5 Best Denver Couples Therapists
Strengthen Your Bond & Rediscover Your Love
Couples THERAPY.
Discernment Counseling
At Birch Psychology, we recognize that some couples find themselves at a crossroads—uncertain whether to continue in their relationship, pursue couples therapy, or consider separation or divorce. Discernment counseling is a supportive, structured space designed to help partners gain clarity about the direction of their relationship. Rather than focusing on solving relationship problems, this process centers on understanding what has led you to this point, exploring each partner’s perspective, and thoughtfully discerning next steps. Grounded in empathy, respect, and emotional safety, we walk alongside couples as they slow down, reflect, and make intentional decisions about their future. This process supports couples in thoughtfully discerning whether to continue as they are, commit to couples therapy, or begin exploring a respectful transition or separation.
Who We Work With
Discernment counseling is designed for couples in which one or both partners are unsure about continuing the relationship. We often work with partners who are experiencing:
Ongoing ambivalence about staying together or separating
One partner leaning out of the relationship while the other hopes to work on things
Repeated cycles of conflict with little sense of progress
Emotional exhaustion, resentment, or disconnection
A desire for clarity before pursuing couples therapy or making a decision about separation
The need for a more thoughtful, supported process for navigating a possible transition
Our Approach
Our discernment counselors use a structured, evidence-informed approach to help each partner reflect on the relationship with greater clarity and emotional awareness. While each couple’s process is tailored to their situation, discernment counseling often focuses on:
Clarifying each partner’s perspective on the relationship and current concerns
Understanding how patterns and dynamics have developed over time
Increasing insight into each person’s contributions to relational challenges
Supporting thoughtful, non-reactive decision-making
Exploring three possible paths forward:
committing to couples therapy,
choosing separation/divorce, or
deciding to maintain the status quo for the time being
This process is not about persuading either partner to stay or leave, but about creating the conditions for honest reflection and clearer, more grounded decisions.
What to Expect
Discernment counseling is typically brief and time-limited, often ranging from 1–5 sessions. Sessions are structured to include time together as a couple as well as individual time with the therapist, allowing each partner space to reflect openly and feel heard. The process is designed to help you:
Slow down emotionally charged decision-making
Clarify what has happened in the relationship and how you each arrived here
Better understand your own needs, values, and hopes
Consider next steps with greater intention and care
The goal is not immediate resolution, but increased clarity, reduced reactivity, and more grounded choices about the future of the relationship.
Getting Started
Considering discernment counseling is often a sign that something important is at stake. Our intake team is happy to help you determine whether discernment counseling is the right fit for your situation, answer questions about scheduling, fees, and availability, and connect you with a clinician experienced in this work.
FAQ’s
How is discernment counseling different from couples therapy?
Discernment counseling focuses on helping couples decide what direction to take (couples therapy, separation, or maintaining the status quo), rather than working directly on improving the relationship.
What if one partner wants therapy and the other is unsure about staying together?
This is exactly the type of situation discernment counseling is designed to support. The process respects both partners’ positions and helps create clarity without pressure.
How long does discernment counseling last?
Discernment counseling is typically short-term and time-limited, often completed in a small number of sessions rather than ongoing therapy.
5 Denver Couples Therapists
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1. Hannah Schriber, Psy.D.
• Credentials: Psy.D.
• Education:
◦ University of Denver (2023) - Doctorate, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology
◦ University of Denver (2020) - Master of Arts, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology
◦ Washington University in Saint Louis (2017) - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and American Culture Studies
• Specialty area(s): Social/Emotional Assessments, ADHD Assessments, Psychoeducational Assessments, Relational/Interpersonal concerns, Family Distress, Self-Esteem, Grief and Loss, Depression, Anxiety, Trauma, Couples Therapy, and Women's Issues
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2. Stephanie Pinch, Psy.D., M.Ed
• Credentials: Psy.D.
• Education:
◦ University of Denver (2023) - Doctorate, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology
◦ University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Early Childhood (2022) - Pre-Doctoral Internship
◦ University of Denver (2020) - Master of Arts, Graduate School of Professional Psychology, Clinical Psychology
◦ George Mason University (2014) - Master of Education, Special Education
◦ Elon University (2012) - Bachelor of Arts, Psychology and Neuroscience
• Specialty area(s): ASD/ Autism Assessments, ADHD Assessments, Psychoeducational Assessments, Social/ Emotional Assessments, Early Childhood Developmental Assessments, PCIT, CPP, ASD, Trauma, Perinatal/ Postpartum, Health/ Medical, Faith-Based, Substance Abuse, Attachment, Play Therapy, Early Childhood, Couples Therapy, Anxiety, Depression
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3. Dylan Larson-Konar, Ph.D.
