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)
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.
- Consider whether Couples Counselling is the best course of action: 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.
- Make sure you are both 100% invested in your relationship. See Gottman Commitment Quiz. For counselling to work, both parties have to be able to commit to standard relationship rules.
- 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.
- What do you want to achieve?: Discuss shared goals for therapy with your partner: Make a list.
- Research: Search for a couples counsellor that would suit you both: Here's how to make sure you find the right fit: Do you want a Christian therapist? What type of therapy are you looking for? The most common types are Gottman Method, Emotionally Focused and Narrative Therapy.
- 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.
- Read therapist biographies, testimonials and watch 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.
- Rapid Results: Do you want to book in weekly or have an intensive marathon session like a retreat? How fast do you want to make progress?
- 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.
- What have you tried before with a therapist? Make a list of methods you have tried before in couples counselling. What has worked and what hasn't? What was therapy for?
- What have you tried before at home? Make a list of things you have tried personally for conflict resolution and negotiating etc. 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. Please understand that professional therapists DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN IN CLINIC SESSIONS for the reasons of disruption to the therapeutic process. Please organise a baby-sitter well in advance. 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. Many clients do this to get the most out of sessions.
- 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. Uncertainty makes 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 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. 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. However, most clients find great benefits within a few sessions.
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...
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...
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/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
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