Couples Counselling: Gold Coast
★★★★★ Testimonial Marriage Counselling: I was convinced that we were separating and it was too late. I was of the mindset to leave, but one hour turned it around for us. This session was very different. Ghita nailed our problem and made us negotiate. After many years of arguing over the same thing, she showed us how to do deals. We negotiated our personal time and even had a contingency plan for when things went wrong. We both agree this session was nothing like what we expected. Thank you Ghita. - J & A Tovey. (Hope Island)
Are you struggling with arguments that never seem to get resolved? Are you both talking, but no one is listening? Do you feel lonely, sad or frustrated in your relationship?
Saving Marriages Since 2014
One of the top Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita Andersen (B.Soc.Sci: Psych & Coun; Grad Cert FDR, Hypnosis Cert.) uses a combination of methods (Gottman to Perel) designed to help couples to honestly express their needs in a safe, light-hearted environment.
Cosy, Relaxed and Light-Hearted
Through your sessions together, you can expect a transformative experience that promotes genuine understanding, mutual trust, personal and relationship growth. Over a cup of tea in the therapy room, most clients relax and tell their story from each side: Often noting how well things started out in the beginning, and later how some negative communication habits started to form.
And Ghita will begin the work from the very first appointment, so that you can get to the heart of matters quickly and function well until your next appointment.
Making the Uncomfortable, Comfortable
A relationship counsellor for many years, Ghita often hears people say, ‘I have been asking to go to therapy for ages, but my partner is unsure.’ Importantly, she understands that Couples Therapy is very 'personal' and it does make people feel vulnerable and uncomfortable; afterall opening up about your deepest feelings to a stranger isn’t the easiest thing to do. But Ghita's relationship counselling style encourages a non-blaming environment. Relationship counselling is about healing, communicating, and creating deeper connections with the person you love. In fact, the more you know about each other the easier it is to connect in the right way.
"What I appreciated about Ghita was that she kept things light-hearted. It was daunting just attending couples therapy for me at first." - Tom (Burleigh Heads)
What Sets Ghita Apart?
Through Ghita's post-graduate training as a Family Dispute Resolution Facilitator at Bond University (Gold Coast) and a decade of experience as a Counsellor, Ghita uses the best of the best Couples Counselling methods designed by the world's best relationships scientists and therapists - based on half a century of research. This means that the approach is 'Client Focused' and based on using the best method for your particular situation: Not just one method.
93% Positive Feedback on Couples Counselling
Regardless of how long you have been married, or the nature of your marital problems, Couples Therapy can offer huge benefits to a couple - provided that both parties are committed to repairing their relationship. Importantly, with a structured Couples Counselling process and gentle coaching, you can turn things around, stop fighting, learn to listen and feel deeply connected once more. You Can Be Lovers Again! …Be Best Friends Again …Be Happy Again! And we have many happy stories of couples who have done just that on the testimonials page. Testimonials
Rebuilding Your Relationship
Like a house, relationships are built with a strong foundation, a robust framework and a sturdy, hard-wearing roof, complemented by gorgeous interior and exterior finishes. Each of these levels addresses a fundamental principle of relationship intimacy, and without one, a relationship will crumble. This is the metaphor of the Sound Relationship House (Gottman).
Although, couple's therapy is best as a preventative measure (before conflict becomes entrenched), many couples decide to come to counselling to learn to deal with conflict and bad communication.
"The best thing I can do as a therapist is to dismantle the relationship dynamic which erodes the affection and respect you have for each other: To unpack this dynamic (the what and the why) and reframe the way you think about reacting. Because unchecked, this dynamic can wreak havoc for years and lead to a mountain of hurt and resentment. " - Ghita
Common Issues for Couples Are:
Relight the Fire: How to Fall Back in Love with Your Partner
Once upon a time, your significant other was the one person you felt you could trust, depend on and ultimately be 'your' person - your one true love. Courtship can feel like the best thing you have ever experienced in your life, and is often referred to as one of the most exciting times in your life.
It’s easy to be considerate and loving to your partner when everything is going well, the sun is shining, and employment is high. But when the power bill has not been paid, you’re tired or emotional, and your partner is getting cranky and blaming you for the problems in their life, that is when you get tested. You might not like what you see, and at times you might not feel like you really know this person any more and feel like your world is so small is perhaps impossible to change. These times in your relationship can be very hard, and at times overwhelming emotionally too...
