20 Points to Consider Before Booking:
★★★★★ Testimonial: Package 3: Five Week Marriage Counselling 2023: 'Truthfully, I was ready to give up. Things were so bad. Since the five week program, we have nothing to fight about. The other day my husband used the code word 'Pineapple' to share something about his childhood: I stopped and listened without judgement - and I was fully present. Normally, I would half listen, avoid feelings and get defensive when he got frustrated. That would result in a whole day of ill feelings and sulking on both sides. The conflict would start with such small things. This has really changed how we see each other's triggers and motivations. We have never been so close. We don't take things so personally. We are stronger and we make time for each other.' - Suzie (Gold Coast)
"Often, couples forget that they are in Couples Counselling because it is like having a chat with a family friend in a lounge room. This rapport helps people to open up and feel safe to examine their own triggers and reactions to events." - Ghita
Here is Ghita's 20 points list to consider before booking in for couples therapy:
Hint: Check out our Packages and Promo Codes to save money!
Tip: Book in for face to face counselling for at least your first session because counsellors can't read the body language between you on a small screen. Plus, it is easier to be distracted by the home environment and children may overhear your story. Your value will be half what it is in person.
Here is Ghita's 20 points list to consider before booking in for couples therapy:
- Consider whether Couples Counselling is the best course of action: Family Violence Screening: Couples Counselling is not appropriate for abusive relationships: If there is any history of domestic violence - including chronic verbal abuse, emotional, physical, financial or sexual abuse, past or present DVO's, we ask you to book in for Individual Counselling. Couples Counselling requires calmness, commitment and cooperation. Ghita will not accept clients with a history of domestic violence. See page: Will Couples Counselling Help Toxic Relationships?
- Make sure you are both 100% invested in your relationship. See point 16. Gottman Commitment Quiz (Note: Just because someone is nervous about couples therapy does not mean that they are not invested. On the flip side, if you are playing house with someone who will never commit to you but just wants cheaper rent, you may be wasting your time.) Moreover, sometimes things cannot be fixed without a professional to diagnose where you are going wrong (Relationship strengths and weaknesses), or to point out that you are not on the same page, or that you can't change people who will not commit to standard relationship rules. Aka. Some people want to have their cake and eat it too.
- What do you want to achieve?: Discuss shared goals for therapy with your partner: Make a list. It is important to note that the average treatment timeframe for a couple in low-moderate distress is 10 -16 treatment hours.
- Research: Search for a couples counsellor that would suit you. Who is a good fit for you both? Here's how to make sure you find the right fit: Do you want a male or a female therapist? What type of therapy are you looking for?
- Read therapist Biographies, Testimonials and watch Youtube videos if they have any: A therapist’s professional statement and video can give you a helpful sense of the therapist’s demeanor, and how they speak. A therapist must be friendly, firm, unbiased and interested in getting results. Tip: The best Couples Counsellors are also Family Dispute Mediators. Psychologists are not necessarily trained in couples therapy. Ghita's Videos | Ghita's Bio | Ghita's LinkedIn | Testimonials and Reviews
- Same Sex Couples: Check to see if your counsellor normally works with same sex couples to avoid any bias
- Culture/ Religion: Do you want someone from a certain cultural background or religion?
- What are your location and scheduling requirements? (Ghita Andersen works in Currumbin). Please note that Ghita offers VIDEO sessions via Skype, Messenger and Whatsapp (Telehealth). And also Mobile Sessions in Currumbin, Palm Beach, Tugan and Elanora (*Extra charge - book via phone).
- Schedule one initial phone call with the therapist. Learn about each therapist’s approach to couples counselling and decide which appeals to both of you.
- What have your tried before? Make a list of methods you have tried before for conflict resolution and negotiating etc. What has worked and what hasn't? Make a list. Also, make a list of your relationship timeline and when things started to go wrong. This is vital information for your therapist.
- Ask friends for a referral: Have your friends successfully used a couples therapist? Who is recommended?
- Do you need a babysitter? Is it easier to schedule a Video Session or a Mobile Session? Consider the best times for your family and the time frame of getting a sitter and getting to and from the appointment. Sorry, No Children: Please understand that professional therapists DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN IN CLINIC SESSIONS for the reasons of disruption to the therapeutic process, damage to persons and property, public liability insurance limitations and second floor locations. Please organise a baby-sitter well in advance as there are no refunds for short notice cancellations. However, we can switch to a video session if you come unstuck.
- Clear your schedule for some time before and after your first appointment if you can. You may wish to keep talking about topics aired in session with your partner afterwards
- Decide how much you want to tell your friends, family and children about your decision to attend therapy. (Consider that many Couples' clients are referred by family, so maybe consider telling a family member you trust.)
- Prepare to talk about your feelings: Expect to get uncomfortable in session discussing personal matters and things you avoid talking about. In fact, most people get triggered at some point. (This is normal.) Put your hand up if you find yourself triggered in a session. You will need to recover for a few minutes and it will be helpful to your counsellor.
