Discernment Counseling

The decision to end a marriage is rarely made lightly—sometimes, it’s excruciatingly difficult. You may be unsure whether your relationship is salvageable or if separation is the healthiest path forward. That’s where Discernment Counseling comes in.

Discernment Counseling is a short-term, focused process designed to help couples—or individuals—gain clarity and confidence about the future of their relationship. It’s especially helpful when one partner is leaning toward divorce while the other wants to try and save the marriage. Unlike traditional couples therapy, discernment counseling is not about resolving marital problems but understanding whether they can or should be resolved.

With over 25 years of experience in law and clinical practice, Lisa Giovinazzo offers a unique, balanced perspective. She has successfully coached clients through the discernment process, helping them make one of the most important decisions of their lives—with insight, structure, and compassion.

How Discernment Counseling Works:
Initial Assessment
Lisa meets with the couple to understand the marriage’s history, current struggles, and what’s driving the consideration of divorce.

Individual Sessions
Each partner meets separately with Lisa to reflect on their personal contributions to the issues, their hopes, and what’s at stake.

Joint Sessions
When appropriate, the couple is brought together to share insights and foster honest, respectful dialogue.

Decision-Making
The goal is for each partner to reach a decision:

Try to restore the marriage

Move toward divorce

Take a break and revisit later

Moving Forward
If the decision is to stay, Lisa can guide the couple toward appropriate therapy. If the decision is to separate, she can offer resources for a thoughtful and respectful divorce.

Why Choose Discernment Counseling with Lisa Giovinazzo?
Short-Term Commitment: Most couples achieve clarity in 1–5 sessions

Individual Accountability: Emphasis on each person’s role in the relationship dynamic

Judgment-Free Guidance: You won’t be pushed to stay or leave—just supported in choosing the right path for you

Bridge Between Therapy & Legal Support: Lisa blends therapeutic insight with real-world experience in family law, offering a uniquely practical perspective

Safe Space for Reflection: Lisa helps clients explore their feelings, fears, and options with honesty and care

“The decision to dissolve one’s marriage can feel impossible. Lisa helped me slow down, breathe, and actually reflect before I acted. She didn’t tell me what to do—she helped me understand myself better. That changed everything.”
— Former Discernment Client