Package Six: Intensive Half Marathon Retreat - Gold Coast (6.5 Hours)
★★★★★ 5 Star Google Review: Marriage Counselling: Couples 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 program, it has saved our marriage. - Nicole Eggleton (Coomera).
What is a Half Marathon with Couples Counselling?
A couple’s therapy half marathon on the Gold Coast, Australia is one way to create a valuable opportunity to reflect on your relationship and unpack the issues. So, what exactly is a retreat? And how can it help your relationship?
At Ghita Therapy there a four types of retreat/ marathon: Our couples' retreats are specifically for committed people who want to form a deeper connection with each other and/ or to repair.
Couples marathons offer a different container from weekly sessions: In a workshop environment, they allow you to stay with the process and momentum long enough for clarity and for noticeable change to occur. Couples can focus on specific problems and be safely vulnerable with each other - fully supported by a structured format and an experienced relationship counsellor. Often, what might take months of weekly therapy can unfold over one focused day.
Clients are always telling Ghita that they make headway in a much shorter time than in the couples therapy they have tried before.
Rapid Relationship Reset
Based on the 2 Day Marathon, this one day condensed marathon (6.5 hours) is great starting point for couples who want or need change urgently. We are talking about couples who are on the brink of separating but haven't yet done so. (We recommend the two day retreat for already separated couples.) This is an essential intervention if you’re recovering from an affair or if one of you has announced that you are thinking of leaving the relationship.
When: 6.5 hour workshop normally on Saturdays.
Where: Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast.
Availability: As available: Saturdays can be booked directly online, however other days can be requested.
Who is it for? Couples that have their own accommodation and want an intensive workshop for a few major issues - such as communication skills, infidelity, overcoming a life change, family grief, considering separation, etc.
✅ Cost Effective
The feedback we get from participants is that many marriages/ de facto relationships have been saved and the skills learned get used almost every day. Which means that retreats are worth it and probably the most affordable Couples Counselling Retreats on the Gold Coast.
A couple’s therapy half marathon on the Gold Coast, Australia is one way to create a valuable opportunity to reflect on your relationship and unpack the issues. So, what exactly is a retreat? And how can it help your relationship?
At Ghita Therapy there a four types of retreat/ marathon: Our couples' retreats are specifically for committed people who want to form a deeper connection with each other and/ or to repair.
Couples marathons offer a different container from weekly sessions: In a workshop environment, they allow you to stay with the process and momentum long enough for clarity and for noticeable change to occur. Couples can focus on specific problems and be safely vulnerable with each other - fully supported by a structured format and an experienced relationship counsellor. Often, what might take months of weekly therapy can unfold over one focused day.
Clients are always telling Ghita that they make headway in a much shorter time than in the couples therapy they have tried before.
Rapid Relationship Reset
Based on the 2 Day Marathon, this one day condensed marathon (6.5 hours) is great starting point for couples who want or need change urgently. We are talking about couples who are on the brink of separating but haven't yet done so. (We recommend the two day retreat for already separated couples.) This is an essential intervention if you’re recovering from an affair or if one of you has announced that you are thinking of leaving the relationship.
When: 6.5 hour workshop normally on Saturdays.
Where: Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast.
Availability: As available: Saturdays can be booked directly online, however other days can be requested.
Who is it for? Couples that have their own accommodation and want an intensive workshop for a few major issues - such as communication skills, infidelity, overcoming a life change, family grief, considering separation, etc.
✅ Cost Effective
The feedback we get from participants is that many marriages/ de facto relationships have been saved and the skills learned get used almost every day. Which means that retreats are worth it and probably the most affordable Couples Counselling Retreats on the Gold Coast.
Currumbin Beach, Gold Coast South
Complimentary Take Home Couples Workbook
An Intensive Workshop
Designed for couples who have their own accommodation or who live within driving distance, this one day condensed retreat has been a life saver for many couples who were on the brink of separation, but wanted to save their families for the sake of their children. Clients have come from Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand to benefit from Ghita's invaluable and sustainable methods for couples repair.
