Currumbin Alley
Frequently Asked Questions:
Appointment Info:
What is Availability Like?
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 and Ormeau rooms.
How Much Are The Fees?
It depends on the type of service and length of time: Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees and Payments
How Do I Pay For My Appointment?
To ensure as much time as possible is available for your appointment, payment is processed at the time of your booking. Also, sometimes clients can feel emotional during a session, or in the case of hypnotherapy, clients may have trouble concentrating straight afterwards, so it is not a good time to ask for payment. We hope you understand.
However, if you are booking a session with Kathie or prefer to pay via Paypal, bank transfer or cash, please call us for a phone booking.
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 and Ormeau rooms.
How Much Are The Fees?
It depends on the type of service and length of time: Counselling fees at Ghita Therapy are substantially lower than psychological fees: Fees and Payments
How Do I Pay For My Appointment?
To ensure as much time as possible is available for your appointment, payment is processed at the time of your booking. Also, sometimes clients can feel emotional during a session, or in the case of hypnotherapy, clients may have trouble concentrating straight afterwards, so it is not a good time to ask for payment. We hope you understand.
However, if you are booking a session with Kathie or prefer to pay via Paypal, bank transfer or cash, please call us for a phone booking.
Session Times:
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes. If unspecified, you will be booked in for one hour. Note: Please consider Daylight Savings does not apply in Qld if you book from NSW. We are an hour behind.
How Often Should I Book Appointments?
Most clients book in weekly or fortnightly until they resolve their concern.
Locations:
Ghita Andersen - Currumbin Beach - All Services: Online Bookings.
Mondays by arrangement
Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 8pm; Saturday: 10am - 2.30pm
Address: Private Residence - address will appear on your booking text and email
Kathie Halse - Ormeau: Phone Booking: Individual Counselling Only
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 5pm
Address: Private Residence - address will appear on your booking text and email
Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellation Policies 2024- 2025
Preparation: What Do I Bring?
Can I Give my Therapist Information to Read Before my Session?
Other than the intake form information and what is said during a brief phone chat, no. Our counsellors and therapists only work with information given in the room for the first appointment, especially when two people are involved in couples work. At that point a confidential arrangement is set up in the face-to-face couple session. Once clients have established a rapport and a working relationship with the therapist, they may then ask him/her in further appointments about the possibility of reading extra information in the sessions.
How Many Sessions Should I Book for Individual Counselling?
If you would like regular appointments, we recommend booking 5 sessions to start with. You can always cancel or postpone with 24 hours notice without a late cancellation fee. Plus, we remind you the day before via text in the morning - giving you time to change them. (See Cancellation Policy).
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 and Privacy
Cancellations and Postponements:
One-off Sessions: 24 hours notice. We send out reminders the day before. No refunds with less than 24 hours notice.
3 Packs: 24 hours notice on sessions, however no refunds for any unused hours once begun.
Packages and Programs: According to the terms and conditions listed on the service page.
General Cancellation Policies
Can I do Individual and Relationship Counselling with the same Counsellor?
Usually we don't unless it is together in a day retreat and involves individual and couples sessions.
However, if you wish to work on something other than your relationship (for example childhood trauma with EMDR or a LIFE COACHING method like NLP, you have no reason not to have the same therapist. We try to keep relationship topics separate for ethical reasons.
Reasons why your relationship counsellor ought not also be your individual therapist:
Unbiased Approach: Having separate therapists for individual and couples' therapy is better in that it allows for an unbiased approach in addressing relationship issues and individual issues. Each therapist can more effectively focus solely on their respective clients’ needs without being influenced by information from the other sessions.
Confidentiality and Trust: Couples' therapy relies on open communication and trust between partners. If the same therapist is also handling individual sessions, it could lead to concerns about confidentiality and privacy. The therapist needs to clear whether it is okay to share personal info in joint sessions.
*Australian counselling guidelines are not law but ethical guidelines.
What is the Success Rate of Couples Counselling?
