Frequently Asked Questions
Appointment Info:
What is Availability Like?
While many psychologists have a 3 - 6 month wait list right now (due to the demand doubling during covid and causing a back-log), counsellors do not. Not many psychologist bulk bill therapy anymore. There is usually a gap fee anyway. On the plus side, at Ghita Therapy you can book online with two hours notice if there is availability. Importantly, because we work from home - rather than a clinic, we also offer after-hours and weekend appointments.
Accepting New Clients
Yes, we are accepting new clients in our Currumbin rooms. So if you are finding it hard to find a therapist with reasonable rates, that does not have long wait periods, consider us... We have concession rates for pensioners, students and seniors.
How Much Are The Fees?
It depends on the service and length of time: Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees and Payments
Bookings and Payments:
Bookings are available online 24 hours a day. And you can book as soon as 3 hours prior if appointments are available. If you would like a last minute cancellation please call us via phone or text us a message with your details. Online bookings require a deposit via credit card. If you prefer Paypal, Cash or Internet Banking please let us know.
While many psychologists have a 3 - 6 month wait list right now (due to the demand doubling during covid and causing a back-log), counsellors do not. Not many psychologist bulk bill therapy anymore. There is usually a gap fee anyway. On the plus side, at Ghita Therapy you can book online with two hours notice if there is availability. Importantly, because we work from home - rather than a clinic, we also offer after-hours and weekend appointments.
Accepting New Clients
Yes, we are accepting new clients in our Currumbin rooms. So if you are finding it hard to find a therapist with reasonable rates, that does not have long wait periods, consider us... We have concession rates for pensioners, students and seniors.
How Much Are The Fees?
It depends on the service and length of time: Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees and Payments
Bookings and Payments:
Bookings are available online 24 hours a day. And you can book as soon as 3 hours prior if appointments are available. If you would like a last minute cancellation please call us via phone or text us a message with your details. Online bookings require a deposit via credit card. If you prefer Paypal, Cash or Internet Banking please let us know.
Session Times:
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes. If unspecified, you will be booked in for one hour.
How Often Should I Book Appointments?
Most clients book in weekly until they resolve their concern.
Locations:
Ghita Andersen - Currumbin Beach: Monday - Friday: 10am - 8pm; Saturday: 10am - 2.30pm: All Services
Kathie Halse - Ormeau: By Appointment: Individual Counselling Only
Contact / Google Maps
Cancellations and Refunds:
If you need to postpone your appointment any credit paid will remain to use at a later time. If you want to cancel your appointment altogether, you can do this on the booking portal up to 24 hours prior. With 24 Hours notice you will receive a full refund minus the credit card fees which are taken out when you booked the appointment by Stripe. All clients receive a reminder sms the day before. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will forfeit the deposit. Cancellation Policy 2023
Health Funds:
All online bookings receive an automatic email invoice/ receipt so that you don't have to ask for one. 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 do not have any particular registrations with health Funds.
Many private funds rebate Couples Counselling (Item #300) List. Therefore it is worth checking with your provider.
Preparation: What Do I Bring?
How Long Does Counselling (Healing) Take in General?
Individuals: The time period for therapy depends on the complexity of an issue. An issue can be worked through in one session, or it may take several sessions. Some client's require occasional top-up sessions to stay on track, or when new issues arise. If you are trying NLP, Time Line Therapy, and other techniques, you can expect at least one session for info (story) gathering first, so that your therapist can work out the best method to use.
Couples: For couples experiencing relationship problems (not including infidelity, addiction or trauma), the average length of sessions is between 4 and 12. After multiple sessions you should see significant results, resulting in a happier, secure and more fulfilling relationship.
*Please note, medicare does not provide a rebate for couples counselling in Australia. However, some Health Funds will reimburse couples counselling.
What Do Counsellors Not Treat?
We do not take clients with severe mental health issues. For a diagnosis or treatment for a more serious mental health issue please see your local GP, Psychologist or Psychiatrist.
Is Counselling Confidential?
It is. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. However, exceptions may occur: A client may give consent to the counsellor when they attend as a couple or do additional individual counselling. Another exception to this rule is when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
Can I Book a Session For My Partner, Friend or Teenager?
Yes, however bookings made for a third party (other than couples counselling), must be made online with their details, not yours.
Can I Have My Appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and Phone sessions are available for counselling.
NLP, Time Line Therapy, Anger Management, Art Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Couples Counselling is best in person.
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes. If unspecified, you will be booked in for one hour.
How Often Should I Book Appointments?
Most clients book in weekly until they resolve their concern.