• Credentials: Ph.D.
• Education:
◦ University of Colorado at Boulder - Pre-Doctoral Internship
◦ University of Florida (2022) - PhD, Counseling Psychology
◦ University of Florida (2019) - M.S., Counseling Psychology
◦ Princeton University (2015) - B.A., English
• Specialty area(s): ADHD Assessments, Mental Health Evaluation, Psychoeducational Assessments, Social/ Emotional Assessments, CBT, OCD, LGBTQ, Humanistic, Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Grief and Loss, Couples Therapy
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4. Ali Argo
• Credentials: M.A.
• Education:
◦ The University of Denver - MA in International Disaster Psychology
◦ University of California Los Angeles - UCLA (2022) - BS in Communications
Minors in Film & Professional Writing• Specialty area(s): Developmental and complex trauma, cultural assimilation issues, depression, anxiety, suicidality, relationship concerns and life and career transitions
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5. Peter Tulaney, M.F.T.
• Credentials: M.F.T.
• Education:
◦ Bucknell University - B.A. in Clinical Psychology
◦ Pepperdine University - M.A. in Clinical Psychology
• Specialty Area(s): Couples Therapy, Discernment Counseling, Adult Individual Therapy
How does Birch Psychology approach Couples and Family Therapy?
Our diverse and experienced team of clinicians offer counseling that’s tailored to the specific needs of your unique relationship. Our approach is informative, evidence based, and centered on creating a safe place for you and your partner to bring positive change, improve communication, engage in conflict resolution, and power through life transitions.
We focus on resolving relationship conflicts and patching the emotional disconnections that create discord in a healthy relationship. At Birch Psychology, we'll teach you to improve your communication skills, navigate through challenging times, and foster understanding and empathy.
FAQs about Denver Couples Counseling
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For this article, the terms are used interchangeably. However, therapy describes service provided by a licensed marriage mental health professional, and that other forms of counseling may be provided by a clergy member or other person in a helping role.
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The therapeutic modalities that are commonly used in marriage therapy include EFT (emotion focused therapy), the Sue Johnson approach on attachment theory, the John Gottman method, and more.
Treatment plans are customized to each couple’s needs. Many couples experience other challenges such as depression anxiety, sex and intimacy trouble, connection difficulties, addiction, feelings of being stuck, and stress about the future. Each concern can require a different technique!
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Couples who are constantly fighting may need to improve their ability to communicate. Relationship counseling can teach new clients to develop skills to do so!
Couples can struggle with feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, life stressors, intimacy confusion, and family connection, and by seeking support, they are able to heal themselves and better their lives.
There doesn't need to be a large trauma for most couples to find support from seeking a therapist. Sometimes, a marriage can use tune ups to better prepare for the future!
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Couples do not need to be married in order to seek couples therapy! Non married partners, polyamorous couples, and other forms of romantic relationships can find healing, growth, and hope by meeting with a couples and family therapist to break down conflicts.
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At Birch Psychology, we believe that every relationship can be revitalized and improved with unbiased and nonjudgmental support. This is because every couple will face challenges in life that are difficult to overcome, to understand, and to learn from.
And regardless of compatibility, every person is different: we all cope differently, we all perceive differently, and we all have our personal biases. Over time, our biases often evolve into expectations, which challenge our relationships when we feel these expectations aren’t being met.
By stepping out of your comfort zone and into a safe space for open communication, you’re better able to express your needs, desires, and disappointments. With guidance from experts, you’ll improve your understanding of yourself, your partner, and your relationships.
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Yes! In fact, according to the American Psychological Association, engaging in services with a relationship or family therapist is up to 75% effective.
The willingness to work on your partnership implies a desire to improve yourself and your contribution to the relationship. Having anxiety about losing an important relationship, desire to continue life with your partner, and being interested in furthering intimacy can signal a potential for success.
People who participate in marriage counseling improve their ability to communicate, listen, and empathize with their partner. This knowledge is vital for facilitating long-term relationships built on mutual trust and connection.
Strengthen Your Bond & Rediscover Your Love
Meeting with a therapist is an opportunity to focus on the bond you’ve created with your partner. Available to couples of all ages and backgrounds, we provide an accepting and caring environment for exploring the nuanced dynamics of your relationship. When it comes to couples counseling in Denver, we have the experts!
Ready to transform your partnership and life? To get matched with the perfect clinician for your relationship and find the best couples therapy Denver has to offer, book a consultation with Birch Psychology today.