If you’re doing regular couples therapy and someone brings up divorce, do not give a little extra empathy and then proceed as usual. The very foundation of the marriage is at stake. Watch the video to learn more.

Addressing Emergencies in Couples Therapy: The Importance of Discernment Counseling

In couples therapy, there are moments when the stakes are especially high. When one partner, or sometimes both, expresses serious contemplation of divorce, it's akin to an emergency situation. Just as a medical professional wouldn't treat a heart attack with routine procedures, therapists shouldn't approach these scenarios with business as usual. This transcript from the Doherty Relationship Institute underscores the urgency and significance of implementing discernment counseling in such circumstances.

Recognizing the Severity

Dr. Doherty draws a crucial parallel between a partner considering divorce and a suicidal individual. Both situations demand immediate attention and specialized intervention. The acknowledgment of marital distress at this level should prompt therapists to suspend their regular protocols and address the issue head-on.

The Need for Specialized Intervention

Discernment counseling is a specialized approach tailored to these critical junctures in couples therapy. It's not merely a continuation of regular sessions, but a distinct method focused on exploring the possibility of divorce in a structured and intensive manner. Dr. Doherty emphasizes the importance of acknowledging the gravity of the situation and adjusting the therapeutic approach accordingly.

Taking Action

Rather than simply empathizing with the struggling partner and hoping for a positive turn of events, therapists must actively engage in discernment counseling. This involves setting aside routine strategies and focusing on the immediate risk of marital dissolution. Dr. Doherty urges therapists to prioritize the crisis at hand and adopt a proactive stance toward resolution.

Conclusion

In the realm of couples therapy, moments of crisis demand specialized attention and intervention. Discernment counseling offers a structured approach to address the serious contemplation of divorce, akin to the urgency required in treating a suicidal patient. By recognizing the severity of the situation and implementing tailored strategies, therapists can navigate these critical junctures with efficacy and compassion.