Clarity and Confidence for Couples on the Brink
Hi, my name is Lauren Hoyt. I am a Certified Master Practitioner of Discernment Counseling and Marriage and Family Therapist who works with couples Michigan and Arizona when the future of their marriage is uncertain through a specialized, short-term approach called Discernment Counseling. Please explore the website to find more information on how I can help you at this time.
What is Discernment Counseling?
If you or your spouse are considering divorce but are not completely sure that’s the best path, you are in a tough spot. And Discernment Counseling is designed for you. It’s a chance to slowdown, take a breath, and look at your options for your marriage.
Discernment Counseling is a new way of helping couples where one person is “leaning out” of the relationship—and not sure that regular marriage counseling would help–and the other is “leaning in”—that is, interested in rebuilding the marriage.
The counselor will help you decide whether to try to restore your marriage to health, move toward divorce, or take a time out and decide later.
The goal is for you to gain clarity and confidence about a direction, based on a deeper understanding of your relationship and its possibilities for the future.
The goal is not to solve your marital problems but to see if they are solvable. You will each be treated with compassion and respect no matter how you are feeling about your marriage at the moment. No bad guys and good guys.
You will come in as a couple but the most important work occurs in the one-to-one conversations with the counselor. Why? Because you are starting out in different places.
The counselor respects your reasons for divorce while trying to open up the possibility of restoring the marriage to health.
The counselor emphasizes the importance of each of you seeing your own contributions to the problems and the possible solutions. This will be useful in future relationships even if this one ends.
Number of Sessions: A maximum of 5 counseling sessions. The first session is usually 2 hours and the subsequent are 1.5 or 2 hours.
Discernment Counseling is not suited for these situations:
- When one spouse has already made a final decision to divorce
- When one spouse is coercing the other to participate
- When there is danger of domestic violence
Services
Explore Discernment Counseling.
Services for Individuals and Couples
I specialize in treating individuals and couples who struggle and have specific issues relating to sex and/or porn addiction, chronic health problems and chronic pain, relationship issues and trauma. You can find more information on my website at www.lhoyttherapy.com.
Services for Couples with Mixed Agendas
If your marriage is on the brink of divorce, you will learn more about this innovative approach and determine if it is right for you and your marriage. Couples who are have mixed agendas means that one of you is leaning out of your marriage but not sure if divorce is the right decision and one of you is leaning in to restore the marriage. I can provide you with skilled assistance as you move toward clarity and confidence at this critical time in your relationship.
Resources for Divorce Professionals
On this site, you will learn more about the goals and process of Discernment Counseling and identify when it might be a good approach for couples you serve.
I can also provide customized education and training for professionals in your practice about the benefits Discernment Counseling for your clients.
Resources for other Psychologists, Psychotherapists and Coaches
I can be a trusted referral source for couples in your practice that seem stuck and have stated that have mixed agendas (one partner want to stay in, and the other partner wants out of the relationship).
For therapists already trained in Discernment Counseling, I can provide consultation to help with your Discernment Counseling couples .
FAQs
How can reach you to schedule a consultation?
You can reach me through the contact page on this website, or email me directly at lauren@lhoyttherapy.com. You can also call me at 520-543-1700, however, I would recommend emailing me.
How long do we need to be in Discernment Counseling?
A maximum of 5 counseling sessions.
What is a Certified Discernment Counseling Master Practitioner?
A Certified Discernment Counseling Master Clinician means that not only did the therapist get specific training and certification in Discernment Counseling, but they completed advanced residency program with The Doherty Relationship Institute. There are currently only six Certified Discernment Counseling Master Practitioners in the world.
Do you work with both partners or each partner individually in Discernment Counseling?
You will come in as a couple but the most important work occurs in the one-to-one conversations with the counselor. Why? Because you are starting out in different places. The counselor respects your reasons for divorce while trying to open up the possibility of restoring the marriage to health. The counselor emphasizes the importance of each of you seeing your own contributions to the problems and the possible solutions. This will be useful in future relationships even if this one ends..
How much does the coaching cost?
Please see the Services and Fees page. You can find the link at the top of this page.
How can I do Discernment Counseling if I am not near your office in Ann Arbor, Michigan?
Yes, I can provide Discernment Counseling sessions online/virtually.
How do I know if the Discernment Counseling is working?
Discernment Counseling is designed to help partners come to a decision on what they feel is best for the future of their marriage. They will know Discernment Counseling is working when they find the clarity and confidence in that decision you didn’t have before
Can I use my insurance?
Unfortunately, no. Not only do I not accept insurance, but Discernment Counseling does not diagnose individuals with a mental health issue(s), and therefore insurance cannot be billed.
Consultation
Let Me Help
Schedule your free consultation and find out how Discernment Counseling can help you.
Discernment Counseling in Michigan and Arizona 