Approximately 30 per cent of couples who seek couples therapy are mixed-agenda couples. For these clients, couples therapy is not an appropriate intervention. This small-group online training and supervision program provides a comprehensive introduction to discernment counseling and the practical skills required to work effectively with mixed-agenda couples.
What will you gain?
You will learn to:
- Identify mixed-agenda couples
- Learn protocols for the initial discernment session and middle sessions
- Transition couples to couples therapy, ending the relationship or to maintain the status quo,
- Transition couples from couples therapy to discernment counseling during the first session
- Transition couples from couples therapy to a discernment time-out
- Manage critical incidents
- Understand cultural considerations
- Support separating couples to create a controlled separation agreement
Who is it for?
If you are a licensed therapists working with couples and unfamiliar with discernment counseling, this training is for you.
Format
- Group size: 4 to 6 participants
- 7 x 90 minute sessions that include;
- Teaching
- Role play
- Supervision
Learning outcomes
By the end of the program:
- You will be able to identify mixed-agenda couples and offer the full discernment counseling protocol
- You will be able to meet the couples where they are and offer the most appropriate form of intervention and support
- You will be able to guide couples toward clarity and confidence in their next steps
Dates, time and cost
- Dates: Weekly on Wednesdays for seven weeks from 7 January 2026 to 18 February 2026
- Time: 5.15. p.m. to 6.45 p.m. (90 minutes)
- Online: Zoom link provided upon registration and payment
- Note: Sessions will not be recorded.
- Cost: 2800 AED + VAT
Facilitator
Matleena Vanhanen is a Certified Gottman Method Couples therapist and a Certified Discernment Counsellor. She is also trained in family mediation and weaves couples therapy, discernment counseling and mediation into her work with couples on the brink.
For more information
This training is provided by MapleTree Center. For enquiries email Matleena at [email protected]
Requirements
Participants must be trained in at least one couples therapy modality and are currently working with couples.
Benefits
- You will be able to offer discernment counseling to mixed-agenda couples
- You will be able to transition couples from therapy to discernment counseling, and discernment counseling time-outs
- You will be able to help couples grow apart more amicably
- You will be able to support distressed couples more effectively
- You will be able to help create strongher foundations for succesful couples therapy