Locations:
Ghita Andersen - Currumbin Beach: Monday - Friday: 10am - 8pm; Saturday: 10am - 2.30pm: All Services
Kathie Halse - Ormeau: By Appointment: Individual Counselling Only
Contact / Google Maps
Cancellations and Refunds:
If you need to postpone your appointment any credit paid will remain to use at a later time. If you want to cancel your appointment altogether, you can do this on the booking portal up to 24 hours prior. With 24 Hours notice you will receive a full refund minus the credit card fees which are taken out when you booked the appointment by Stripe. All clients receive a reminder sms the day before. Cancellations with less than 24 hours notice will forfeit the deposit. Cancellation Policy 2023
Health Funds:
All online bookings receive an automatic email invoice/ receipt so that you don't have to ask for one. 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 do not have any particular registrations with health Funds.
Many private funds rebate Couples Counselling (Item #300) List. Therefore it is worth checking with your provider.
Preparation: What Do I Bring?
- Bring any notes you have written about the issues you wish to talk about
- Completing your Intake Form online or via paper form will save a few minutes in your session
How Long Does Counselling (Healing) Take in General?
Individuals: The time period for therapy depends on the complexity of an issue. An issue can be worked through in one session, or it may take several sessions. Some client's require occasional top-up sessions to stay on track, or when new issues arise. If you are trying NLP, Time Line Therapy, and other techniques, you can expect at least one session for info (story) gathering first, so that your therapist can work out the best method to use.
Couples: For couples experiencing relationship problems (not including infidelity, addiction or trauma), the average length of sessions is between 4 and 12. After multiple sessions you should see significant results, resulting in a happier, secure and more fulfilling relationship.
*Please note, medicare does not provide a rebate for couples counselling in Australia. However, some Health Funds will reimburse couples counselling.
What Do Counsellors Not Treat?
We do not take clients with severe mental health issues. For a diagnosis or treatment for a more serious mental health issue please see your local GP, Psychologist or Psychiatrist.
Is Counselling Confidential?
It is. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. However, exceptions may occur: A client may give consent to the counsellor when they attend as a couple or do additional individual counselling. Another exception to this rule is when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
Can I Book a Session For My Partner, Friend or Teenager?
Yes, however bookings made for a third party (other than couples counselling), must be made online with their details, not yours.
Can I Have My Appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and Phone sessions are available for counselling.
NLP, Time Line Therapy, Anger Management, Art Therapy, Hypnotherapy and Couples Counselling is best in person.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointment:
TIPS FOR NEW CLIENTS:
Messages: You will receive
All Clients:
Messages: You will receive
- An automated booking SMS and/ or Email (the day you book)
- An SMS reminder before your appointment to say we are looking forward to seeing you
All Clients:
- Printing and filling out the intake form (see the sms or email link sent to you after booking) will save 10 minutes of your session time.
- Please arrive at your scheduled time, but not early. Clients may be back to back and there is no waiting reception in these private homes
- Free parking is available on the street
- Family Violence Screening: Couples Counselling is not Appropriate for Abusive Relationships: If there is any history of domestic violence (including chronic verbal abuse or DVO's) we ask you to book in for Individual Counselling. Couples Counselling requires calmness, commitment and cooperation. See our Ebook: How to Recognise the Signs of Family Violence
- Each partner should read 'Preparing for Couples Counselling' to see if counselling is appropriate for your situation and that you both understand the process.
- Note About 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. Please secure a babysitter well in advance. If you do bring children/ babies with you your appointment may be cancelled and charged for.
- Defensiveness: If One Party Starts to Blame the Counsellor: If one person is triggered by the therapist probing into the relationship, or is upset by questions asking them to reveal their thoughts and motives (which are necessary), and turns on the therapist, the session is over. Counsellors deserve to work in a safe environment. Any intimidation, bullying, anger or put-downs aimed at the counsellor will end the session.
- Keep your emailed invoice if you have Private Health Fund. Some health funds rebate couples counselling.
- A thank you email the day after
- A 2 month hello email to check on you and see how you are travelling
- A 6 month hello email to check on you and see how you are doing and to see if you need a quick call
- An annual hello check-in care email
Available Concessions:
Does Ghita Therapy Offer NDIS Counselling?
Yes, Ghita Andersen's services in Currumbin are eligible for access by NDIS participants who either self-manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes or have a provider. NDIS providers are invoiced by arrangement with Ghita Andersen. This must be organised prior to the sessions otherwise clients are billed full rate. More about Concessions
Student Concessions: Local Primary/ Middle/ High School and University Students (and Alumni of Bond) are offered up to 10 hours (per year) at the Concession Rate with Ghita Andersen. Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking online. More about Concessions
Doctor Referral Discount:
In order to stay competitive with psychologists, Ghita Andersen offers a discount rate (Currumbin) for individual clients with GP referral letters. This is not a Mental Health Care Plan, just a letter with some information about why the client needs counselling. Hypnotherapists often ask for this also. Clients can have a maximum of 10 discounted counselling sessions after which the full rate is required. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. You can also pay the full rate if you do not want to get one. It is not compulsory to have a referral. More About Our Concessions
Why Does Medicare Not Offer Rebates for Individual Counselling?:
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Holistic Therapies such as NLP and Hypnosis are not covered under Medicare. Mental Health disorders come under the direction of psychologists and they will accept a MHCP from your GP. We do not. In order to remain competitive, Ghita Andersen offers a discount for individuals (counselling only) with GP letters of referral: Around 20% off your fee. You can expect to pay $80 per hour for up to ten sessions. Specialist services are not covered by this concession, nor are Couples Counselling sessions.
