Anyone who's been married awhile tends to describe marriage as something they "work on." But what do you do when it feels like one partner is working a little more than the other? Or both feel like it's not even worth the effort anymore? Couples' therapy can be very effective for couples who go for the right reasons. A few of the biggies on the list of reasons why couples attend therapy are sex, money and above all, communication. Any significant change in these factors may indicate that therapy is warranted. Not feeling like much is changing at all? If things have become stagnant in your relationship and neither of you is sure why, then perhaps a therapist can get to the bottom of the problem. If both of you know there's a problem – and what it is – but can't seem to discuss it without arguing or resolving the issue, then counseling could help you iron things out once and for all.
When a traumatic event has happened in your lives or relationship – illness, the death of a child or other loved one, job loss, infidelity, etc. – then it's a smart idea simply to "check in" with a therapist to gain the tools you need to ensure that your relationship can weather the storm. Differing parenting styles can put a real strain on all aspects of a marriage, so if this is the case, then the two of you should see if you can come to some common ground. The worst thing you could do is take out your frustrations on your child. And finally, even if you're committed to ending the marriage but still love your spouse, try therapy. If for nothing but to save you both grief in the divorce process, a therapist can teach the two of you to get along and remind you what brought you together in the first place.