Therapy for Couples
Discernment Therapy
In-person in Los Angeles
Virtual in California
When You’re Unsure Whether to Stay Together or Separate
Some couples enter therapy hoping to repair and reconnect. Others arrive feeling uncertain, emotionally exhausted, disconnected, or divided about whether the relationship should continue at all. Discernment Therapy is designed specifically for couples who are questioning the future of their relationship and need clarity before making a major decision.
This process helps couples slow down the cycle of conflict, confusion, pressure, or avoidance so they can better understand what has happened in the relationship, how they arrived at this point, and whether there is enough willingness and capacity to move toward repair.
What Is Discernment Therapy?
Discernment Therapy is a short-term, structured process designed for couples where one or both partners are uncertain about staying in the relationship. Unlike traditional couples therapy, the immediate goal is not to solve relationship problems or force reconciliation. The goal is clarity.
Together, we explore:
The current state of the relationship
The patterns that contributed to disconnection
Each partner’s role in the relationship dynamic
Emotional injuries, unmet needs, and recurring conflict cycles
Whether meaningful repair feels possible
What each person would need in order to move forward—together or separately
This process creates space for honest reflection, emotional insight, and intentional decision-making rather than reactive choices driven by fear, guilt, anger, or emotional overwhelm.
Discernment Therapy May Help If:
One partner wants to work on the relationship while the other is unsure
You feel emotionally disconnected or stuck
Conflict has become chronic and unresolved
There has been betrayal, infidelity, or repeated hurt
You have considered separation or divorce
Communication feels hopeless or emotionally unsafe
You keep cycling between “trying” and wanting to leave
You want clarity before making a life-changing decision
Children, finances, or shared responsibilities make the decision more complex
Possible Outcomes of
Discernment Therapy
By the end of the process, couples typically move toward one of three paths:
1. Recommit to the Relationship
Both partners decide they are willing to fully engage in couples therapy and actively work toward rebuilding the relationship.
2. Move Toward Separation
The couple decides separation is the healthiest path and begins navigating that transition with greater clarity, compassion, and intention.
3. Continue the Discernment Process
Some couples need additional time and exploration before making a final decision.
My Approach
My approach is relational, insight-oriented, and emotionally focused. I integrate attachment-based work, interpersonal neurobiology, mindfulness, psychodynamic understanding, and evidence-based couples therapy approaches to help clients better understand both themselves and their relationship dynamics.
I provide a balanced and nonjudgmental space where both partners can feel heard, understood, and supported throughout the process.
Clarity Can Change Everything
Feeling uncertain about your relationship can feel emotionally overwhelming and deeply isolating. Discernment Therapy helps couples slow down the noise, gain insight into the relationship dynamic, and make decisions from a place of clarity rather than reactivity.
Whether the path leads toward repair or separation, the goal is to move forward with greater understanding, intention, and emotional integrity.
Discernment Therapy is not about convincing either person to stay or leave. It is about helping both individuals make thoughtful, informed, and emotionally grounded decisions.
Hi. I’m Tina Marie Del Rosario
A Licensed Clinical Social Worker (#94386). For over 13 years I’ve been working with couples, non-romantic relationships, and individuals from diverse backgrounds.
I value active, collaborative therapy that goes beyond simply listening. I believe meaningful growth happens both inside and outside of the therapy room, and I work closely with clients to help them apply insight into their relationships and everyday lives.
My mission is simple: to help people heal, grow, and build healthier relationships.
Schedule a Consultation
Schedule a free 20 minute video Consultation.
Click the button below. No pressure, just connection. You’ll be taken to a short form to fill out.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Discernment therapy is a short-term process designed for couples who feel uncertain about the future of their relationship and want support gaining clarity about whether to continue working on the relationship or move toward separation.
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Traditional couples therapy focuses on improving the relationship. Discernment therapy focuses first on helping couples understand the relationship dynamic, explore ambivalence, and determine whether both partners are willing and able to work on the relationship.
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This is very common in discernment therapy. The process is designed to create space for both partners to openly explore their perspectives, concerns, and hopes without pressure or judgment.
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Couples can expect honest conversations, increased self-awareness, exploration of relational patterns, and greater clarity around the future direction of the relationship.