Does Medicare Rebate Relationship or Couples Counselling?:
No. Medicare does not subsidise relationship counselling in Australia, so neither do we. We do not offer discounts for GP referrals for individuals who want to attend couples therapy. If a psychologist (who accepts MHCP's) does this they are breaking government rules - may be audited by Medicare and de-registered.
Why Ghita Therapy Does Not Take Mental Health Care Plans:
Counsellors are not Medicare registered and therefore do not receive rebates.
Counsellors do not accept Mental Health Care Plans because we are Counsellors (not Psychologists) and we do not treat severe mental illness. We offer many modalities for healing rather than the Medicare approved Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Counsellors also hold to a strict Confidentiality Code and therefore we will not share your private file with anyone (unless subpoenaed) including your doctor. If you wish to have a regular correspondence between a therapist and your doctor using the MHCP - you will need to visit a 'Clinical Psychologist.
Mental Health Care Plans and Confidentiality Explained:
When you use a Mental Health Care Plan with a psychologist, or other mental health care practitioner under the mental health care plan, the practitioner is required to report your mental health information back to the referring GP where it becomes part of your public health record. That means your files are not confidential and can be accessed by police, the courts, insurance companies and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Your privacy is paramount to us. Ghita Therapy does not share client information.
What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Counsellor?
Both professionals often have the same degrees. However, a Psychologist concentrates on diagnosing and assessing mental illness and tends to support people with more severe mental health problems. They usually requires a doctor's referral for a full assessment which goes on your mental health record.
Psychotherapists and Counsellors on the other hand are experts in 'Talk Therapy' and listening. They are trained in multiple methods of Therapy and help to clarify issues, explore options and develop strategies. They don't tend to diagnose or do assessments, but they will support people with mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness. Counsellors and therapists adopt a more person-centred approach and practice modalities that psychologists do not; such as Psychotherapy, Couples Counselling, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Gestalt Therapy, Family Dispute Mediation and Hypnotherapy. These methods are not covered under medicare. Counsellors and Therapists also will not break client confidentiality, so there is no public mental health record.
To be precise, a Psychologist diagnoses, tests and treats more acute mental illness and a Psychotherapist/ Counsellor listens to understand and give strategies for life's everyday problems.
Yes, Ghita Andersen's services in Currumbin are eligible for access by NDIS participants who either self-manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes or have a provider. NDIS providers are invoiced by arrangement with Ghita Andersen. This must be organised prior to the sessions otherwise clients are billed full rate. More about Concessions
Student Concessions: Local Primary/ Middle/ High School and University Students (and Alumni of Bond) are offered up to 10 hours (per year) at the Concession Rate with Ghita Andersen. Please read our Terms and Conditions before booking online. More about Concessions
Doctor Referral Discount:
In order to stay competitive with psychologists, Ghita Andersen offers a discount rate (Currumbin) for individual clients with GP referral letters. This is not a Mental Health Care Plan, just a letter with some information about why the client needs counselling. Hypnotherapists often ask for this also. Clients can have a maximum of 10 discounted counselling sessions after which the full rate is required. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. You can also pay the full rate if you do not want to get one. It is not compulsory to have a referral. More About Our Concessions
Why Does Medicare Not Offer Rebates for Individual Counselling?:
Counselling, Psychotherapy and Holistic Therapies such as NLP and Hypnosis are not covered under Medicare. Mental Health disorders come under the direction of psychologists and they will accept a MHCP from your GP. We do not. In order to remain competitive, Ghita Andersen offers a discount for individuals (counselling only) with GP letters of referral: Around 20% off your fee. You can expect to pay $80 per hour for up to ten sessions. Specialist services are not covered by this concession, nor are Couples Counselling sessions.
Does Medicare Rebate Relationship or Couples Counselling?:
No. Medicare does not subsidise relationship counselling in Australia, so neither do we. We do not offer discounts for GP referrals for individuals who want to attend couples therapy. If a psychologist (who accepts MHCP's) does this they are breaking government rules - may be audited by Medicare and de-registered.
Why Ghita Therapy Does Not Take Mental Health Care Plans:
Counsellors are not Medicare registered and therefore do not receive rebates.
Counsellors do not accept Mental Health Care Plans because we are Counsellors (not Psychologists) and we do not treat severe mental illness. We offer many modalities for healing rather than the Medicare approved Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.
