Have you ever stood at that crossroad where you don’t know if it’s worth to continue in a relationship or not? Discernment counseling worksheets were specifically designed for just such a situation – to provide couples with clarity about the future of their relationship.
Discernment Counseling Worksheets
Key Features
• Structured Self-Reflection Questions – In-depth prompts to explore your relationship worries and personal aspirations
• Conflict Detection Tools – Dedicated chapters to identify complaints and common problems
• Strength Assessment Framework – So you can see what is really working well in your relationship
• Goal Setting Templates Wipe clean areas to outline your personal goals and your vision for the future
• Action Planning Sections – What to do about each topic in your relationship
• Progress Tracking Features In-app components to track your progress and insights
• Pro Grade Format – Developed by professional therapists in a pro format
How to Use This Tool
Step 1: Locate Your Quiet Space
I remember when I used these worksheets for the first time – you need to be brutally honest with yourself. Pick a time when you won’t be disturbed.
Step 2: Begin at Priority Level
First, write your primary relationship challenge down. Don’t analyze this too much – sometimes the first word that pops into your head speaks volumes.
Step 3: Recognize Your Relationship Strengths
Sounds counterintuitive when you’re in the thick of it, perhaps, but ab sochiye — what first attracted you to your partner? What still works?
4: Map Where Things Will Go Wrong
Be specific here. Rather than writing “we fight a lot,” explain precisely what provokes the fighting.
* Step 5: Define Your Personal Short-Term and Long-Term Goals *
What is it that YOU want from this relationship now? Not what your partner wants or what society expects, but what do you really want?
Step 6: Articulate the Tangibles Based on what you’ve learned and observed Step 7: Make a Commitment to the Tangibles
The worksheet isn’t merely one of reflection; it is one of commitment. Write down specific actions you are willing to do.
Step 7: Review and Reflect
Return to your answers after a few days. Sometimes our points of view change when we’re able to put things in perspective.
Why Use This Tool
You may think that you can just talk your way through this stuff, but you know what here is the thing: structured sheets offer something that conversation can’t: clarity that is documented.
Compounded of: “In opposition to the generic relationship advice you can find online – these discernment counseling worksheets are entirely created for a couple who feels truly unsure regarding the future with each other. They’re not about rescuing every relationship or advocating for divorce – they’re about doing what may empower you to make an informed decision.
I’ve watched couples spend months going around in circles in arguments, but when they sit down with these worksheets, patterns reveal themselves within hours. The written version forces you to be accurate in ways that conversation often does not permit.
*How does this differ from regular couple’s therapy? * As I mentioned, discernment counseling is decision-focused and short-term. Whereas old-school therapy assumes you and your partner want to work on the relationship, this process takes into account that you might not — and that’s O.K..
Use Cases
For Couples Considering Separation
You have an inkling that maybe divorce is the answer, but you want to know with 100% certainty whether you’re making the right decision about something that will effect EVERYONE in the family — each and every relationship.
When There Have Been Major Betrayals or Trust Issues
If you have been unfaithful, have been financially dishonest, or have done something similarly integrity shattering, you will want to evaluate if there is any possibility of healing and rebuilding.
Empty Nesters Reevaluating
After your kids leave home, many couples become strangers. These worksheets will help show you if you have a relationship worth rediscovering.
Before Major Life Transitions
Career transitions, moves and retirement can also be stressful for relationships. Make the most of them in order to agree on expectations prior to the transition.
When One Partner is Leaning Out
If the grief: The Love Is Not Enough workbook, provides clarity for both parties when one already has a foot out the emotional door, and the other is ready to fight for the relationship.
Pre-Marital Uncertainty
Couples who become engaged and aren’t sure about whether to proceed can use these discussions to help make their decision in advance of marriage.
Frequently Asked Questions
*Q: Can I use these worksheets in place of therapy? *
Not exactly. While professionally produced, they’re most effective when used in conjunction with or as a precursor to real discernment counseling sessions with a trained therapist.
Q: How much time does it take to finish these worksheets? **
Roughly Yes, You have 1-3 hours but take your time. Others say that they prefer to spread it out over a few days and as part of quiet, more reflective time.
*Q: How does work when both partners participate and fill out separate worksheets? *
Absolutely! Personal reflection is key to a discernment counseling. You can share and compare answers later, but please work on completing them independently first.
*Q: What if I’m getting different answers and not sure if any of them are right? *
This is totally normal and actually important information. Varying answers usually denote ambiguous or underexplored areas or one that is best left for professional help.
*Q: What if my partner doesn’t want to try these? *
Yes! Even finishing on your own can be a great clarification of how you feel and what you want, progress it’s always good to make whether or not your partner participates.
*Q: Will these work for any degree of relationship? *
Although the advice is mostly aimed at marrieds or people in long term relationships, you can make your own adjustments for your relationship.
*Q: What happens after I purchase the worksheets? *
The knowledge usually leads down one of three tracks: working with the relationship, working within it or working outside it. The worksheets are designed to help articulate which path is the right one for you.
Related Tools
To Help You on your RelationShip Path, you can also check out the following additional resources:
• [Relationship Checkups] – For assessing the health of a relationship over time
• [Communication Skills Worksheets] – For increased communication between couples
• [Individual Therapy Resources] – For personal growth while you’re also working on your relationship
• [Divorce Decision Workshops] – If separation is still appealing
• [COUPLE’S GOAL-SETTING TEMPLATES] – For relationships you choose to stay & invest in