- Know that it’s okay to be nervous about your first session! Many couples who go to counselling together are, understandably, anxious about their first appointment. After all, you may be opening up about certain challenges and intimate issues that you and your partner have only ever spoken about to each other. In some cases, you might be sharing things you’ve never even told your partner. It’s completely normal – common, actually – to feel anxious about embarking on this new experience. Don’t worry if one (or both) of you is still hesitant on the day of your apppointment. Unknowns make many people anxious and sometimes one person may expect to feel ambushed. Don't worry. We get this all the time. We will do our best to make you feel calm and hopeful. Ghita Therapy is a home based business in Currumbin and there are teas and coffees available to make you feel comfortable and there are wonderful relaxing views of Currumbin Creek.
- Check the fees before booking. Ghita Therapy fees are $220 per hour for couples. Expect to pay between $180 and $450 in Queensland for other therapists. (Alas, Medicare does not subsidise Relationship Counselling. Note: This is a specialist field and most psychologists are not trained in couples counselling.)
- What if one of you isn’t sure about therapy to begin with? Hopefully you’re both invested in therapy, but chances are, one of you is going to be more into it than the other. (THIS IS NORMAL!) When one person wants to go more than the other, it’s very important that they let their partner know how much they appreciate their willingness to go. In fact, make it clear that it’s an opportunity for your partner to say what’s on their mind and express how they’re feeling - it’s not just a one-way street. As for drawing out the less-enthusiastic party - remember, a good counsellor is trained to do that. At a certain point, it’s on the therapist. Your goal is to get them in the door, and then we take over. If they are still worried ask them what their concerns are? Do they want to interview a few therapists personally? Do you have a question regarding our services? Try our 10 min FREE Introductory Consultation. If you’ve got any questions for Ghita before committing to a session or a package, please feel free to request a Free 10 Minute Call-Back via text or phone today on 0439 888 070. And it is okay for you both to have a phone chat with Ghita before booking, so you know what to expect.
- How can you tell if a therapist isn’t working? If one of you isn’t feeling comfortable with the direction therapy is going, don’t quit yet - talk to your therapist about it first. A lot of people think that they’re going to hurt their therapist’s feelings if they say they’re uncomfortable in the room, or upset about something the therapist said. But a good therapist should welcome that information, and not get defensive. That kind of communication can actually lead to very fruitful conversations.
- What kinds of results should you expect to see? Even the very best therapist can’t save certain relationships. And sometimes couples come to therapy not even sure that they want their relationship to be saved. All I ask of my clients is their commitment to doing the work. They don’t have to know if they want to stay in the relationship. It’s nice if they’re committed to the other person, but the most important thing is that they’re committed to working on the relationship. Then it’s a win-win. Even if the relationship ultimately doesn’t work, you’re still learning something from the process. You may even learn that there is work that you need to do on your personal growth to make relationships work. Also, be explicit about your goals. I think it’s a good idea, in the first few sessions, to figure out one or two goals that you want to work on as a couple, and then do periodic checks along the way to see where you’re at. Sometimes progress is hard to measure. It may just be that a feeling has shifted, or that there’s been a small change in behaviour. But it’s important to pay attention. Even the slightest bit of progress is progress. And remember: The last thing your therapist is going to do is judge you. They’re there to help you manage and understand your emotions in a way that can help you both move forward - together.
Hint: Check out our Packages and Promo Codes to save money!
Tip: Book in for face to face counselling for at least your first session because counsellors can't read the body language between you on a small screen. Plus, it is easier to be distracted by the home environment and children may overhear your story. Your value will be half what it is in person.
In Summary:
High fives to both of you for taking this important step towards repairing your relationship! So long as you're both committed to putting in the work, you’re off to a great start.
How Much Have You Invested in Your Relationship?
If you are considering Couples Counselling, it may be the best investment you ever make in your relationship. Please read our happy stories on our Reviews and Testimonials page...
So, before you book with anyone else, do yourself a favour and have a quick, no obligation chat with Ghita. Please feel free to text Ghita for a Free 10 Minute Call-Back on 0439 888 070.
High fives to both of you for taking this important step towards repairing your relationship! So long as you're both committed to putting in the work, you’re off to a great start.
How Much Have You Invested in Your Relationship?
If you are considering Couples Counselling, it may be the best investment you ever make in your relationship. Please read our happy stories on our Reviews and Testimonials page...
So, before you book with anyone else, do yourself a favour and have a quick, no obligation chat with Ghita. Please feel free to text Ghita for a Free 10 Minute Call-Back on 0439 888 070.
Whether your health fund rebates counselling is up to them. Your Private Health provider is the best place to seek this information, as it depends both on your exact policy type and the Health Fund themselves.
- Health Funds:
Rebates may be available for members of Medibank, Bupa, Police Health, St Luke’s, CUA Health, Phoenix Health Fund and Emergency Services. However, as things change so often please check with your provider before booking. We no longer have any particular registrations with health Funds.
Some private funds rebate Couples Counselling (Item #300) List. Therefore it is worth checking with your provider. You can ask us for a specific type of invoice.
Recommended Reading:
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/couples-preparation.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/toxic-relationships.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/first-session.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/couples-quiz.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/ebooks-for-couples.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/mobile-service.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/couples-preparation.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/toxic-relationships.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/first-session.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/couples-quiz.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/ebooks-for-couples.html
https://www.ghitaandersen.com/mobile-service.html
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