faq.
Covid19 Changes:
How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointment:
ALL CLIENTS:
COUPLES
Therapists: Ghita Andersen and Kathie Halse
- Mask wearing is up to the individual
- We ask that you do not pay with cash but via Paypal or Internet Banking
- For your convenience Online or Phone Appointments are available for those who wish to social distance
- Glen20 is sprayed on furnishings between clients
- Hygenic Hand Gel is in the therapy room
How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointment:
ALL CLIENTS:
- To confirm your appointment payment is required upon booking. Non payment will result in a cancelled appointment. Payments
- An SMS reminder will be sent out the day before your appointment. Please confirm with a 'YES' or it will be cancelled by 6pm.
- Printing and filling out the Intake Form will save 10 minutes of your first session
- Please arrive at your scheduled time: Clients may be back to back and there is no waiting reception in this private home
- Free parking is available on the street. See map below
COUPLES
- Each partner should read 'Preparing for Couples Counselling' to see if counselling is appropriate for your situation and that you both understand the process.
- Ask Ghita about the local Mobile Service (Currumbin, Elanora, Palm Beach) to save on time and babysitting (Service cancelled during covid periods).
- Please do not bring your children as there are no facilities and our insurance does not cover children
Therapists: Ghita Andersen and Kathie Halse
Locations: Currumbin Beach and Ormeau. Contact
Google Maps
Availability: We can usually fit you in within a week. Two weeks during busy periods.
Appointment Reminders:
A reminder SMS will be sent out the day before to give you time to confirm or cancel your appointment.
How Much Are The Fees?
Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees
What happens if I pay for a session and I cancel with less that 24 hours notice or don't turn up?
There are no refunds with less than 24 hours notice.
Can I use a Doctor's Referral for Counselling?
In order to stay competitive, Ghita Therapy offers a discount rate (per hour) for individual clients with GP referrals. New clients can have a maximum of 20 discounted counselling sessions with a doctor 'GP referral' letter per year. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. At Ghita Therapy we do not take Mental Health Care Plans because this breaches the confidentiality ethics that all counsellors abide by; meaning that at Ghita Therapy we are not Medicare registered and do not share your private file with anyone - 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.' Concessions
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 and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Ghita Therapy does not share client information, so MHCP's are not accepted.
*Relationship counselling is not rebatable by Medicare in Australia.
How long do sessions take?
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes.
How long is the wait between bookings?
Normally, a week. If you feel it is urgent, please ask Ghita for a cancellation or an evening appointment.
What kind of people go to counselling?
Everyday people from doctors to tradespeople turn to counselling when they need support or at a crossroads in their lives. Counselling provides the chance to talk things through, very often relieving emotional pressure, clearing the way for people to focus and decide what to do next. Counselling can provide a sense of direction and a greater ability to achieve goals. Just like you seek advice from a doctor for health issues, a counsellor can help to give you tools for better decision making and improved mental health.
Can I book a session for my partner, friend or teenager?
Bookings made for a third party (other than couples counselling), must be prepaid. This is due to the high rate of cancellations and no-shows by clients who did not actually book in for themselves.
If there is domestic violence in my relationship can I book a couples counselling session?
No. People are best off trying individual counselling or anger management. Ghita does not try to fix relationships that are abusive because it is not safe for her to work and is likely to fail.
Short notice cancellations and no shows
Cancellation (with less than 24 hours notice) and No Shows are charged at the full rate for one hour. This is because:
Ghita Therapy has a policy that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, or no shows will be billed the rate for one hour. This will be deducted from prepaid amounts or billed to you via text or email. If a payment was originally for a concession rate, the balance amount for the non-rebated fee will be invoiced to clients via email. This is because Medicare does not rebate cancellations and therefore Ghita Therapy does not offer rebates on cancellations. Cancellation Policy
Can I get a refund if I cancel and give 24 Hours (or more) notice?
For normal fees: Yes, you will be refunded any payments, minus any Paypal fees; otherwise the credit will can towards the next session.
Packages: The terms and conditions state that there are no refunds for unused hours with special deals and packages. Postponements and rescheduling your appointment is okay within the 3 month use by date, but there are no refunds.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. Exceptions to this are when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
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, many Healthfunds will reimburse couples counselling.
How long does hypnotherapy take?
Hypnotherapy sessions are between 2 and 2.5 hours. Please allow for that timespan, plus some time to regain full awareness before you drive home. Hypnotherapy may work the first time or require multiple sessions to reinforce the suggestions given. Hypnotherapy appointments must be paid upon booking due to the large diary time they take up.
Can I get a mobile home visit from Ghita Andersen?
Can I have my appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and phone sessions are available for counselling. We do not use Zoom because it drops out after 40 minutes.
Do Health Funds rebate counselling/ couples counselling?
Yes, some do rebate counselling and couples counselling. Each Health Care Fund has different rules. If your Health Fund accepts the service and does not require registration with them, we can create a invoice/ receipt and email it to you. *Please note that we have no particular registration or affiliation with a health fund. Please check with you health fund before booking.
Do Health Funds rebate hypnotherapy?
Yes, some do. If your Health Fund accepts the service, we can create a invoice/ receipt and email it to you. *Please note that we have no particular registration or affiliation with a health fund. Please check with you health fund before booking. Note: We cannot guarantee that your health fund will reimburse you for hypnotherapy.
Do you offer NDIS counselling?
