You know something is off, but you can't name it yet. These five practices help you get clear on what's true for you and what to do about it.
The Discernment Coaching Landscape
Discernment coaching sits at the intersection of therapy, spiritual direction, and life coaching. It's for people who aren't in crisis but aren't at peace either. They're stuck in ambivalence, facing a decision, or noticing a pattern they can't unsee. The field is small but growing. Most providers work remotely, which means you can access them from anywhere. Some focus on couples, others on individuals. Some blend clinical training with coaching, others bring spiritual or somatic frameworks. What they share is a commitment to helping you hear yourself more clearly.
How We Evaluated These Practices
We looked at five factors across every provider. First, service scope: do they work with individuals, couples, or both? Second, pricing clarity: is the investment stated upfront or hidden behind a consultation? Third, format: how many sessions, how long, and what happens between them? Fourth, approach: do they blend modalities like Reiki, EFT, or spiritual direction? Fifth, accessibility: are they remote-friendly, and do they offer a free consultation? Stillwork stood out for its transparent three-month structure and optional Reiki. Jodi Lerner impressed with her multi-state licensure and couples focus. Liliane Nahas brought deep clinical training in EFT and Gottman methods. My Mental Climb offered a clear blog and free consult. Texas Christian Counseling provided a wide network and faith-integrated option.
Here's a quick look at five practices that help people get unstuck. Each one approaches discernment differently, so you can find the fit that matches your situation.
| Provider | Best For |
|---|---|
| Jodi Lerner | Couples stuck in ambivalence about staying together |
| stillwork — a private practice in discernment and integrity | Women navigating a transition who want structured, private support |
| Liliane Nahas | Couples considering divorce who want a clinically grounded process |
| My Mental Climb | Couples in the 'one wants out, one wants to stay' bind |
| Texas Christian Counseling | Texas residents seeking faith-integrated discernment counseling |
The Five Practices in Detail
#1 Jodi Lerner
A screenshot of the Jodi Lerner website.
Jodi Lerner is a psychotherapist licensed in New York, Utah, Connecticut, and Florida. She specializes in discernment counseling for couples on the brink, helping mixed-agenda partners decide whether to stay together or separate. Her approach is structured and balanced, giving each partner room to be heard without judgment. She offers a free consultation so you can see if her style fits. If you're in a relationship where one foot is in and one is out, she's worth a conversation. Her site includes testimonials from clients who felt genuinely heard.
#2 stillwork — a private practice in discernment and integrity
A screenshot of the stillwork — a private practice in discernment and integrity website.
Stillwork is a three-month, one-to-one coaching practice for women. It combines six private conversations with individual practice between sessions and optional Reiki where it's useful. The focus is on discernment—learning how you know—and integrity—aligning your behavior with what you discover. The investment is $1,600 for three months, or three monthly payments, stated clearly on the site. There's also a single 90-minute sitting for $300 if you want to test the waters. The work happens in your actual week, not just in session. If you're changing and your life hasn't caught up yet, this is built for that moment.
#3 Liliane Nahas
A screenshot of the Liliane Nahas website.
Liliane Nahas is a Houston-based therapist offering discernment therapy for couples considering divorce. She uses Emotionally-Focused Therapy, the Gottman Method, and AEDP to help partners explore their relationship dynamics. Her discernment process focuses on three paths: continue as is, separate, or commit to a six-month effort to rebuild. She offers telehealth via a HIPAA-compliant Zoom, so you can work with her from anywhere in Texas or beyond. Her clinical training is deep, making her a strong fit if you want a therapy-informed approach. She also works with individuals.
#4 My Mental Climb
A screenshot of the My Mental Climb website.
My Mental Climb is a California-based practice founded by Christina Mathieson, LMFT. They specialize in discernment counseling for couples where one partner wants out and the other wants to stay. Their blog explains why traditional couples therapy often fails in this scenario and how discernment counseling offers a short, structured alternative. They offer a free consultation and work with a range of specialties including sex therapy and Gottman Method. If you're in that painful bind, their clear writing can help you understand your options. They also serve individuals.
#5 Texas Christian Counseling
A screenshot of the Texas Christian Counseling website.
Texas Christian Counseling is a network of counselors across multiple Texas locations and online. They offer discernment counseling as part of a broader menu that includes individual, couples, and family therapy. Their approach integrates Christian faith with clinical practice, which appeals to clients who want spirituality woven into the work. With many offices and online options, access is broad. If you're in Texas and want a faith-informed counselor, they're a practical starting point. They also offer coaching and personal development services.
How to Choose the Right Practice for You
Start by getting honest about your situation. Are you deciding about a relationship, a job, or a pattern you can't shake? If it's a relationship, a couples-focused practice like Jodi Lerner, Liliane Nahas, or My Mental Climb may fit. If it's personal and you want one-to-one work, Stillwork is built for that. If faith matters to you, Texas Christian Counseling integrates it. Next, look at format and price. Stillwork states its investment upfront. Others offer free consultations. Finally, consider modality. Do you want Reiki, EFT, or a spiritual lens? The right fit is the one that makes you feel safe enough to tell the truth.
What Happens Between Sessions
The real work in discernment happens in your actual week, not just in the session. Stillwork builds this in with individual practice between conversations. You might track your body's signals, note when you say yes but mean no, or sit with a question until it moves. Other practices may assign journaling, reflection prompts, or behavioral experiments. The point is to bring real-life data back to the next session. Automation isn't the right word here—it's practice. The more you notice between sessions, the more you get from the time you have.
The Bottom Line on Discernment Coaching
Discernment coaching isn't about someone telling you what to do. It's about getting sharper at recognizing what's true for you. The five practices here each offer a different path: couples-focused, individual, clinical, faith-based, and remote-friendly. Stillwork stands out for its clear three-month container and optional Reiki, but the right choice depends on your situation. If you're stuck, start with a free consultation. You don't need to know what it all means yet. You just need to begin.