'Relationships grow stale generally because the couple avoids confronting the issues.' - Ghita
Couples grow distant as a coping mechanism. That means, then, that falling in love, or back in love, is an intentional act. And while no one half of a duo can make things perfect, you can definitely do your part to refresh your relationship when things go stale.
Reconnecting with Each Other
If you have been married for a number of years, it can be challenging to come up with new and innovative ways to reconnect. Over time, couples become settled in a rhythm and routine that may eventually become mundane and even boring. Several sessions with a marriage counsellor, such as Ghita, can help a married couple look at each other with fresh eyes.
Being Heard, Being Validated, Being Seen
Ghita can help each partner to learn to more carefully listen to what is being communicated to them, to reflect that message back to their partner and to then carefully proceed to send their own message back to their spouse. This process is called “Active Listening” (Carl Rogers) and is one of the most effective communication techniques ever taught to couples.
Very often, Ghita will give weekly assignments to be completed between sessions to aid the process towards restored intimacy and reconnection. These assignments can be as simple as having a date night instead of eating at home every evening, or as intimate as asking a couple to restore their physical touch and to spice up their love life. With a new vision of each other and increased feelings of intimacy and emotional commitment, a couple may feel more reconnected to each other and encourage them to recommit to their marriage. See Our Five Week Package
Progressive Research: The Best of the Best in Couples therapy
Marriage or Couples Counselling is a process based on decades of research, that has been proven, time and again, to have been a lifesaver for many relationships. Renowned for being one of the top Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita has combined a selection of the best approaches to help couples to successfully manage conflict, deepen friendship, intimacy and emotional connection and create a rich sense of shared meaning together.
A Toolkit From the World's Best Marriage Counselling Methods Combined. These include:
Saving Marriages Since 2014
One of the top Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita Andersen (B.Soc.Sci: Psych & Coun; Grad Cert FDR, Hypnosis Cert.) uses a combination of methods (Gottman to Perel) designed to help couples to honestly express their needs in a safe, light-hearted environment.
Cosy, Relaxed and Light-Hearted
Through your sessions together, you can expect a transformative experience that promotes genuine understanding, mutual trust, personal and relationship growth. Over a cup of tea in the therapy room, most clients relax and tell their story from each side: Often noting how well things started out in the beginning, and later how some negative communication habits started to form.
And Ghita will begin the work from the very first appointment, so that you can get to the heart of matters quickly and function well until your next appointment.
Making the Uncomfortable, Comfortable
A relationship counsellor for many years, Ghita often hears people say, ‘I have been asking to go to therapy for ages, but my partner is unsure.’ Importantly, she understands that Couples Therapy is very 'personal' and it does make people feel vulnerable and uncomfortable; afterall opening up about your deepest feelings to a stranger isn’t the easiest thing to do. But Ghita's relationship counselling style encourages a non-blaming environment. Relationship counselling is about healing, communicating, and creating deeper connections with the person you love. In fact, the more you know about each other the easier it is to connect in the right way.
"What I appreciated about Ghita was that she kept things light-hearted. It was daunting just attending couples therapy for me at first." - Tom (Burleigh Heads)
What Sets Ghita Apart?
Through Ghita's post-graduate training as a Family Dispute Resolution Facilitator at Bond University (Gold Coast) and a decade of experience as a Counsellor, Ghita uses the best of the best Couples Counselling methods designed by the world's best relationships scientists and therapists - based on half a century of research. This means that the approach is 'Client Focused' and based on using the best method for your particular situation: Not just one method.
93% Positive Feedback on Couples Counselling
Regardless of how long you have been married, or the nature of your marital problems, Couples Therapy can offer huge benefits to a couple - provided that both parties are committed to repairing their relationship. Importantly, with a structured Couples Counselling process and gentle coaching, you can turn things around, stop fighting, learn to listen and feel deeply connected once more. You Can Be Lovers Again! …Be Best Friends Again …Be Happy Again! And we have many happy stories of couples who have done just that on the testimonials page. Testimonials
Rebuilding Your Relationship
Like a house, relationships are built with a strong foundation, a robust framework and a sturdy, hard-wearing roof, complemented by gorgeous interior and exterior finishes. Each of these levels addresses a fundamental principle of relationship intimacy, and without one, a relationship will crumble. This is the metaphor of the Sound Relationship House (Gottman).
Although, couple's therapy is best as a preventative measure (before conflict becomes entrenched), many couples decide to come to counselling to learn to deal with conflict and bad communication.
