I recently joined Marie Vakakis on her podcast This Complex Life to talk about a topic close to my heart, and relevant for couples in crisis—discernment counselling.
Unlike traditional couples therapy, discernment counselling supports couples when one partner wants to work on the relationship and the other is unsure about staying. It offers a structured space to explore the future of the relationship with clarity, care, and without pressure.
In this episode, we discuss:
- What discernment counselling is—and how it’s different from couples therapy
- Why timing and emotional safety matter when facing big relationship decisions
- How therapists can support couples navigating mixed agendas
Whether you’re a partner leaning in or leaning out, this episode sheds light on how to move forward with understanding and greater confidence.
Three actionable steps for couples:
Take time before making a decision – Don’t rush big decisions in the middle of conflict. Consider structured support like discernment counselling to explore your options with calm and clarity.
Speak openly and listen fully – Honest, respectful, non-judgmental conversations help both partners feel heard and reduce misunderstandings.
Acknowledge where you each stand – Recognising whether you’re leaning in or leaning out is an important first step toward deciding what’s next. together
Listen to the episode:
[Discernment Counselling – This Complex Life Podcast]
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/53EsjZlaxVV2gMFGWrpD4H
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/discernment-counselling/id1459084811?i=1000704640968Marie’s
Website: https://marievakakis.com.au/discernment-counselling/