If both of you are still willing to do your own work to improve yourselves within the relationship, your relationship will get better--even if you ultimately decide to part ways.

Dear Betsy,

Is there a point in a relationship where counseling will not help keep the marriage together? I am wondering if I/we have waited too long to save the relationship before requesting an initial appointment with you?

Signed,

Treading Water

My dear waterlogged friend,

The short answer is that as long as both people are still willing to commit 100% to doing whatever they can -- short of doing things that harm or diminish themselves--to heal their relationship, it's not too late.

That doesn't mean that all relationships are repairable, but that all will improve with greater commitment, compassion, and hard work. If both of you are still willing to do your own work to improve yourselves within the relationship, your relationship will get better -- even if you ultimately decide to part ways.

Signed,

Betsy