Kimberly Schildbach Therapy
Online Couples Therapy and Discernment Counseling in Washington, Massachusetts, Connecticut, & Florida.
Discernment Counseling in Miami, Florida
Before you decide the future of your marriage, make sure you've explored every possibility.
Online in Miami and throughout Florida.
When Your Relationship is at
a Crossroads
You may not be fighting constantly anymore.
You may not even be talking much.
One of you is tired.
One of you is scared.
Both of you are exhausted.
Divorce has been mentioned - maybe more than once.
Maybe there’s been infidelity. Or sexual secrecy.
Maybe there’s just been years of feeling alone in the same house.
You don’t want to make the wrong decision.
But you also can’t keep living like this.
If that’s where you are, this is exactly what Discernment Counseling is for.
You have reached the point where one of both of you are asking the question you never thought you would: “Do I/we really want to stay married?” You both are exhausted from years of bickering and conflict. Maybe one of you has turned out of the relationship with sexual secrecy or infidelity. One of you is ready to call it quits while the other is still saying, “Wait. Are we really giving up?” Each of you in your own private hell - overwhelmed, stuck in limbo, and the only one who truly understands is trying to decide for themselves.
And somehow you're expecting yourself to make a life-altering decision in the middle of chaos.
Discernment Counseling helps couples who are at this crossroads, particularly when one or both partners are unsure whether they have the energy or motivation to keep trying. I can help you figure out what you actually want and whether your relationship has a path forward.
Discernment Counseling is a short-term, structured process - typically one to five sessions - designed to help you make this decision in a responsive way. Not in the heat of an argument or when struggling with past resentments. We meet together, and I also spend time individually with each of you during every session. We look honestly at what has happened, the patterns that brought you here, each person’s contribution to those patterns, and what would actually have to change for the relationship to work. Just as importantly, we look at whether you are both willing and able to do that work.
By the end, you are choosing between three paths: commit to a focused, robust course of couples therapy, move toward separation or divorce, or maintain the status quo for now. I have no magic wand, but I do have a trusted and research backed process that is safe for both of you to come to a confident decision. Right now, you're trying to make one of the biggest decisions of your life while you're emotionally flooded, angry, terrified, or completely worn out.
Let me help you both discern what is right for your relationship. That way you can look back and say "we did everything we could to make our decision."
Discernment Counseling Helps you Make a Choice You Can Feel Confident About
Discernment Counseling Miami and all of Florida
FAQs about Discernment Counseling in Miami, Florida
What is Discernment Counseling online in Miami, FL?
Discernment Counseling is a short-term, structured process that helps couples decide whether to keep the status quo, pursue couples therapy, or move toward separation or divorce. It is specifically designed for situations where one partner is uncertain about continuing the relationship.
How do I know if Discernment Counseling is right for us?
Discernment Counseling is appropriate if:
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One partner wants to leave and the other wants to stay
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Divorce has been discussed, papers have been signed but not finalized
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You feel stuck and unable to decide
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Traditional couples therapy feels premature
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You want clarity before taking legal action
It is not appropriate when there is ongoing domestic violence and safety cannot be ensured. It is not appropriate if one of you has fully decided you would like a divorce.
How is Discernment Counseling different from marriage counseling?
Marriage counseling assumes both partners are committed to repairing the relationship.
Discernment Counseling assumes ambivalence. The goal is clarity about the future - not repair. We're not rehashing all the wrongs. I want to help you make a clear and responsive decision.
How many sessions does Discernment Counseling in Miami, FL involve?
Most couples complete discernment counseling in 1–5 sessions. It is intentionally brief and focused on decision-making. Sometimes circumstance may warrant an extra session or two but that is the exception.
What happens in a Discernment Counseling session?
Each session includes:
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Joint conversation
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Individual conversations with each partner
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Review of relationship history
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Identification of repeating conflict patterns
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Discussion of what meaningful change would require
Can Discernment Counseling help after infidelity?
Yes. Discernment Counseling is often used after infidelity, emotional affairs, or betrayal when one partner is unsure whether reconciliation is possible.
It helps both partners evaluate whether repair is realistic and whether they are willing to engage in the necessary work.
What are the possible outcomes?
There are three clear paths:
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A six-month commitment to couples therapy.
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Separation or divorce.
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Status quo.
My goal is for both of you to have confidence in your decision.
Top Spots for Relaxation in Miami, FLorida
Even without a spa booking, Miami offers beautiful outdoor spaces that help you slow down and refresh your mind:
Nature & Outdoor Calm Spots
South Pointe Park – Scenic waterfront park ideal for sunrise walks, picnics, and peaceful ocean views.
Oleta River State Park – North Miami’s largest urban park with trails, paddleboarding, and mangrove paddles — perfect for nature-based relaxation.
Miami Beach Botanical Garden – Lush green oasis with gardens and water features for quiet reflection near South Beach.
Bayfront Park & Riverwalk – Downtown urban parks with bay views and walking paths to unwind.
Wellness & Wellness Experiences
Outdoor yoga on the beach or in parks can help with breathing, mindfulness, and grounding.
Paddleboarding or kayaking in Biscayne Bay and the mangrove areas combine gentle activity with nature therapy.