Register for this workshop:
About this workshop
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
- Use protocols for the initial and middle discernment sessions
- Transition couples to couples therapy, end the relationship, or maintain the status quo
- Transition couples from couples therapy to discernment counseling during the first session
- Transition couples from 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 therapist working with couples and are 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:
Wednesdays. , weekly
For seven weeks.
14 Jan – 25 Feb 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, M.A. (UK)
Counseling psychologist, couples therapist and family mediator
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 Psychotherapy Center. For enquiries email Matleena at vanhanen@tmtcdubai.com
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 counselling, 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 a stronger foundation for successful couples therapy.
Register for this workshop
Please complete this form, Matleena will do her best to get back to you within 24 hours.
