In, what can only be described as a: SHOCKING DEVELOPMENT...

17 year old Courtney Stodden and her 52 year old husband Doug Hutchinson are having 'MAJOR TROUBLES', and are scheduled to appear on VH1's "Couples Therapy".

The couple has acknowledged there are "obvious problems in their relationship because of their age difference and the notoriety they've gotten because of their relationship."

Courtney and Doug -- along with 4 other couples -- will receive "intense counseling" throughout the course of the show ... which began taping a few days ago.

I, for one, am STUNNED by this news....

First Kristen and Robb... now THIS!?

Oh the horror!  The Humanity!!

Source:  TMZ