Yes, Ghita Therapy services are eligible for access by NDIS participants who Self manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes.
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.
Termination of Services:
Ghita Therapy holds the right to suspend treatment and refuse further services if:
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.
Time Line Therapy® is the registered Trade Mark of Tad James Company USA.
Google Maps
Availability: We can usually fit you in within a week. Two weeks during busy periods.
Appointment Reminders:
A reminder SMS will be sent out the day before to give you time to confirm or cancel your appointment.
How Much Are The Fees?
Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees
What happens if I pay for a session and I cancel with less that 24 hours notice or don't turn up?
There are no refunds with less than 24 hours notice.
Can I use a Doctor's Referral for Counselling?
In order to stay competitive, Ghita Therapy offers a discount rate (per hour) for individual clients with GP referrals. New clients can have a maximum of 20 discounted counselling sessions with a doctor 'GP referral' letter per year. Please tell you GP that this is for a Counsellor, not a psychologist MHCP. At Ghita Therapy we do not take Mental Health Care Plans because this breaches the confidentiality ethics that all counsellors abide by; meaning that at Ghita Therapy we are not Medicare registered and do not share your private file with anyone - 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.' Concessions
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 and social workers. This may impact your access to medical insurance, dependant on what you have disclosed or has been recorded. Ghita Therapy does not share client information, so MHCP's are not accepted.
*Relationship counselling is not rebatable by Medicare in Australia.
How long do sessions take?
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes.
How long is the wait between bookings?
Normally, a week. If you feel it is urgent, please ask Ghita for a cancellation or an evening appointment.
What kind of people go to counselling?
Everyday people from doctors to tradespeople turn to counselling when they need support or at a crossroads in their lives. Counselling provides the chance to talk things through, very often relieving emotional pressure, clearing the way for people to focus and decide what to do next. Counselling can provide a sense of direction and a greater ability to achieve goals. Just like you seek advice from a doctor for health issues, a counsellor can help to give you tools for better decision making and improved mental health.
Can I book a session for my partner, friend or teenager?
Bookings made for a third party (other than couples counselling), must be prepaid. This is due to the high rate of cancellations and no-shows by clients who did not actually book in for themselves.
If there is domestic violence in my relationship can I book a couples counselling session?
No. People are best off trying individual counselling or anger management. Ghita does not try to fix relationships that are abusive because it is not safe for her to work and is likely to fail.
Short notice cancellations and no shows
Cancellation (with less than 24 hours notice) and No Shows are charged at the full rate for one hour. This is because:
- Appointments cannot be filled at short notice
- Medicare does not rebate cancellations and neither does Ghita Therapy
- 24 hour policy is stated in first confirmation SMS
- 24 hour policy is stated on the intake 'contract' which clients have read and signed
Ghita Therapy has a policy that cancellations with less than 24 hours notice, or no shows will be billed the rate for one hour. This will be deducted from prepaid amounts or billed to you via text or email. If a payment was originally for a concession rate, the balance amount for the non-rebated fee will be invoiced to clients via email. This is because Medicare does not rebate cancellations and therefore Ghita Therapy does not offer rebates on cancellations. Cancellation Policy
Can I get a refund if I cancel and give 24 Hours (or more) notice?
For normal fees: Yes, you will be refunded any payments, minus any Paypal fees; otherwise the credit will can towards the next session.
Packages: The terms and conditions state that there are no refunds for unused hours with special deals and packages. Postponements and rescheduling your appointment is okay within the 3 month use by date, but there are no refunds.
Is counselling confidential?
Yes. Nothing said will be revealed unless permission (client consent) has been given and any notes taken are kept secure. Exceptions to this are when clients are at risk of self-harm or harming others. Client Confidentiality
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, many Healthfunds will reimburse couples counselling.
How long does hypnotherapy take?
Hypnotherapy sessions are between 2 and 2.5 hours. Please allow for that timespan, plus some time to regain full awareness before you drive home. Hypnotherapy may work the first time or require multiple sessions to reinforce the suggestions given. Hypnotherapy appointments must be paid upon booking due to the large diary time they take up.
Can I get a mobile home visit from Ghita Andersen?
- Ghita's Mobile Service is available in the following suburbs: Currumbin, Palm Beach, Elanora - by specific arrangement.
- FREE SERVICE: Mobile Service
Can I have my appointment via Skype or Phone?
Yes, Skype, Whatsapp, Facebook Messenger and phone sessions are available for counselling. We do not use Zoom because it drops out after 40 minutes.
Do Health Funds rebate counselling/ couples counselling?
Yes, some do rebate counselling and couples counselling. Each Health Care Fund has different rules. If your Health Fund accepts the service and does not require registration with them, we can create a invoice/ receipt and email it to you. *Please note that we have no particular registration or affiliation with a health fund. Please check with you health fund before booking.
Do Health Funds rebate hypnotherapy?
Yes, some do. If your Health Fund accepts the service, we can create a invoice/ receipt and email it to you. *Please note that we have no particular registration or affiliation with a health fund. Please check with you health fund before booking. Note: We cannot guarantee that your health fund will reimburse you for hypnotherapy.
Do you offer NDIS counselling?
Yes, Ghita Therapy services are eligible for access by NDIS participants who Self manage funds that are allocated for therapeutic purposes.
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.
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
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.
Time Line Therapy® is the registered Trade Mark of Tad James Company USA.
Copyright 2019 Ghita Andersen. Photo courtesy of Freepik
