Third Session When to Accept LO Decision to Do Path Three

DC 2025 Third Session When to Accept LO Decision to Do Path Three

Accepting the leaning-out partner’s decision on path three (couples therapy) requires careful consideration to prevent premature decisions and ensure commitment to the therapeutic process. This approach helps avoid halfhearted couples therapy and ensures that both partners are genuinely ready for the work involved.

Key Points:

Preventing Premature Decisions:

Discernment counseling aims to prevent premature decisions on path three, just as it prevents premature decisions on path two (divorce).
Ensure that the leaning-out partner's decision is solid and not a temporary high or flight into hope.

Assessing Readiness:

When the leaning-out partner expresses readiness for path three, assess what shifted them from ambivalence to a decision.
Encourage the leaning-out partner to think about their decision for another week before proceeding with the transition to path three.

Therapist's Role:

The therapist has a vote on path three, meaning they can influence whether the couple is ready for couples therapy.
Encourage the leaning-out partner to solidify their decision, ensuring they are committed to the therapeutic process.

Continuing Discernment Work:

The therapist has a vote on path three, meaning they can influence whether the couple is ready for couples therapy.
Encourage the leaning-out partner to solidify their decision, ensuring they are committed to the therapeutic process.

Avoiding Downside:

There is no downside to waiting an additional week to confirm the leaning-out partner's decision.
This approach helps prevent the couple from reverting to discernment counseling if the leaning-out partner's decision was not solid.

Conclusion:

Accepting the leaning-out partner's decision on path three involves assessing readiness, encouraging reflection, and continuing discernment work to ensure a solid decision. By slowing down the process and ensuring both partners are committed, therapists can prevent premature decisions and set the couple up for successful couples therapy.

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