We Turn the Work Into a Plan You Take Home
To consolidate your workshop, Ghita will collate the exercises and print-out sheets for you to take home in your personalised folder. The 'Couples' Relationship Toolbox' is a real RELATIONSHIP BLUEPRINT for you both to practice what you have learned and a plan for how you will handle things when difficult patterns show up again.
The Key Benefits of a Half Marathon Retreat:
✅ A Deeper Dive:
The average time couples spend in couples counselling is 4-12 hours. However, it is known that more is achieved in an a weekend retreat, than in one hour sessions.With an intensive workshop there is a Deeper Dive into the key relationship issues the couple experiences.
✅ Goal Orientated Outcomes: WHAT YOU WILL LEARN...
✔️ Unpack the issues: Step by step diagnosis of your baggage.
✔️ Individual session stories: What baggage are you bringing into the marriage mix? And how do you see your partner's behaviours? Are there any counter-productive attachment styles?
✔️ What language are you using? What have you learned from your parents? (Fighting styles: Good and bad).
✔️ Authenticity training: Learning to be honest with each other
✔️ How to fight fair and communicate effectively
✔️ How to listen (Active Listening techniques)
✔️ Understand each others motivations (Love Maps)
✔️ Reduce Distress and Improve Intimacy
✔️ Create Safe Spaces
✅ Fast-Tracked: Ideal For Busy Couples
Are you struggling with communication? Do you feel lonely, sad or frustrated in your relationship? A popular way of working through issues, a full day retreat on a weekend is a good opportunity for busy professionals and parents to attend a retreat to enhance their skills and to learn more about what motivates their partners.
✅ Privacy: One Therapist per Couple
Unlike some retreats, which have multiple couples, Ghita's intensive workshops are focused on only you, so her energy is not split. An intensive retreat is a workshop for couples who are serious about doing exercises and making major improvements to their relationship, and not just adding some therapy to a spa weekend.
✅ 50 Years of Relationship Research
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. The methods included in this retreat to create your personalised 'Marriage Toolkit' are selected from the best of the best methods from around the world. From Andersen, Gottman, Rogers, Perel and Family Dispute Mediation, you can be sure these are tried and true methods...
“Marathon sessions get so much momentum. Couples are so focussed on their relationship that they really move through interventions and process attachment injuries much quicker” – Julie Gottman
What Kind of Problems Can be Solved in a Weekend Marriage Retreat?
What Cannot be Solved in a Couples' Retreat?
Designed for couples who have their own accommodation or who live within driving distance, this one day condensed retreat has been a life saver for many couples who were on the brink of separation, but wanted to save their families for the sake of their children. Clients have come from Perth, Adelaide and New Zealand to benefit from Ghita's invaluable and sustainable methods for couples repair.
We Turn the Work Into a Plan You Take Home
To consolidate your workshop, Ghita will collate the exercises and print-out sheets for you to take home in your personalised folder. The 'Couples' Relationship Toolbox' is a real RELATIONSHIP BLUEPRINT for you both to practice what you have learned and a plan for how you will handle things when difficult patterns show up again.
The Key Benefits of a Half Marathon Retreat:
✅ A Deeper Dive:
The average time couples spend in couples counselling is 4-12 hours. However, it is known that more is achieved in an a weekend retreat, than in one hour sessions.With an intensive workshop there is a Deeper Dive into the key relationship issues the couple experiences.
✅ Goal Orientated Outcomes: WHAT YOU WILL LEARN...
✔️ Unpack the issues: Step by step diagnosis of your baggage.
✔️ Individual session stories: What baggage are you bringing into the marriage mix? And how do you see your partner's behaviours? Are there any counter-productive attachment styles?
✔️ What language are you using? What have you learned from your parents? (Fighting styles: Good and bad).
✔️ Authenticity training: Learning to be honest with each other
✔️ How to fight fair and communicate effectively
✔️ How to listen (Active Listening techniques)
✔️ Understand each others motivations (Love Maps)
✔️ Reduce Distress and Improve Intimacy
✔️ Create Safe Spaces
✅ Fast-Tracked: Ideal For Busy Couples
Are you struggling with communication? Do you feel lonely, sad or frustrated in your relationship? A popular way of working through issues, a full day retreat on a weekend is a good opportunity for busy professionals and parents to attend a retreat to enhance their skills and to learn more about what motivates their partners.
