What Type of Couples Counseling Do You Actually Need? Here’s a Breakdown of All Your Options (Without the Therapy Jargon)

By Corrin Voeller, Couples Therapist | St. Louis Park, MinnesotaServing St. Louis Park, Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Orono, Golden Valley & Minneapolis

If you’re reading this, you’re probably trying to figure out what type of couples therapy is right for you.And if you’ve Googled anything lately, you already know:It’s confusing out there.

“Do we do couples counseling?”“Are we supposed to start with discernment counseling?”“Is there a version where we get a lot done in one day?”“What if we already decided to break up?”

Take a breath — I’m going to walk you through all of your options in a way that actually makes sense.

Because different couples need different types of support, and choosing the right format is half the battle.

Here’s the breakdown of what I offer and when each one makes the most sense.

1. Traditional Couples Counseling

Best for: couples who want to improve their relationship, communicate better, heal from conflicts, and intentionally build something stronger.

Traditional weekly or bi-weekly couples counseling is the classic approach — and it works when both partners want to stay together and are ready to learn new skills.

This format helps you:

• improve communication

• stop repetitive arguments

• reduce resentment

• understand each other’s emotional needs

• repair past wounds

• rebuild trust

• create a healthier, more connected relationship

• create shared goals, rituals, and expectations

This is not just “Talking about your feelings for 50 minutes.”This is active, structured, guided work that helps you build a real partnership — not just coexist.

Traditional couples counseling is a great fit if:

• you’re committed to staying together

• you want a stronger relationship

• you’re open to feedback and new tools

• you know things could be better but aren’t in full-on crisis

• you want ongoing support

If you want your relationship to grow, deepen, and become more fulfilling, this is your lane.

📌 Want to start? Book a consult with me to talk about your goals and next steps.

2. Day-Long Couples Therapy Intensives

Best for: couples who want fast, powerful progress or who need to address deeper issues quickly without spreading work out over months.

A therapy intensive is one full day where we focus solely on your relationship.It’s deep, intentional, emotional, and highly productive.

This is for couples who want to:

• get a LOT done in one day

• address deeper wounds or long-term patterns

• jumpstart stalled progress

• reconnect quickly

• work around busy schedules

• invest in a transformative experience

• process something big (affair, major conflict, resentment, disconnection)

An intensive is like hitting a giant reset button — with structure, support, and actual changes you can implement immediately.

It’s not rushed.It’s not chaotic.It’s focused work that makes an immediate impact.

Most couples leave intensives saying things like:

• “We actually understand each other now.”

• “We finally got to the root of it.”

• “This was the breakthrough we needed.”

If you want to fast-track your healing, intensives are an incredible option.

📌 If a day-long intensive sounds right for you, email me at corrinvoeller@gmail.com to ask about availability.

3. Discernment Counseling

Best for: couples where one partner is unsure if they want to stay in the relationship.

Discernment counseling is for couples who are in the “I’m not sure if this marriage can or should continue” zone.

This is NOT couples counseling.This is pre-counseling.It’s the step before you decide whether you should even do couples counseling.

It’s short-term — typically 1 to 5 sessions — and focuses on helping you answer one question:

Should we stay together and work on the relationship, or should we separate?

Discernment counseling is perfect if:

• one person is leaning out

• the other person is leaning in

• you feel stuck, confused, or exhausted

• things feel like they’re on the brink

• you need clarity before taking action

In traditional couples counseling, both people must want to stay and make changes.

But if one person isn’t there yet?It’s not time for couples counseling.It’s time for discernment.

This type of counseling gives both partners structure, clarity, and emotional space to make a thoughtful decision — without rushing into therapy or rushing into divorce.

📌 Want to know if discernment counseling fits your situation? Book a consult and we’ll talk it through.

4. Decoupling Counseling

Best for: couples who have already decided to end their relationship and want to navigate it with care, clarity, and respect.

If the relationship is ending — or you’re separating with kids, shared history, or years of emotional investment — decoupling counseling helps you:

• process the ending

• communicate respectfully

• separate with dignity

• co-parent in a grounded, stable way

• reduce conflict

• make future decisions with clarity

• protect children from emotional fallout

• create closure

• navigate grief in a supportive environment

Breakups don’t need to be chaotic, cruel, or traumatic.They can be intentional, respectful, and healing.

Decoupling counseling helps you both walk away with less resentment and more clarity — especially if you’ll remain connected through kids or shared life responsibilities.

📌 If you and your partner are ending your relationship and want support, book a consult with me.

Which Counseling Option Is Right for You?

Here’s a simple guide:

If you want to STAY together and improve your relationship → Traditional Couples Counseling

For communication, conflict, healing, teamwork, closeness, and long-term strengthening.

If you want FAST, deep progress → Day-Long Therapy Intensive

Get a ton accomplished in one day.

If you’re unsure whether to stay or go → Discernment Counseling

Short-term clarity work.

If you’ve decided to separate → Decoupling Counseling

Move forward kindly and consciously.

Whatever stage you’re in, there is a type of support designed for your situation.

Serving St. Louis Park + Surrounding Suburbs

I work with couples from:St. Louis Park, Edina, Minnetonka, Wayzata, Orono, Golden Valley, and Minneapolis.

Whether you’re trying to reconnect, rebuild, reset, decide, or part ways with care — I’m here to help.

Ready to Choose the Right Path Forward?

You don’t have to figure this out alone.Your relationship — or your ending — deserves clarity, support, and care.

📌 Book a consult with me today to talk about which type of counseling is the best fit for your situation.Or email corrinvoeller@gmail.com if you’re interested in a day-long intensive.

Let’s get you the support that actually matches your relationship’s needs.

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