Annual Discernment Counseling Symposium
April 10-11th, 2026
Registration Closed
Join us for an unparalleled 2-day experience tailored specifically for couples therapists who have mastered the art of working with couples on the brink of divorce (or are learning!)
This exclusive event, limited to just 50 Discernment Counseling trainees, will take place in April and promises to be the highlight of your professional year. Brand new trainees welcomed!!
Why You Should Attend
Interactive Sessions
Dive deep into the most pressing challenges and innovative solutions in Discernment Counseling.
Network With Peers
Connect with other top-tier professionals, share insights, and build lasting relationships. We will help introverts not feel left behind!
Exclusive Content
There is something magical about bringing a small number of practitioners together. We will generate what could best be thought of as group wisdom – what happens only in a live, multi-day setting.
See Bill, Elizabeth, and Codi in Person
Yes, we will all be there and we can't wait to meet you in person! Only DC trainees are attending so this is not an introductory experience, but a deeper dive!
Details
Dates April 9-11, 2026
Thursday evening
6:00 pm: Informal gathering in the hotel lobby for drinks and conversation. Food courts with ample food options are just a couple minute walk from the hotel lobby, so we’ll end up there
Friday (9-4:30)
Breakfast on your own
A.M. session
•Introductions and agenda setting (MPs last and have more time)
•Pivotal moments in DC
•Setting special interest topics
12:00 LUNCH on your own or group will move to food court for lunch, as desired
P.M. Session
•Update on research on DC (Steve Harris)
•A topic generated in the morning from the group
•Ask anything of the advanced practitioners and Bill (format: questions at tables answered first the MPs, then some directed to Bill)
•Live case consultation
4:30 End
6:00 Dinner (organized dinner groups), bar lobby after.
Saturday (9-4:30)
Breakfast on your own
•Interest groups (around topics generated the day before, moderated by advanced practitioners)
•Feedback from the interest groups
•Live case consultation
•A topic generated by the group
12:00 LUNCH on your own or group will move to food court for lunch, as desired
P.M. Session
•The most important thing I keep in mind doing DC: Advanced Practitioners
•Wild card topic: something that emerged from our meeting
•Take home learnings
Location
Radisson Blu, at the Mall of America, near the St. Paul/Minneapolis Airport in Minnesota (MSP airport.)
Price Includes
All-day beverages and light snacks.
Lunches and dinners on your own. The hotel is inside the mall, with 50 sit-down and fast-casual restaurants steps away.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to be part of a select group of therapists who are shaping the future of Discernment Counseling. Sign up today to guarantee your place at this first-ever event.
FAQ
Will there be CE’s?
No. We do not offer CEs for this event.
Do I have to stay at that hotel?
No, but we really recommend it. If you live locally, you can focus on connections, not late-night drives home.
Can I have a roommate in my hotel?
Yes, the hotel situation is shared in the post-registration but as long as it’s only 2 of you it’s the same rate. More than 2 people is another $20 a night. You would coordinate any bookings directly with the hotel.
Is there any group rate if I want to bring my team?
No. We are self-funding this small symposium, and everyone is buying in (both literally and figuratively!)
What costs do I need to plan for?
Hotel (we strongly encourage you to stay in our event hotel for ease of networking!)
Any flights (free shuttle from airport to hotel)
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner on your own (but we will help organize to ensure introverts get meal companions)
Any shopping you want to do (no clothing tax in Minnesota and at 500 stores, you will leave happy.)
Is there a remote option?
No. This is in-person only.
You're saying second annual, so is the intention to do these every year?
Yes! We're starting small but mighty, here in Minnesota, where it all began. The hope is this becomes the an event everyone looks forward to, as we build community online and in person. Minnesota has 2 of us as residents plus Steve Harris one of the core researchers and project leader of the U of Minnesota Couples on the Brink.
Refund Policy
We will accept full refunds to the card you used up to 45 days after your purchase.
Up through Dec 1st, 2025, any refunds minus a $75 administrative fee, will be a refund check mailed (domestic USA only.)
After Dec 2nd, 2025, there is no refund option, but you could transfer your ticket to another DC trainee.