- Fantastic progress in a short time: Learn skills fast and well
- More time to work on issues for a fast-tracked resolution
- Easier to fit into your busy lifestyle
✅ Privacy: One Therapist per Couple
Unlike some retreats, which have multiple couples, Ghita's intensive workshops are focused on only you, so her energy is not split. An intensive retreat is a workshop for couples who are serious about doing exercises and making major improvements to their relationship, and not just adding some therapy to a spa weekend.
✅ 50 Years of Relationship Research
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. The methods included in this retreat to create your personalised 'Marriage Toolkit' are selected from the best of the best methods from around the world. From Andersen, Gottman, Rogers, Perel and Family Dispute Mediation, you can be sure these are tried and true methods...
- The Couples Relationship Toolbox (Australia): Codewords for Couples, Vent or Fix, Gender Pyramids, The Marriage Jar (1 & 2), Metaphors: Marriage as a Plant, Toddler Talk, Negotiating Marital Agreements and Pre-Marital Contracts, Eye Gazing Exercise, Reframing your Internal Language.
- Gottman Love Lab Concepts - 50 Years of marriage research: The Four Horsemen, Leaning Towards, Love Maps.
- Carl Rogers - Active / Reflective Listening (USA) - How to Complain Constructively, How to be Heard/ Listen Actively. This is one of the most effective communication techniques ever taught to couples
- Family Dispute Resolution (Australia, UK & NZ) De-escalating Conflict and Stating Your Needs, Objective Rather Than Subjective (Removing Emotions)
- Esther Perel Concepts (Belgium) - Infidelity (Why it Happens), The Gender Currencies (Anthropology): What sets off the Nervous System?, The Wiring and Motivations of Men and Women
- 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman, USA) - You and Your Partner's Love Language
- Renegotiating Marriage Contracts: Agreements about roles, responsibilities, household chores, finances, etc.
- NLP Language Reframing (USA); Words which cause conflict, Situational rather than Personal, Core Wounds (baggage), Reframing Mindset. Schemas and Mental Filters. The Language Influence: How to Talk to Your Spouse and How to Stop Treating Your Partner Like the Enemy
- And more...
“Marathon sessions get so much momentum. Couples are so focussed on their relationship that they really move through interventions and process attachment injuries much quicker” – Julie Gottman
What Kind of Problems Can be Solved in a Weekend Marriage Retreat?
- One party or both are contemplating a Separation/ Divorce: Long term distress, resentment and lack of attachment.
- Post-Affair Repair: Delving into impact of the affair. Steps to rebuild trust, to forgive and to move forwards.
- Problems with Communication and Understanding Each Other: A framework for true honesty, vulnerability. Reestablishing a framework of communication
- Problems with Emotional and Physical Intimacy: Emotional distancing, attraction suffers, a cycle of disconnection. Tools for intimacy and trust.
- Living Like Flatmates/ Empty Nest Syndrome: Taking each other for granted, neglecting each other's emotional needs for periods. Reestablishing the link.
- Mid-Life Crisis of one partner: Certain milestones in career, retirement, life changes etc. can make a person question everything. Coping skills.
- Pre-Marriage Contracts - Negotiating the deals and addressing issues before the problems even begin.
What Cannot be Solved in a Couples' Retreat?
- Abuse/ Toxicity: The core of this work is about establishing a foundation of trust. Every kind of family violence destroys trust and makes it impossible to safely open up to one another. Ghita does not take couples with a history of domestic violence.
- Anti-Relationship Behaviours: Active compulsive behaviours involving substances, gambling, or acting single interfere with relationships - especially trust, safety and finances.
- An Active Affair: A huge part of the retreat is the commitment to each other and the relationship. This is not possible with affairs or open relationships.
- Substance Abuse/ Addictive Personality Traits/ Self-Sabotage.
