@Jeruba – Marriage counselors do play that role, at times. They do help the clients try to figure out what is the best option. Is it better to stay married or, for both parties, is it better to divorce. Going through marriage counseling (first marriage) the therapist did get to a point where he laid it all out for us and it was very clear that we were so far apart on where we were, and where we were going, that we really didn’t have a future. Now, had I actually listened to the man, things would have been a lot easier!
I’m trying to figure out why your personal life is being discussed – I guess I see the question coming up, but still – you can set those boundaries that leave your personal life, off limits.
On one hand, it could hurt you. You’ll run into those that won’t want to see you because to them, you gave up. I don’t buy the “giving up” part, though. It takes a lot to really make that final decision. On the other hand, you understand what it feels like, the true impact of the action. Not just what you learned, now you see how painful it really can be. That alone can make you more accessible to your patients. They may feel closer to you.
It’s just going to depend on your clients and how you handle it. I don’t think there is a perfect answer.