Helping You Decide Together: Move Forward, Rebuild, or Part with Peace
Get both Inperson and Virtual help
Decide the future of your relationship
Discover the best path forward
Resolve whether to stay or go
Find and Book nearest and Qualified Discernment Counselors in New Jersey Area
Highly Recommended for Couples Therapy
K.S. & T.A.
“We reached out to Maplewood Counseling to find a couples therapist to help us recover from infidelity. It was such a helpful process to really understand our relationship and what steps we needed to take to heal and build a stronger relationship. I didn’t think we could come back from this place, but with the help of our therapist, we did. So very grateful.”
We help you to get what you need
Unsure if This Relationship is Right for Me
Sometimes, it’s hard to know the next step. Our discernment counseling helps you reflect deeply, clarifying if working on the relationship or moving forward separately is best.
Unclear on What Each Person Needs to Move Forward
It can be hard to know what’s truly needed for change. Our therapists work with you individually and together to uncover each person’s desires and fears, helping you navigate the next step with confidence.
Struggling to Decide Whether to Stay or Go
Deciding whether to continue or end your relationship is overwhelming. Discernment counseling helps you both reflect on your feelings, clarify your options, and find the best way forward—whether that’s working on the relationship or separating.
Get a Qualified therapists within 24 hours
Both In-person and Virtual therapists Available
Personalized therapists for your unique needs
Start Today for a Brighter, Healthier Tomorrow
Discernment counseling helped 85% of couples reach a mutual decision about their relationship’s future.
83% of couples who chose to stay together felt highly satisfied with their decision post-therapy.
70% of couples who separated reported satisfaction, gaining clarity and closure through discernment counseling.
Our Mission and Values
At Maplewood Counseling, our mission is to provide trusted, quality therapy services both in Essex County and virtually across New Jersey and beyond. With over 50 years of combined experience, we specialize in helping couples rebuild their emotional and physical connections, fostering deeper intimacy, trust, and understanding.
Our approach integrates effective, research-based therapy that creates lasting, positive change for individuals, couples, and families. Leading with humanity and compassion, we ensure that every client feels supported and valued throughout their journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling relationship.
Trusted, Quality Therapy
Black Marriage Counseling
In-person and Online Couple therapy
Neutral, Balanced Support
★★★★★
Quality Therapy
“I just want to say that my wife saw Bob Jenkins several times and we were very happy with his ability to help us. He created a safe space for us to express ourselves and offered good advice as well. We would recommend him to anyone! Thank you so much for connecting us with Bob. Please tell Bob that we are doing very well and we have turned the corner (for the better) regarding our issues. Thank you!!“
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Testimonials
A.S
Position
"I just want to say that my wife saw Bob Jenkins several times and we were very happy with his ability to help us. He created a safe space for us to express ourselves and offered good advice as well. We would recommend him to anyone! Thank you so much for connecting us with Bob. Please tell Bob that we are doing very well and we have turned the corner (for the better) regarding our issues. Thank you!!"
L.L.S
Position
"A compassionate and insightful therapist. Debra is a colleague whose work I hold in deep respect. In my consultations with her, she has shown herself to be sensitive, astute and at all times professional. She is soft-spoken, well-informed, and non-judgmental. I admire her careful consideration of each matter. Her experience and perspective have enhanced my own work. I wholeheartedly recommend Debra for therapy, marriage counseling, and for professional supervision."
O.S-K
Position
"Debra Feinberg is the Director at Maplewood Counseling and the clients I referred to her reported feeling her compassion and acceptance when they met her. Clients who worked with Debra in couples or individual therapy, reported that her work was deep and brought transformation and growth personally and/or in the relationship. It is hard to find an insightful, gifted therapist, who you feel trust the moment you meet them and connects with people of such diverse backgrounds. She is my inspiration!"
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Discernment Counseling?
Discernment Counseling is a short-term therapy designed for couples who are unsure about their relationship’s future. It provides a safe space to explore whether the relationship can be saved or if separation is the right choice. This counseling typically includes both joint and individual sessions with a licensed therapist, lasting around 4-5 sessions.
How does Discernment Counseling differ from regular marriage counseling?
Unlike traditional marriage counseling, which focuses on improving the relationship, Discernment Counseling helps couples who are at a crossroads to understand whether they should continue working on their marriage or if separation is the next step. It is more focused on decision-making rather than problem-solving.
Can Discernment Counseling save my marriage?
While Discernment Counseling can help you gain clarity on whether to stay or leave, it doesn’t guarantee that your marriage will be saved. However, it provides the tools to make an informed decision and, if both partners are committed, can lead to couples therapy aimed at restoring the relationship.
How long does Discernment Counseling take?
Typically, Discernment Counseling lasts between 4-5 sessions. It is designed to be brief and focused on making a decision about the relationship, so that couples can either commit to working on their marriage or choose to separate with more clarity.
What if one person wants to stay and the other wants to leave?
Discernment Counseling is especially helpful in situations like this. It allows both partners to express their feelings and perspectives, with a therapist facilitating the process. This helps the couple make a decision together, respecting each other’s thoughts and emotions.
Do we need to be married to attend Discernment Counseling?
No, Discernment Counseling can be beneficial for both married couples and those in serious relationships. It is designed for couples who are facing uncertainty about their future together, regardless of their marital status.
Is Discernment Counseling confidential?
Yes, all sessions are confidential. Your therapist will create a safe, non-judgmental environment where both partners can freely discuss their concerns and feelings without fear of them being shared outside of the therapy setting.
How do we know if Discernment Counseling is right for us?
If you and your partner are unsure about the future of your relationship, feeling disconnected, or struggling with the decision to stay or separate, Discernment Counseling may be a great choice. It helps couples gain clarity and understand their options moving forward.