"The best thing I can do as a therapist is to dismantle the relationship dynamic which erodes the affection and respect you have for each other: To unpack this dynamic (the what and the why) and reframe the way you think about reacting. Because unchecked, this dynamic can wreak havoc for years and lead to a mountain of hurt and resentment. " - Ghita
Common Issues for Couples Are:
- Trust has been compromised in your relationship
- You’re not feeling heard
- You feel unacknowledged or under-appreciated
- You or your partner have become distant or withdrawn, anxious or clingy
- You are trying to repair things after an affair
- You or your partner have lost interest in sex
- The roles you have taken on (spouse, parent, bread winner) are not what you expected
- You’ve lost a sense of identity in the relationship
- Anger or stonewalling have become the predominate way you or your partner communicate
- There is a lot of blame and a lack of responsibility
Relight the Fire: How to Fall Back in Love with Your Partner
Once upon a time, your significant other was the one person you felt you could trust, depend on and ultimately be 'your' person - your one true love. Courtship can feel like the best thing you have ever experienced in your life, and is often referred to as one of the most exciting times in your life.
It’s easy to be considerate and loving to your partner when everything is going well, the sun is shining, and employment is high. But when the power bill has not been paid, you’re tired or emotional, and your partner is getting cranky and blaming you for the problems in their life, that is when you get tested. You might not like what you see, and at times you might not feel like you really know this person any more and feel like your world is so small is perhaps impossible to change. These times in your relationship can be very hard, and at times overwhelming emotionally too...
'Relationships grow stale generally because the couple avoids confronting the issues.' - Ghita
Couples grow distant as a coping mechanism. That means, then, that falling in love, or back in love, is an intentional act. And while no one half of a duo can make things perfect, you can definitely do your part to refresh your relationship when things go stale.
Reconnecting with Each Other
If you have been married for a number of years, it can be challenging to come up with new and innovative ways to reconnect. Over time, couples become settled in a rhythm and routine that may eventually become mundane and even boring. Several sessions with a marriage counsellor, such as Ghita, can help a married couple look at each other with fresh eyes.
Being Heard, Being Validated, Being Seen
Ghita can help each partner to learn to more carefully listen to what is being communicated to them, to reflect that message back to their partner and to then carefully proceed to send their own message back to their spouse. This process is called “Active Listening” (Carl Rogers) and is one of the most effective communication techniques ever taught to couples.
Very often, Ghita will give weekly assignments to be completed between sessions to aid the process towards restored intimacy and reconnection. These assignments can be as simple as having a date night instead of eating at home every evening, or as intimate as asking a couple to restore their physical touch and to spice up their love life. With a new vision of each other and increased feelings of intimacy and emotional commitment, a couple may feel more reconnected to each other and encourage them to recommit to their marriage. See Our Five Week Package
Progressive Research: The Best of the Best in Couples therapy
Marriage or Couples Counselling is a process based on decades of research, that has been proven, time and again, to have been a lifesaver for many relationships. Renowned for being one of the top Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita has combined a selection of the best approaches to help couples to successfully manage conflict, deepen friendship, intimacy and emotional connection and create a rich sense of shared meaning together.
A Toolkit From the World's Best Marriage Counselling Methods Combined. These include:
- Gottman Marriage Therapy (John and Julie Gottman, USA) - The Sound Relationship House/ 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse. Gottman Method 3 Step Gottman Package
- Carl Rogers - Active / Reflective Listening (USA) - How to Complain Constructively, How to be Heard/ Listen Actively
- Family Dispute Resolution (Australia, UK & NZ) De-escalating Conflict and Stating Your Needs, Objective Rather Than Subjective (Removing Emotions)
- Experiential Family Therapy (Virginia Satir) Feeling Seen. Heard, Touched and Important
- Esther Perel Methods (Belgium) - Infidelity (Why it Happens), The Gender Currencies, Motivations of Men and Women. Understanding infidelity
- Developmental Model of Couples Therapy (USA) - Ellyn Bader: Bonding, Differentiation, Practicing, Rapproachement, Synergy: “He/She is telling me about their experience of me. They aren’t talking ABOUT ME.”
- Sue Johnson: Emotional Focused Couples Therapy: The Demon Dialogues: The three determinators of divorce: Find the Bad Guy (Mutual attack), Protest Polka (Demand and Withdraw) and Freeze or Flee (Tension and Avoidance).
- 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman, USA) You and Your Partner's Love Languages: The 5: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Physical Touch.
