How to Find a Discernment Counselor

In response to requests from outside Minnesota for discernment counseling referrals, we are creating a referral directory of licensed therapists who have successfully completed our Basic Discernment Counseling training. Click here to view the directory.

Resources for Couples in Distressed Marriages

This project is not for all couples. It is essential that everyone who takes part in this project does so freely, without any emotional abuse, manipulation, coercion, or threats. This project may not be a good fit for couples who have struggled with domestic violence in the past or are currently dealing with domestic violence. Couples will be screened for coercion and domestic violence risk.

Minnesota Domestic Violence Resources

• The Domestic Abuse Service Center
• The Tubman Alliance
• The Domestic Abuse Project
• Casa de Esperanza

Marriage Counseling Resources: Minnesota and National

• National Registry of Marriage Friendly Therapists
  A network of marriage counselors who are experienced and oriented to preserve marriages if possible, recognizing that it is not always possible, rather than taking a "neutral" stance on the issue. (Disclosure: Dr. William Doherty is co-founder of this resource. After being screened, therapists pay dues to be listed on this website.)
• The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapists
  This is the largest network of marriage and family therapists in the United States and Canada. The Therapist Locator contains a list of all members, but in urban areas the list can be overwhelming in size, and the experience level of members in marriage counseling differs greatly. An option for locating the most experienced marriage therapists in this organization is to look for members whose web page lists “approved supervisor” as a credential.
• Emotionally Focused Therapists
  A network of therapists with specialized training in Emotionally Focused Therapy for Couples, a highly researched approach developed by Sue Johnson.
• Imago Relationship Therapists
  A network of therapists with specialized training in Imago therapy for couples developed by Harville Hendrix and Helen Hunt.
• Gottman Relationship Institute Therapists
  A network of therapists trained by John and Julie Gottman in a highly researched approach to marriage counseling.

National Coaching, Educational, and Support Resources

• Divorce Busting
  Michele Weiner-Davis’s website and network of coaches focus on marriages on the brink of divorce where just one person is committed to saving the marriage.
• Retrouvaille
  A Christian peer ministry out of the Catholic tradition, this is a weekend program with follow-up groups. Registration deposit plus good will offering.
• The Third Option
  An ongoing educational program to build stronger marriages. Every other week group meetings, free or good-will offering.