Sorry NOMTW, but I was told this a long time ago by somebody that used to counsel lshem mitzvah. And I was referring to the fact that he wasn’t making progress, that it may sometimes be the case, not about the whole profession. If something isn’t working it’s better to consider all possible reasons, not throw in the towel and assume you’re hopeless. Although in his case it’s more likely a lack of willpower to make it work, so maybe I shouldn’t have opened this can of worms.
In any case, if it’s more of a hashkafah issue (as he said the will isn’t there but regret is) a rabbi might be a better fit “to make him see the light” or if necessary give him the green light to consider divorce if that’s the right approach al pi Torah.