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Navigating Distracting Individual Issues in Discernment Counseling

DC 2025 Navigating Distracting Individual Issues in Discernment Counseling

Key Points:

Avoiding Medical Model Thinking:

Do not get pulled into a medical model mindset that prioritizes addressing individual psychological issues (e.g., generalized anxiety disorder, unresolved trauma, depression) before focusing on relational dynamics.
Unless the individual requires psychiatric hospitalization, do not sequence the priority on the individual issue before addressing the relational aspects.

Relational Context:

Psychological impairments will likely be noted by one or both spouses as a complaint or concern.
As a relational therapist, your primary responsibility is to focus on the relational aspects of the issues, which can be included in the personal agenda for change.

Addressing Psychological Issues:

If a spouse recognizes or owns up to psychological issues for the first time, discuss the possibility of a formal assessment and include treatment on the personal agenda for change.
Do not ignore important psychological issues, but resist the idea that these must be addressed before relational dynamics.

Time Management:

Discernment counseling has a limited amount of time, so it is crucial not to spend excessive time on individual issues.
Avoid getting sidetracked by individual psychological problems, as this can distract from the primary goal of discernment counseling.

Maintaining Focus:

Keep the focus on helping the couple discern a direction for their relationship.
Include psychological issues in the personal agenda for change, but do not let them overshadow the relational aspects.

Conclusion:

When individual psychological issues emerge in discernment counseling, it is essential to avoid getting sidetracked by a medical model mindset. Focus on the relational dynamics and include psychological issues in the personal agenda for change. By managing time effectively and maintaining the primary goal of discernment counseling, you can help the couple make informed decisions about their future while addressing important psychological concerns.

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