It takes a lot of work to make a marriage succeed, and even more work to keep it from falling apart. Unfortunately, many couples don't realize how much effort is required until it's too late and their marriage is in shambles. If you're having trouble in your marriage, don't despair. There is hope. And that hope lies in counseling. Here are five reasons you need counseling if you are in a troubled marriage.

1. You and your spouse are constantly arguing

If you and your spouse can't seem to stop arguing, it's time to seek counseling. Constant arguing is a sign that something is wrong in the marriage, and it's not going to get better on its own. Counseling can help you and your spouse learn how to communicate better so that you can resolve your differences without resorting to yelling and name-calling.

2. Your communication has broken down

If you and your spouse used to be able to talk about anything but now find that you can't even have a conversation without it devolving into an argument, counseling can help. Counselors are trained in communication techniques that can help you and your spouse learn how to listen to each other and understand each other's points of view.

3. You're considering separation or divorce

If you're at the point where you're considering separating or getting a divorce, counseling can help you decide if that's really what you want. It can also help you work through the issues that led to the consideration in the first place. Often, couples who go through counseling decide to stay together and work on their marriage.

4. You don't feel like you're being heard

Do you feel like your opinion doesn't matter to your spouse? Do they always seem to think they're right and you're wrong? If you don't feel like you're being heard, it can lead to a feeling of disconnection and resentment. Counseling can help you learn how to express yourself so that your spouse will actually listen to what you have to say.

5. You want to prevent future problems

If you're not having any major problems in your marriage but you want to prevent them from happening in the future, counseling can help. It can help you and your spouse identify the potential problem areas in your relationship and learn how to deal with them before they become actual problems.

If you're having trouble in your marriage, don't hesitate to seek counseling. It could be the best decision you ever make for your relationship. For more info on counseling, contact a professional near you.