Separation Counselling
Separation Counselling
For couples where one partner is leaning out and the other is leaning in
When You’re No Longer On The Same Page
Sometimes, one partner feels unsure about continuing the relationship — emotionally leaning out — while the other still wants to try, leaning in.
When this happens, traditional couples therapy can feel too soon or too intense.
Separation Counselling, also known as Discernment Counselling, is designed specifically for this moment.
This short-term, structured approach gives you space to slow things down and pause conflict.
It supports you to understand how you got here. what's been lost, and wether there's a genuine path forward, without preasure to stay together.
Who This Is For?
Separation Counselling may be helpful if:
- One of you feels uncertain about staying in the relationship
- You feel stuck in repeated, painful conversations
- There is pressure to “decide” but no space to think clearly
- You want to reduce harm — whether you stay together or separate
What Separation Counselling Offers
- A calm, confidential space to talk honestly without pressure
- Time for both partners to be heard — together and individually
- Insight into the patterns and choices that have shaped your relationship
- Support to decide whether to rebuild or separate with clarity and respect
Each of you has space to explore your perspective — one-to-one with me and together — so decisions are made with understanding rather than confusion, blame, or urgency.
The Three Possible Outcomes
By the end of the process, couples typically arrive at one of three positions:
- Pausing — keeping things as they are for now while reflecting further
- Separating — with respect, compassion, and understanding,
- Recommitting — choosing to continue with focused couples therapy to repair and rebuild
My role is to guide you carefully and impartially — without judgement or pressure — so you can make a thoughtful, confident decision about what comes next.
How Many Sessions?
Session Length & Frequency
Separation counselling typically involves between 1 and 5 sessions.
Each session is around 90 minutes and can be conducted:
Face-to-face in Barnstaple or online
At a pace that feels supportive for both of you
At the end of this process, you should have clarity about your next steps.
How Separation Counselling Differs from Couples Therapy
Separation Counselling
- For couples unsure about staying together
- Focuses on clarity, insight, and decision-making
- Short-term (1–5 sessions)
- Emphasises individual reflection as well as joint discussion
- For couples who have chosen to work on rebuilding
- Focuses on repair, communication, and growth
- Longer-term and more in-depth
- Emphasises teamwork, change, and reconnection
My Approach
I’m Penny Lippett, an experienced couples counsellor based in North Devon. I work using Gottman- and Discernment-informed approaches, combining evidence-based practice with warmth, realism, and compassion. Sessions are structured yet human — calm, grounded conversations that help you both see your situation more clearly and move forward with dignity.
Session Details
- Length: Typically 90 minutes (up to a maximum of five sessions)
- Format: Face-to-face in Barnstaple, North Devon, or online via Zoom
- Fee: £105 per hour after 6.30pm £120
- Free 20-Minute Consultation: To explore whether Separation Counselling or Couples Therapy is the best fit
If This Sounds Like You
If you’re feeling torn, uncertain, or emotionally disconnected — or if one of you is ready to work and the other isn’t sure — Separation Counselling can help you find clarity, steadiness, and direction.
HAre you ready to explore your options with compassion and clarity?
Book your free Separation (Discernment) Counselling consultation