- Narrative Therapy (Michael White and David Epston, NZ) - Externalising Problems to be Problems to be Worked on. Narrative Therapy
- Ghita Andersen: Heart versus Ego Method (Australia) - Negotiating Marital Agreements and Pre-Marital Contracts, The Relationship Triangle Concept, Codewords for Couples, Eye Gazing Exercise, Acting from Heart Not Ego: Benefit of Doubt, Arguing with Your Monkey Chatter. Heart Versus Ego Pre-Marriage Preparation Course
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming (Richard Bandler, John Grinder, USA) - The Language Influence: How to Talk to Your Spouse, How to Reframe.
Success Stories:
★★★★★ Testimonial: 5 Week Marriage Counselling Package 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)
★★★★★ 5 Star Google Review: Marriage Counselling: 3 Step Package 2023:
Ghita provided real strategies that can be implemented to prevent conflict and more empathy within our relationships. We were able to be truthful and honest within ourselves from better self reflection and then she gave us the tools to be able to communicate our needs effectively. We both learnt how to actively listen to one another and remember the other person's needs are different. Ghita was absolutely warm and welcoming, would definitely recommend her intensive 3 step program, it has saved our marriage. - Nicole Eggleton (Coomera).
★★★★★ Testimonial: Marriage and Individual Counselling: "My psychologist recommended you as some of her clients had done couples counselling and said that you were very direct and got straight into doing the work of unpacking the issues. I thought that was just what we needed for our situation. We didn't want the type of approach that would take weeks to make any progress. Thank you so much Ghita." - Angela (Couples Counseling: Currumbin).
Couples Counselling FAQ:
Recommended Sessions:
First Session Relationship Diagnostic:
The first session is designed to diagnose what is not working in your relationship and to determine whether couples counselling would work for you or whether you are better off with individual sessions.
What Have You Tried?
Coming into couple’s counselling, it’s important to share with your therapist what strategies you have tried in the past. Tell Ghita what has worked and what hasn’t worked for you in your areas of concern. This way, you don’t repeat old mistakes and your counsellor has a better idea of your relationship dynamic.
If you have read the page 'How to Prepare for Couples Counselling' and agree to the process and methods we use, you should make progress with every session.
When Will Couples Counselling Not Work?
Couples therapy usually doesn’t work when there is:
- A history of abuse or domestic violence between partners (can include emotional, physical, financial, serious verbal or sexual abuse).
- Individual trauma from childhood creating triggers. Active or untreated mental illness or addiction with one (or both) partners. (Recommend individual therapy before couples therapy)
- Active Affair: One or both parties are engaged in infidelity and lack the motivation to give those outside relationships up for the good of the primary relationship.
- One or both parties have already made the decision to separate or divorce.
Creating Deeply Connected Relationships
Couples counselling is a process that requires an open heart and full trust in the professionalism of your therapist. Rapport is absolutely vital. Furthermore, sometimes, people are not ready to make changes until one person talks about separation. However, you have to understand that a relationship that has broken down over years does not become healed in one session. Attending counselling as issues arise and not leaving things to long; as well as trusting your therapist. Ghita will challenge you on what you bring to the relationship and sometimes this means a reality check, pure honesty and owning your part in the problems. This is to help you.
How Long does Therapy Take?
Just as seeing a chiropractor once does not necessarily fix your back problems, Couples Therapy requires commitment to repairing your issues. Most couples invest in 4-8 hours to overcome or negotiate their differences and then book in for twice annual top-ups (maintenance), or as required.
How Much is It?
On the Gold Coast you can expect to pay between $200 per hour to $450 per hour for relationship therapy. However, at Ghita Therapy our fee is $220 p.h. and we usually have some great monthly saving offers under the 'Packages' tab. Our 'Saturday Retreat' is the best value you will find.
Remarkable Relationship Repair Workshops
Because Ghita wants to get you working as a team, she will help you to understand the relationship patterns underlying your problems. Subsequently, Ghita recommends more than an hour for the first session if you can. The first hour goes really fast. Ghita understands that each couple is unique and so the guidance and coaching will be tailored to your specific challenges and circumstances. Consequently, if your relationship is repairable, you should see progress after each session.
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...
And although marriages aren't saved in one hour, you will save money on Couples Counselling because Ghita is known for her direct approach to problem solving and she will unpack the problem dynamics quickly, so that you can rewire your communication and understand each other better. She will also not sell you a long-winded package that you don't need.
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.
Get excited about your all new relationship!
