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Online Counseling Across Ohio
Frequently Asked Questions
My role in discernment counseling isn’t to push you toward saving your marriage—or toward ending it.
Instead, I help you slow down, step out of crisis mode, and really look at what’s happening between you. I ask evidence-based questions, guide conversations so both voices are heard, and create a safe, structured space where you can be honest about your hopes and doubts.
My goal is to give you clarity and confidence about your next step, whether that’s separation, staying as you are, or committing to deeper couples therapy.
Q: What is discernment counseling?
A: Discernment counseling is a short-term process—usually 1 to 5 sessions—designed for couples who are unsure if they want to stay together or separate. It helps partners slow down, reflect, and make a clear, confident decision about their relationship.
Q: How do I know if my marriage is really over?
A: Some signs include broken trust that feels impossible to repair, repeated unresolved conflicts, emotional disconnection, or feeling “done” with no desire to try again. Discernment counseling gives you a safe space to explore these feelings and decide your next step.
Q: How much does discernment counseling cost?
A: Private pay sessions are $160 for individuals and $180 for couples. I also offer shorter 30-minute and 45-minute sessions at reduced rates. Many Ohio clients use Headway insurance to lower their out-of-pocket costs.
Q: Who is discernment counseling for?
A: It’s especially for “mixed-agenda” couples, where one partner wants to save the marriage and the other is leaning toward divorce. Instead of jumping straight into therapy or separation, it provides a structured middle ground.
Q: What questions are asked in discernment counseling?
A: Common questions explore your reasons for staying, your reasons for leaving, and what you’ve done so far to try to repair the relationship. The goal isn’t blame—it’s clarity about what you want and what the relationship needs.
Q: Can discernment counseling be done online?
A: Yes. Online discernment counseling is private, convenient, and just as effective as in-person sessions. You and your partner can meet from home, making it easier to focus on the process without added stress.
Q: What if we decide to work on our marriage after discernment counseling?
A: If you choose to rebuild, the next step is committing to couples counseling. The clarity gained from discernment counseling makes therapy more effective because both partners enter with the same goal: to repair and grow.
Discernment Counseling – Clarity When Your Marriage Is on the Brink
Licensed, professional counselor for couples in Ohio - virtually
I OFFER A FREE 15 MINUTE CONSULTATION!
15 min • Free
Judgment-Free Zone
We don’t play the blame game in my sessions. Speak openly without worrying about how you’ll be perceived.
Communication Skills
Learn practical skills for improving communication so there’s no need to seek comfort outside the relationship.
Online Counseling Sessions
No traffic, no waiting rooms. Enjoy 100% fully virtual sessions from the comfort of your home.
Who Is Discernment Counseling For?
This type of counseling is designed for “mixed-agenda” couples—where one partner is leaning toward leaving, and the other wants to save the relationship. Discernment counseling helps you get out of crisis mode and have honest conversations about your future.
One partner is “leaning in,” the other is “leaning out”
You feel stuck repeating the same arguments without resolution
You’re considering divorce but aren’t sure it’s the right choice
You want clarity about your next steps before making big decisions
Signs You Might Need Discernment Counseling
Sometimes it’s hard to know if what you’re going through is just a rough patch or a deeper issue. Couples often turn to discernment counseling when they notice:
Trust has been broken and feels impossible to repair
Arguments never lead to resolution
Emotional distance has replaced connection
One or both partners feel “done,” but aren’t sure what’s next
What to Expect in Discernment Counseling
Discernment counseling is brief—usually 1 to 5 sessions. The focus isn’t on solving all your problems but on gaining clarity. Each partner spends time both together and separately with the counselor to reflect honestly.
Sessions explore three paths: stay as is, pursue divorce, or commit to couples therapy
Questions help uncover what’s driving disconnection and whether repair feels possible
Both partners leave with clarity, not pressure
S.W.
June 13, 2025
"Terri doesn't blame or judge. Just actionable plans and steady progress."
P.G.
July 22, 2025
"I acknowledge that the inner critic's voice is now more recognizable and less impactful than it was last year."
J.S.
January 15, 2025
"She has been absolutely fantastic. Listens to my needs and provided helpful feedback. Definitely would come back to her."
A.K.
June 3, 2024
"When I first started working with Terri, I was in crisis. Her ability to fully understand me and hold space for me was unprecedented in my therapy journey. She was extraordinary and I'll return to her."
M.T.
September 5, 2024
"Terri is absolutely amazing and has created the best experience I have ever had with therapy or really any mental health help. She is very honest, insightful, and I can’t help but smile and feel safe with her during her appointments."
B.R.
September 20, 2024
"Terri is fantastic, amazing, incredible, awesome!!!! I miss her!!! She’s so good at what she does that I got better and don’t need therapy (for now—knock on wood!). I truly feel she was born to do this work. She is so genuinely caring and encouraging! I can’t say enough good things about her. She was above and beyond for me. I would highly recommend her to anyone who is struggling and needs a kind ear, a professional mind, and a big heart! ❤ A++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++"
L.D.
January 6, 2025
"Understands me and what I am feeling."
C.H.
March 7, 2025
"She’s the best!"
T.N.
February 21, 2025
"I love her"
E.W.
January 21, 2025
"Love her"