Trying to enjoy life when you are in a really bad marriage can be difficult, and at some point you may wonder if you should pursue a divorce. Before you do this, it might be wise for you to visit a counselor for help. Counselors are helpful for many reasons, and visiting a counselor can help you determine whether you should stay in the marriage or consider getting divorced. Here are three ways a counselor can help you make this decision.

Talk to you about your problems

While talking to a counselor about your problems may not solve them, it could help you feel better about them and about yourself. Talk therapy is sometimes all it takes for a person to find relief from the stress and anxiety they feel from a bad relationship. The counselor may simply ask you questions about how you feel, or he or she might just let you talk and get everything out of your mind. Talking has a way of releasing built-up stress, and this may be all you need to feel better.

Discuss the options you have

A second way counseling can help is by discussing each of your options with you. The counselor is not likely to tell you what to do, but he or she will let you know what your options are. If you are in an abusive relationship, the counselor is likely to recommend leaving and trying to encourage your spouse to get help.

If you are not in an abusive relationship and do not want to get divorced, the counselor may teach strategies to you that may help improve the situation in your marriage. If you can convince your spouse to attend counseling with you, it may save your marriage.

Talk about the consequences of each

It's also important to fully understand what the consequences are of staying in the marriage or getting divorced. You probably fully understand the consequences you will face if you stay, but do you realize how different your life will be if you choose to go through with a divorce?

After a divorce, you will be solely responsible for providing for yourself, and you may also have to provide for your children. This is often the biggest challenge for people who get divorced, but if this is not a concern for you, going through with a divorce or a separation might be the best option.

Before you decide what to do with your marriage, you should seek counseling services. To learn more, schedule a visit with a counselor today.