Discernment Counseling in Los Angeles with Dr. Harel Papikian

Helping Couples Find Clarity, Understanding, and a Way Forward

Relationships often reach a crossroads where one partner feels uncertain about continuing, while the other hopes to make things work. In these emotionally charged moments, discernment counseling provides a safe, structured space to pause and reflect.

Rather than rushing toward reconciliation or separation, this approach helps couples gain insight into their relationship dynamics, understand the root causes of disconnection, and decide on the best path forward, together or apart. With gentle guidance and open communication, partners can move from confusion to clarity, rebuilding mutual respect and emotional understanding along the way.

Discernment counseling isn’t about fixing everything overnight, it’s about finding clarity, confidence, and peace in whatever decision comes next.
Schedule a Free Consultation – Call today and take the first step toward understanding, clarity, and emotional balance.

Meet Dr. Harel Papikian

Dr. Harel is a Los Angeles–based licensed clinical psychologist specializing in relationship and couples therapy.

• Over 16 years working with individuals and couples in culturally diverse communities
• Specializes in relationship transitions, discernment counseling, and trauma-informed care
• Integrates Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, EMDR, and depression-focused interventions
• Uses the ARM Method: Awareness, Release, Mastery, to help clients gain insight and practical tools
• Offers virtual sessions for convenience and privacy

Comprehensive Discernment Counseling by Dr. Harel

Discernment counseling is designed for couples who are uncertain about their relationship’s future. Often, one partner feels ready to separate, while the other hopes to stay and repair things. This process helps both partners pause, reflect, and make an informed decision about what comes next.

Through discernment counseling, couples can:

• Understand the reasons behind their recurring conflicts
• Identify each partner’s contribution to the current situation
• Reflect on whether change is possible within the relationship
• Decide if couples therapy or separation is the healthiest next step

Dr. Harel’s sessions are structured to create a calm, open space where both voices are valued. Instead of assigning blame, he helps partners understand their emotions and clarify their goals for the relationship.

Tailored Approach of Dr. Harel to Relationship Challenges

Dr. Harel’s approach to discernment counseling is rooted in the understanding that every couple’s journey is unique. He carefully tailors each session based on the couple’s emotional readiness, communication style, and relationship history. His method is not about convincing partners to stay together or separate, it’s about helping them reach clarity through insight, structure, and compassion.

At the start of counseling, Dr. Harel helps each partner share their individual perspective in a safe and neutral space. He emphasizes balanced participation, where both the “leaning-out” and “leaning-in” partners feel equally heard. This ensures that neither person feels pressured or dismissed, which is essential for authentic reflection.

His approach combines several key elements:

• Assessment and Reflection: Each session begins with a guided exploration of what brought the couple to this point, recurring conflicts, emotional distance, or external stressors.
• Individual Conversations: Dr. Harel meets privately with each partner to understand their motivations, doubts, and emotional needs without interruption or judgment.
• Joint Discussions: Partners then come together to share insights from their individual reflections, guided by structured prompts that promote listening and empathy.
• Emotional Awareness and Regulation: Techniques from mindfulness and CBT are used to help partners express emotions constructively rather than react defensively.
• Clarifying Decision Pathways: Toward the end of the process, couples discuss what each possible path, reconciliation or separation, would look like in practical and emotional terms.

For example, if one partner feels uncertain about continuing the relationship while the other is eager to rebuild, Dr. Harel uses a blend of reflective questioning and communication exercises to help them explore what fuels their ambivalence or hope. Through this, both partners gain a realistic understanding of what change would require and whether they are willing to commit to that effort.

Dr. Harel’s structured yet empathetic approach allows couples to slow down, communicate openly, and reach a thoughtful decision rather than reacting out of frustration or fear. His focus is always on clarity, emotional safety, and long-term well-being, for both individuals and the relationship.

Therapies Used in Couples Work

Dr. Harel combines several therapeutic approaches to guide couples toward clarity and balance:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps partners identify unhelpful thought patterns that lead to recurring arguments or misunderstandings. CBT techniques assist couples in reframing negative assumptions and developing more constructive communication habits.

Depression Therapy

Addresses the emotional strain that relationship conflict can create. Depression therapy helps individuals manage low moods, resentment, and hopelessness that often accompany prolonged uncertainty in a relationship.

EMDR Therapy

Useful for processing unresolved trauma or past emotional wounds that influence current relationships. EMDR allows individuals to release stored emotional pain and respond to their partners with greater calm and presence.

Common Relationship Challenges Addressed in Discernment Counseling

Dr. Harel supports couples through a wide range of emotional and relational challenges, including:

• Emotional Disconnection: When partners feel distant or misunderstood, discernment counseling helps uncover what caused the emotional gap.
• Communication Breakdown: Sessions focus on reducing defensiveness, improving listening, and restoring openness.
• Infidelity and Betrayal: For couples recovering from broken trust, Dr. Harel provides space to process emotions and evaluate whether healing is possible.
• Repeated Conflicts: Identifying recurring arguments helps partners see the deeper patterns driving them.
• Uncertainty About Divorce or Separation: Counseling helps couples make decisions with clarity and respect rather than impulsive reactions.

Each of these challenges is approached with sensitivity, understanding, and clear therapeutic structure.

What Sets Dr. Harel Apart from Other Therapists in Los Angeles

• 15+ years of experience working with individuals and couples
• Deep understanding of relational dynamics and emotional communication
• Proven track record of helping couples gain clarity during critical life transitions
• Calm, structured, and non-judgmental therapeutic environment
• Virtual and in-person sessions available for convenience and privacy

Dr. Harel also integrates his ARM Method (Awareness, Release, Mastery) to help clients gain insight, let go of emotional baggage, and build lasting relationship skills. This approach offers clarity, emotional relief, and practical tools that extend beyond therapy sessions.

Hear from Couples Who Have Worked with Dr. Harel

“Dr. Harel helped us communicate again when we were on the edge of separation. We found clarity and compassion in ways we didn’t expect.”

“We came into counseling unsure of whether to continue our marriage. Dr. Harel guided us patiently and helped us make the best decision for both of us.”

“I appreciated how balanced and respectful every session felt. There was no pressure—just understanding.”

“His approach helped us rediscover mutual respect. Even if we chose different paths, the process felt healing.”

“Dr. Harel gave us tools to have honest conversations for the first time in years.”

Frequently Asked Questions About Discernment Counseling

Q. How is discernment counseling different from couples therapy?

Discernment counseling helps couples decide whether they want to repair or end the relationship. It focuses on clarity rather than immediate solutions.

Q. Do both partners need to attend?

A. Yes. Both partners participate, though the focus alternates between individual reflection and joint discussion.

Q. How many sessions are typically needed?

A. Discernment counseling is usually brief, lasting between one to five sessions, depending on the couple’s situation.

Q. What happens after counseling ends?

A. If both partners choose to work on the relationship, therapy naturally transitions into couples counseling. If not, Dr. Harel supports each partner in preparing for a respectful and healthy separation.

 

Take the First Step Toward Clarity

Uncertainty can be one of the most painful places to be in a relationship. Discernment counseling with Dr. Harel offers a structured path to clarity, understanding, and peace of mind.
Whether you decide to rebuild or move forward separately, this process helps you make that choice with awareness and respect.

Schedule your free consultation today to begin your journey toward clarity and confidence.

📞 Phone: (310) 713-6093
📧 Email: Dr.Harel@westhollywoodcouples.com
📍 Location: 822 S Robertson Blvd #303, Los Angeles, CA 90035