Second Session Who to Start With And Why

DC 2025 Second Session Who to Start With And Why

Deciding who to start with individually in session two of discernment counseling is based primarily on the check-in, assessing each partner’s journey towards clarity and confidence about their marriage’s direction. The goal is to address the partner who is more distressed or wavering, ensuring that both partners feel supported and heard.

Key Points:

Assessing Distress and Wavering:

During the check-in, evaluate which partner is more distressed or wavering in their commitment to the discernment process.
Consider the leaning-in partner's level of distress, as they may be hoping for more progress or have other reasons for being upset.

Prioritizing the Leaning-in Partner:

If the leaning-in partner is wavering about their commitment, make this your highest priority.
Address their concerns and provide support to help them regain clarity and confidence in their decision.

Default Strategy:

If neither partner is more distressed or wavering, use a default strategy: start with the partner you did not see individually in the previous session.
This approach ensures that both partners have an equal opportunity to share their thoughts and feelings.

Using the Check-In:

Base your decision on the information gathered during the check-in, focusing on each partner's current state and needs.
Ensure that the check-in provides a clear sense of where each partner stands in their journey towards clarity and confidence.

Conclusion:

Determining who to start with individually in session two involves assessing distress and wavering, prioritizing the leaning-in partner if necessary, using a default strategy if needed, and utilizing the check-in to inform your decision. By addressing the partner who is more distressed or wavering, discernment counselors can ensure that both partners feel supported and heard, fostering a more productive discernment process.

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