Counsellors also hold to a strict Confidentiality Code and therefore we will not share your private file with anyone (unless subpoenaed) including your doctor. If you wish to have a regular correspondence between a therapist and your doctor using the MHCP - you will need to visit a 'Clinical Psychologist.
Mental Health Care Plans and Confidentiality Explained:
When you use a Mental Health Care Plan with a psychologist, or other mental health care practitioner under the mental health care plan, the practitioner is required to report your mental health information back to the referring GP where it becomes part of your public health record. That means your files are not confidential and can be accessed by police, the courts, insurance companies and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Your privacy is paramount to us. Ghita Therapy does not share client information.
What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Counsellor?
Both professionals often have the same degrees. However, a Psychologist concentrates on diagnosing and assessing mental illness and tends to support people with more severe mental health problems. They usually requires a doctor's referral for a full assessment which goes on your mental health record.
Psychotherapists and Counsellors on the other hand are experts in 'Talk Therapy' and listening. They are trained in multiple methods of Therapy and help to clarify issues, explore options and develop strategies. They don't tend to diagnose or do assessments, but they will support people with mild to moderate symptoms of mental illness. Counsellors and therapists adopt a more person-centred approach and practice modalities that psychologists do not; such as Psychotherapy, Couples Counselling, Neuro-Linguistic Programming, Gestalt Therapy, Family Dispute Mediation and Hypnotherapy. These methods are not covered under medicare. Counsellors and Therapists also will not break client confidentiality, so there is no public mental health record.
To be precise, a Psychologist diagnoses, tests and treats more acute mental illness and a Psychotherapist/ Counsellor listens to understand and give strategies for life's everyday problems.
Invoicing (NDIS & Health Funds):
ALL BOOKINGS ONLINE RECEIVE AN INVOICE/ RECEIPT EMAILED
Do Health Funds Rebate Counselling/ Couples Counselling?
Private Health Insurance: If you have health insurance please check with your insurer whether they offer couples counselling rebates: The Private Health Insurance Item Number for Couples Therapy is 300. All online bookings receive an automatic emailed invoice or a link.
To date, AHM, Police Health Fund, BUPA, Phoenix Health, Medibank, Grand United, Saint Lukes and the Doctors Health Fund provide rebates for counselling consultations. *Please check. Each health fund has different rules. Please note that we have no particular registrations.
Do Health Funds Rebate Hypnotherapy?
Yes, some do. If your Health Fund accepts the service, you can use the invoice/ receipt we emailed you upon online booking. *Please check with you health fund before booking. We cannot guarantee that your health fund will reimburse you for hypnotherapy. Please note that we have no particular registrations.
Do Health Funds Rebate Counselling/ Couples Counselling?
Private Health Insurance: If you have health insurance please check with your insurer whether they offer couples counselling rebates: The Private Health Insurance Item Number for Couples Therapy is 300. All online bookings receive an automatic emailed invoice or a link.
To date, AHM, Police Health Fund, BUPA, Phoenix Health, Medibank, Grand United, Saint Lukes and the Doctors Health Fund provide rebates for counselling consultations. *Please check. Each health fund has different rules. Please note that we have no particular registrations.
Do Health Funds Rebate Hypnotherapy?
Yes, some do. If your Health Fund accepts the service, you can use the invoice/ receipt we emailed you upon online booking. *Please check with you health fund before booking. We cannot guarantee that your health fund will reimburse you for hypnotherapy. Please note that we have no particular registrations.
End of Therapy:
Client Notes After Termination:
No clients notes will be shared or divulged unless a court order requires it and only specific information relevant to a case will be allowed, unless client gives consent.
Termination of Services:
Ghita Therapy holds the right to suspend treatment and refuse further services if:
*Time Line Therapy® is the registered Trade Mark of Tad James Company USA.
No clients notes will be shared or divulged unless a court order requires it and only specific information relevant to a case will be allowed, unless client gives consent.
Termination of Services:
Ghita Therapy holds the right to suspend treatment and refuse further services if:
- Client lies about level of family violence
- Client becomes abusive to counsellor (including texts)
- Client continues to postpone or cancel appointments
- Client is a 'No Show' (no notice of failure to appear)
- Client has not fulfilled financial obligations. Eg: Does not pay for therapy or late cancellations
*Time Line Therapy® is the registered Trade Mark of Tad James Company USA.
If a Person is Feeling Suicidal:
What if I can't wait, or I am feeling like harming myself?
- Call Lifeline Australia – 13 11 14 – www.lifeline.org.au Lifeline provides free, 24-hour telephone crisis support with access to suicide prevention services, mental health support and emotional assistance
- Call 000 and ask for an ambulance to take you to a mental health care hospital
Copyright 2023 Ghita Andersen