✅ 93% of Gold Coast Couples Were Empowered With New Skills: Success Stories
★★★★★ 5 Star Google Review: Retreat 2026: Our session with Ghita was exactly what we needed. She was calm, direct and incredibly intuitive. She didn’t allow us to stay stuck in blame or avoidance, but also didn’t let us bypass the hard truths.
For the first time in a long while, we both felt heard in the same room. She helped us identify the real issues underneath the conflict and gave us practical direction moving forward. It was confronting at times — but in the best possible way. We left feeling hopeful and clearer about what needs to change. Highly recommend for couples who are serious about growth. - Sheree
★★★★★ Feedback Testimonial Marriage Counselling Intensive 2022
We had been to Couples Counselling before with another counsellor. I was convinced that we were separating and it was too late. 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 should have done a pre-marital agreement long ago. I can see that now. I was of the mindset to leave, but after the two hour couples intensive it turned around for us. Thank you Ghita. - J & A Tovey. (Hope Island, Gold Coast)
★★★★★ Google Review: 5 Weeks Couples Therapy Package 2024
'What a turn around!! My wife and I came to Ghita with very different communication skills. We were feeling EXTREMELY defeated in our marriage and were desperately seeking direction. After just 5 sessions our communication skills are in a place we didn’t know were possible.
It’s been about a month since our sessions and our marriage is still becoming stronger and stronger every day. Ghita is an amazing human. She is smart, professional and extremely passionate about her work. 10 out of 10 recommend!' - Jason Eichenburger (Northern Rivers)
Point of Difference
One of the highest rated Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita Andersen's relationship counselling style encourages a practical, light-hearted environment. And importantly, from her conflict resolution training and practice she uses a white board, so that you can easily identify patterns and cycles. (Sometimes people need a diagram for where they are going wrong.)
Clients are always telling Ghita that they make headway in a much shorter time than in the couples therapy they have tried before.
✔️ Over a decade of experience
✔️ Ghita is a certified Family Dispute Resolution Mediator (FDRP)
✔️ Excellent Reviews and Testimonials | Ghita's Bio
If you have any questions for Ghita before committing to a package, or you want to lock in certain days - other than weekends, please feel to have a chat with Ghita or text her for a call-back on 0439 888 070.
Select Package Six on the booking portal. If booking via phone you can pay via credit card, paypal or bank transfer.
*Spots are limited
One of the highest rated Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita Andersen's relationship counselling style encourages a practical, light-hearted environment. And importantly, from her conflict resolution training and practice she uses a white board, so that you can easily identify patterns and cycles. (Sometimes people need a diagram for where they are going wrong.)
Clients are always telling Ghita that they make headway in a much shorter time than in the couples therapy they have tried before.
✔️ Over a decade of experience
✔️ Ghita is a certified Family Dispute Resolution Mediator (FDRP)
✔️ Excellent Reviews and Testimonials | Ghita's Bio
If you have any questions for Ghita before committing to a package, or you want to lock in certain days - other than weekends, please feel to have a chat with Ghita or text her for a call-back on 0439 888 070.
Select Package Six on the booking portal. If booking via phone you can pay via credit card, paypal or bank transfer.
*Spots are limited
Package Six: Intensive Half Marathon Retreat (Couples in Crisis - 6.5 Hours): $1500
Tip: Check our monthly Promo Codes for savings.
Days: Saturdays are very popular because clients can book them on the booking portal. However, have a chat with Ghita if you would like to arrange a different day so that she can open up the diary for you.
Location: Set with beautiful views of Currumbin Creek/ Estuary, our Currumbin location offers a cosy, comfortable lounge setting with relaxing herbal teas and espresso coffee. Parking is available on the street, and there is easy access to the local cafes: The Boatshed, The Tarte Beach House, Throwers Fish and Chips, Apperitivo and The Pines - during the breaks.
*This retreat is one counsellor per couple and not group therapy
*Therapy only. Retreat does not include accommodation or meals.
Locations and Accommodation Nearby: (Walking distance)
The Rocks Resort and Sanctuary Beach Resort
*We recommend that you book into accommodation the day before and do not travel on the same day as most couples find that they are tired afterwards or want to relax.
