Meet Our Team

William J. Doherty, Ph.D.
Co-founder and internationally recognized marriage expert Bill Doherty, Ph.D. has been working with therapists, legislators, lawyers, mediators, and clergy for years to better serve couples struggling with divorce decisions. As a researcher, he has documented high levels of divorce ambivalence among couples even after starting the divorce process. As a therapist, he has developed Discernment Counseling, a new way to work with divorce ambivalence presenting in the form “mixed agenda” couples where one partner is leaning out of the marriage and the other wants to save it. This is a frustrating and challenging situation for therapists, lawyers, mediators—and most of all, for the couples themselves.
With his daughter Elizabeth, he developed the vision for the Doherty Relationship Institute and The Doherty Foundation for Social and Civic Well-Being. These legacy projects have a common goal is to strengthen and preserve marriages where possible and to offer a safe landing for a family friendly divorce when a marriage is ending.
In 2016 Bill co-founded the nonprofit Braver Angels, which is trying to prevent a “civic divorce” in the country by bringing together political reds and blues to find common ground. This project has spread around the U.S.

Elizabeth Doherty Thomas, MS
Co-founder, and leader in charge of the organization, planning, development, she brings great enthusiasm to how to help people absorb new material and be able to successfully help couples in their darkest hour.
An entrepreneur, internet marketer, presenter, author, one-time marriage and family therapist, and networking queen, she is trying to hold on to her hat as she helps her father, Bill Doherty’s, legacy work come to life.
Elizabeth's hope is to have huge growth for The Doherty Relationship Institute’s key projects so that we can reach more therapists whose work with couples is greatly enhanced.

Codi Quick
Codi Quick is the professional manager, administrator, executor, and organizer behind the entire operation.
Her passion, professionalism, businesss accumen, and drive to ensure our organization runs smoothly makes her an indispensable member of our operation.
She and her business team handle the smallest to largest task with ease, grace, and speed. Everyone who gets to know Codi finds her friendly, knowledgeable, with great follow up and organization skills.
Clinical Support Team

Lynda “Lyn” Martin, LMFT
Lynda “Lyn” Martin, LMFT, is a Resident in Discernment Counseling. Founder of Attached NY, she leads a team of therapists while mentoring professionals who want to deepen their work with Discernment Counseling. Lyn loves DC for the clarity and relief it brings couples on the brink — the steadiness of helping people pause, get curious, and finally see the real story beneath the conflict. Lyn blends attachment-based trauma work and Relational Life Therapy. Outside of work, she’s chasing three daughters and finding excuses to travel.

Ginny Wright, PhD
Ginny Wright, PhD is a clinical psychologist who has been practicing for over 30 years. She is a Discernment Counseling Master Practitioner and can honestly say this is her forever home, supporting the growth and mission of Discernment Counseling. Ginny offers webinars, workshops and consultation services for fellow discernment counselors (and other therapists), and is especially interested in supporting new DC trainees. She has been described as “smart, humble, funny and deeply systemic.”
Weird, but true: Ginny’s history includes playing piano, starting a publishing company, obsessing over college basketball, running a short-track speedskating club, hobby-level racecar driving, and creating spreadsheets for fun.

Dr. Courtney Freiman, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Certified Discernment Counselor, Advanced Training Resident
Dr. Courtney Freiman is a LCP, Certified Discernment Counselor, and Advanced Training Resident based in McLean, VA (virtually across the U.S.). She believes Discernment Counseling is a transformative approach for its clarity, integrity, and respect for both partners.
Courtney leads accountability groups for therapists new to the model as well as those wanting to strengthen their confidence and consistency in the work. As a consultant and supervisor for Discernment Counselors, she brings warmth and groundedness. Outside of sessions, she’s a taxi for her two boys sport schedule, golden retriever in tow, and always caffeinated.

Betsey Lebow
Betsey Lebow is a marriage and family therapist who is licensed to practice in California, Connecticut, and New York. She’s proud to have been in the first cohort of Master Practitioners.
She practices DC because she enjoys helping couples at a relationship crossroads that has left them stuck, often for many years. A married mother of two and grandmother of four, Betsey prides herself on her family, and also her ability to never forget a face. When not working you will find Betsey adventure traveling or under a warm blanket reading.

Krista Rush Sisterhen MSW | LISW
Krista is a therapist, consultant and trainer with 30 years of experience. She has a private practice based in Columbus, Ohio and is also licensed in Indiana. She is a Certified Discernment Counselor and Master Practitioner. She is passionate about serving couples on the brink of divorce and loves to encourage and equip other therapists, clergy and divorce professionals as they serve individuals and couples at such a critical time of life.
Krista lives with her beloved husband and their sweet dog Mosey under a big sky in the country. She enjoys quality time with loved ones and cherishes playtime with her grandchildren. She is an aspiring flower farmer who loves long walks, good books, Sunday dinner and sharing stories by a cozy fire even in the summer.

Catherine Pfuntner, LMFT, CSAC, ICADC
Catherine Pfuntner, LMFT, CSAC, ICADC is a Discernment Counseling Master Practitioner licensed in Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont (telehealth). Practicing since 2006, she adores supporting therapists with training and consultation. Therapists say she lights up when talking shop. DC is a prominent part of her practice, providing the vital structure and support couples need when a marriage is at its most vulnerable.
When not working, Catherine loves spending time with her family, cuddling her dogs while resisting the urge to adopt more dogs, and testing out new recipes.