When couples choose Path 3, it means they are commiting to a minimum of six months of all-in couples therapy with divorce off the table for that time. In preparation for that therapy, spouses each complete a Personal Agenda for Change (read about it here) and they jointly read and sign The Agreement to Pursue Reconciliation.
This agreement is read aloud and signed by both spouses in the final session of discernment counseling. It includes things like treating each other with respect in therapy, making the therapy a top priority, limiting conversations about the relationship to only those who support the effort at reconciliation, etc.
Effort is made to make sure that each spouse understand and willingly makes a commitment to follow through.
Signing of the Agreement to Pursue Reconciliation also marks a shift of focus back to the couple, more than on each spouse as individuals. Each spouse continues to focus on their individual goals for improvement, but this agreement is a joint acknowledgment of the work ahead. Where discernment counseling is very focused on individual goals, couples therapy will incorporate joint goals.