Despite many people looking forward to "happily ever after", this doesn't always happen. Many relationships and families aren't perfect, by any stretch of the imagination, and some have so many problems that they seem irreparable. However, contrary to what some may believe, happy marriages and peaceful families are possible. They just take a little - or, in some cases, a lot - of work.

Marriage and family counseling can help many couples and families work out their differences and difficulties. Professionals will often see the same types of problems in most of the couples and families that they work with. Some of the most common problems in many households, for example, often stem from inefficient communication or even a complete lack of communication. Many married couples also find themselves arguing over such things as finances, bad habits, schedules, intimacy, and child rearing.

In today's hectic world, it is not uncommon for couples and families to split up over even the most minor issues. In fact, some studies have shown that the divorce rate in this country is as high as it has ever been.