Day's Schedule:
Please note that this is an intense marriage workshop with exercises.
The Individual Sessions for Background Info:
Includes Workbook Folder to Take Home
*Intake Forms must be completed as soon as possible
Follow Up:
Your workshop will be followed up with an email after a few weeks to see how you are travelling and whether you need further appointments.
Tip: Check our monthly Promo Codes for savings.
Days: Saturdays are very popular because clients can book them on the booking portal. However, have a chat with Ghita if you would like to arrange a different day so that she can open up the diary for you.
Location: Set with beautiful views of Currumbin Creek/ Estuary, our Currumbin location offers a cosy, comfortable lounge setting with relaxing herbal teas and espresso coffee. Parking is available on the street, and there is easy access to the local cafes: The Boatshed, The Tarte Beach House, Throwers Fish and Chips, Apperitivo and The Pines - during the breaks.
*This retreat is one counsellor per couple and not group therapy
*Therapy only. Retreat does not include accommodation or meals.
Locations and Accommodation Nearby: (Walking distance)
The Rocks Resort and Sanctuary Beach Resort
*We recommend that you book into accommodation the day before and do not travel on the same day as most couples find that they are tired afterwards or want to relax.
Day's Schedule:
Please note that this is an intense marriage workshop with exercises.
The Individual Sessions for Background Info:
- 9 am - 10.30am: Individual Session One (One party has a creek/ beach walk, coffee or tea at a cafe)
- 10.30am - 12pm: Individual Session Two (One party has a creek/ beach walk, coffee or tea at a cafe)
- 12pm - 1pm: Couples Session: Unpacking the information from the individual sessions. Looking at the needs and vulnerabilities from both sides. Skills Toolbox: Leaning Toward (Gottman), Code Words/ Vent versus Fix (Andersen), Gender Currencies (Perel), Tone and Language (NLP), Family Genograms, etc.
- 1pm - 1.30pm: Lunch Break
- 1.30pm - 3.30pm: Two Hour Intensive Communication Workshop with the Andersen RELATIONSHIP TOOLBOX: Active Listening, I Statements, Communication Strategies, Love Maps (Gottman), etc.
Includes Workbook Folder to Take Home
*Intake Forms must be completed as soon as possible
Follow Up:
Your workshop will be followed up with an email after a few weeks to see how you are travelling and whether you need further appointments.
Terms and Conditions of Package Six:
Have a chat to Ghita before booking if you have any questions.
Please read our terms and conditions below before purchasing. By booking this special, you agree to our terms.
Have a chat to Ghita before booking if you have any questions.
Please read our terms and conditions below before purchasing. By booking this special, you agree to our terms.
- Online bookings: Clients book the first day and Ghita books the following day (not on the diary)
- Full deposit is required upon booking this package (Full payment is required to confirm your date).
- Ghita does not accept couples with a history of family violence - including chronic verbal abuse, violence, intimidation, sexual abuse or financial control
- CANCELLATIONS: By booking this package you agree to our cancellation policy: NO REFUNDS WITH LESS THAN 14 DAYS NOTICE: Client Break-ups, Separations, Illness, Babysitting issues and travel problems are not valid excuses for short notice cancellations. We can offer video sessions, however we cannot fill a full diary day at short notice.
- If postponed (with 14 days notice) and credit retained the package is valid for 3 months from purchase date. The package will expire after this time.
- There is no guarantee that your Health Fund will rebate couples counselling. We do not have affiliations with any particular health fund as there are so many. Please check with your provider.
- If for any reason you cannot attend in person, you will be offered an online video session.
- Note: Private home venue: Accommodation and meals are not included. Teas and coffees however are included.
- Note: This type of retreat/ workshop can be used more than once to tackle different issues.
- Agreeing to our terms when booking and then later saying that you did not read them is no excuse
- Disclaimer
Beautiful Currumbin Beach, Queensland. A great spot for a Couples Retreat.
Currumbin Beach and Creek
Copyright 2026 Ghita Andersen. All Rights Reserved. Photos by Ghita Andersen & Maarlen Noordanus.
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