners alternate)
15 min together — brief wrap-up
Focus: clarity, not couples therapy

60 min

Final Session

10 min each (individual)
40 min together
Each partner shares their decision

This is a space for clarity, compassion, and intentional choice.
You don’t have to have it all figured out to begin.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can choose either in-person sessions at the office in Columbia, MD or virtual sessions online. Virtual therapy is conducted via a secure video link and offers flexibility to meet from wherever you are.

Your first session is an opportunity for both partners to share what’s brought you to counseling in an open, non-judgmental space. Your therapist will ask questions to better understand your relationship history and goals so we can build a plan that works for both of you.

Typical therapy sessions are about 50–60 minutes long. This gives us time to explore what’s on your mind while respecting your schedule and energy.

We do not accept insurance for discernment counseling. All sessions are private pay. Upon request, we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement. Please contact us if you have questions about our rates.

Getting started is simple: just fill out the form on this page to request a free consultation. We’ll review your information, reach out to discuss next steps, and schedule your first session.

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