All relationships go through trying times; it's how a couple handles those times that makes the difference between staying together and splitting up. A lot of people resort to couples counseling in a bid to save a fragile relationship.

The procedure is simple. A couple attends a therapy session to discuss specific issues, with the assistance of a qualified clinician, in a bid to restore stability and a communication channel into their relationship. This could be beneficial for a couple who is experiencing repetitive arguments, detachment, pent-up anger, bitterness, and dissatisfaction.

Ideally, a couple should undertake counseling together. If, however, one partner refuses to undertake therapy, the other could undertake it alone, to sort out issues independently. There may be changes one partner can make alone that would have a positive impact on the marriage. In fact, some people prefer to undertake counseling on their own to work out their feelings before seeing the counselor as a couple.

There are several benefits of couples counseling. It gives each partner a chance to air his or her feelings. It is also an opportunity to look at the problem from a different perspective. In order to achieve optimum results, each partner must share their discoveries and encourage the other to do likewise. Only then can the counselor suggest a path of action. For many couples, the solution is obvious it just takes someone objective to pinpoint it.

However, it is a misconception that couples counseling saves a marriage. Only two people who want it to work and are compatible can save a marriage. With the aid of a therapist, they can adopt constructive communication habits, let go of pain, and get to the root of their problems. At the end of therapy, some couples prefer to go their separate ways. Thus, it is recommended to see a therapist as a way of making a difficult decision (to stay together or part ways).