💔 Separation Counselling (Discernment Counselling)

Sometimes, one partner feels unsure about continuing the relationship — they may be emotionally “leaning out” — while the other still wants to fight for it, “leaning in.”
When this happens, traditional couples therapy often feels too soon or too intense.
That’s where Separation Counselling, also known as Discernment Counselling, comes in.

This short-term, structured approach offers space to slow things down, pause the conflict, and gain clarity before making big decisions.
It’s not about pushing you to stay together — it’s about helping you both understand how you got here, what’s been lost, and whether there’s a genuine path forward.

• A calm, confidential setting to talk honestly without pressure
   
• Time for both partners to be heard and understood individually
   
• Insight into the patterns and choices that have shaped your relationship
   
• Clarity about whether to rebuild or separate respectfully
   

You’ll each have space to explore your perspective — one-to-one with me and together — so you can decide your next step with understanding rather than confusion or blame.

By the end of the process, couples typically reach one of three positions:

1. Keeping things as they are for now, taking time to reflect
    
2. Separating with greater compassion and respect, understanding how you got here
    
3. Committing to a period of focused couples therapy to rebuild the relationship
    

My role is to guide you gently and respectfully — without blame, pressure, or judgement — so you can make a thoughtful, confident decision about what comes next.

Separation Counselling usually involves between one and five sessions.
Each session lasts around 75 minutes, and the process ends with clarity — whether that means working on the relationship or parting with understanding.

Separation Counselling

Designed for couples uncertain about staying together

Focuses on clarity, insight, and decision-making

Short-term (1–5 sessions)

Emphasises individual reflection and understanding

Couples Therapy

For couples who have chosen to work on rebuilding

Focuses on repair, communication, and growth

Longer-term and more in-depth

Emphasises teamwork and change

Many couples begin with Separation Counselling and, if they both decide to try again, continue into Couples Therapy.

I’m Penny Lippett, an experienced couples counsellor based in North Devon.
I work using Gottman- and Discernment-informed methods, combining evidence-based insight with warmth, realism, and compassion.

You’ll find that our sessions are structured yet human — respectful, down-to-earth conversations that help you both see your situation clearly and move forward with dignity.

•  Length: 75 minutes
   
• Format: Face-to-face in Barnstaple, North Devon or online via Zoom
   
• Fee: £105 per session
   
• Free 20-Minute Consultation: to see which approach — Couples Therapy or Separation Counselling — will work best for you

If you’re feeling torn, uncertain, or emotionally disconnected — or if one of you is ready to work while the other isn’t sure — Separation Counselling can help you both find clarity, compassion, and direction.

Helping couples find clarity, connection, and direction — whatever path they choose