- Assessment Phase: Minimum of two hours for a diagnostic and possibly individual sessions
- Treatment Phase: 5 - 10 hour long session are recommended weekly to fortnightly until the relationship is showing improvement
- Maintenance & Relapse Prevention Phase: As required. Many couples will check-in twice a year to prevent sliding back into old patterns.
First Session Relationship Diagnostic:
The first session is designed to diagnose what is not working in your relationship and to determine whether couples counselling would work for you or whether you are better off with individual sessions.
What Have You Tried?
Coming into couple’s counselling, it’s important to share with your therapist what strategies you have tried in the past. Tell Ghita what has worked and what hasn’t worked for you in your areas of concern. This way, you don’t repeat old mistakes and your counsellor has a better idea of your relationship dynamic.
If you have read the page 'How to Prepare for Couples Counselling' and agree to the process and methods we use, you should make progress with every session.
When Will Couples Counselling Not Work?
Couples therapy usually doesn’t work when there is:
- A history of abuse or domestic violence between partners (can include emotional, physical, financial, serious verbal or sexual abuse).
- Individual trauma from childhood creating triggers. Active or untreated mental illness or addiction with one (or both) partners. (Recommend individual therapy before couples therapy)
- Active Affair: One or both parties are engaged in infidelity and lack the motivation to give those outside relationships up for the good of the primary relationship.
- One or both parties have already made the decision to separate or divorce.
Creating Deeply Connected Relationships
Couples counselling is a process that requires an open heart and full trust in the professionalism of your therapist. Rapport is absolutely vital. Furthermore, sometimes, people are not ready to make changes until one person talks about separation. However, you have to understand that a relationship that has broken down over years does not become healed in one session. Attending counselling as issues arise and not leaving things to long; as well as trusting your therapist. Ghita will challenge you on what you bring to the relationship and sometimes this means a reality check, pure honesty and owning your part in the problems. This is to help you.
How Long does Therapy Take?
Just as seeing a chiropractor once does not necessarily fix your back problems, Couples Therapy requires commitment to repairing your issues. Most couples invest in 4-8 hours to overcome or negotiate their differences and then book in for twice annual top-ups (maintenance), or as required.
How Much is It?
On the Gold Coast you can expect to pay between $200 per hour to $450 per hour for relationship therapy. However, at Ghita Therapy our fee is $220 p.h. and we usually have some great monthly saving offers under the 'Packages' tab. Our 'Saturday Retreat' is the best value you will find.
Remarkable Relationship Repair Workshops
Because Ghita wants to get you working as a team, she will help you to understand the relationship patterns underlying your problems. Subsequently, Ghita recommends more than an hour for the first session if you can. The first hour goes really fast. Ghita understands that each couple is unique and so the guidance and coaching will be tailored to your specific challenges and circumstances. Consequently, if your relationship is repairable, you should see progress after each session.
- Recommended First Session: Couples Intensive: Unpackaging the Issues: 2 Hours
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...
And although marriages aren't saved in one hour, you will save money on Couples Counselling because Ghita is known for her direct approach to problem solving and she will unpack the problem dynamics quickly, so that you can rewire your communication and understand each other better. She will also not sell you a long-winded package that you don't need.
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.
Get excited about your all new relationship!
Popular Couples Packages:
- Package One: Gottman 3 Step Package $900 - Save $220
- Package Two: Pre-Marriage Contract (3 Hour Workshop): $560 - Save $100 (Pre Wedding, Engagement or Living Together Preparation Workshop).
- Package Three: Five Weeks Couples Therapy (1 Hour Weekly Sessions x 5): $900 - Save $200:
- Package Four: Couples Saturday Retreat: $900 - Save $220
- Package Five: 3 x Mini Intensive Sessions (1.5 Hours each): $850 - Save $140
*All couples packages must be booked online for the discount.
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. See page: Will Couples Counselling Help Toxic Relationships?
Sorry, No Children: Please understand that professional therapists DO NOT ALLOW CHILDREN IN SESSIONS for the reasons of disruption to the therapeutic process, damage to persons and property, public liability insurance limitations and second floor locations. If you do bring children/ babies with you your appointment may be cancelled and charged for. Please organise a baby-sitter well in advance or consider Telehealth or a Mobile Session.
Health Funds:
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.
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. Note: You can ask us for a specific type of invoice with the item listed.
Copyright 2024 Ghita Andersen. Photos by Ghita Andersen and Freepik. #couplescounsellinggoldcoast
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