Research indicates that the success rate of relationship counselling is between 73 - 93% - depending on the amount of time invested and the effort made by the clients. It is also important to note that if a couple come on the verge of separation, it may be better to use the time to consciously uncouple, if it is beyond repair. Obviously we prefer to work with couples who have not left things to the 11th hour. We do not have magic wands for broken relationships.
How Many Sessions Should I book for Couples Therapy?
Depending on your needs, the average number of sessions tends to range from 12 to 20+. You also have the option of starting with a retreat or a package. For that reason, we suggest booking initially 5 sessions at the outset to ensure ongoing care is available.
(You can book a single session or 'just a few', just be aware follow up sessions may be delayed by availability).
When is Couples Counselling Not Recommended?
Couples Counselling is not appropriate for abusive relationships.
Couples Counselling is not suitable if:
What If Want to Attend Couples Therapy But My Partner Does not?
When your partner doesn't want to participate in relationship counselling, it can be worthwhile gently exploring what their reasoning is. People have all sorts of reasons that they may avoid engaging, and have a respectful dialogue can be worthwhile. However, because of our cancellation policy, make sure you are both 100% invested in saving your relationship before booking, because if one partner is likely to walk away before your session, the standard cancellation policy for therapists may mean that you lose your deposit. If you are unsure of your partner's level of commitment, then book in for individual counselling instead.
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. This is because the system will reject two clients with the same phone number. Please note that we do not take information about a person - other than an intake form or from another professional.
Can I Sit in on a Friend's/ Partner's Individual Session?
No: Unless you are in Family Counselling or Couples' Counselling you cannot sit in on another person's session. Reasons: 1) Counsellors Confidentiality/ Privacy Rules. 2) No signed Intake Form (We are not legally treating you!). 3) Non clients are not covered by public liability insurance. 4) And it can be very distracting for the therapist to have another person there and this person may try to interject their opinions, body language, story etc. It can prohibit a client from fully revealing their thoughts and emotions and be perceived as controlling. The only therapists that might allow this are psychiatrists.
Can I Have my Appointment via Telehealth (Video) or Phone?
If your appointment is with Ghita Andersen and you struggle to have your appointment in person, you can select online video or phone sessions. Just select Telehealth/ Online on the booking system. We prefer Skype, Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger for video sessions.
Note: NLP, Time Line Therapy, Art Therapy, EMDR and Hypnotherapy are not available via Teletherapy.
Can I Bring Babies or Children to my Session?
We love kids (most of us are parents ourselves!) Unfortunately, babies and children are not able to come into a session - including having your child in the same room with you during a Telehealth / Zoom session.
This is in line with best practice for therapy and minimising risk of harm. The research indicates that children (including babies) of all ages can sense and are influenced by distress in a parent. Given that therapy can be a place where distress is often being processed and worked through, this potential harm poses a risk to the child.
Important: We are also not insured in our homes for children and appointments will be cancelled at your cost if you bring them as it is clearly stated in several places on this website under pages such as 10 Things to Consider Before Booking Couples Counselling, FAQ, Couples Coounselling page and you have agreed to that rule in the 'appointment terms' on Timely when you booked - which is your responsibility to read.
What if I am in a Timezone Other Than the Gold Coast (AEST)?
Ghita Therapy's booking system - Timely provides all session times in Brisbane time (I.e. Australian Eastern Standard Time).
Queensland - does not observe Daylight Savings time.
What Should I do if I am Sick on the Day of my Appointment?
You need to be well to attend any face to face appointments for the health and safety of staff and other clients who attend Ghita Therapy. If you are unwell and can manage an appointment, we can organise a video or phone session with you. Alternatively, you may wish to cancel your session altogether: A late cancellation fee for illness is the full fee because we cannt fill appointments at the last moment.
Health Funds:
All online bookings receive an automatic email invoice/ receipt so that you don't have to ask for one.
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. You can ask us for a specific type of invoice.
Sessions are either 60, 90, 120 or 180 minutes. If unspecified, you will be booked in for one hour. Note: Please consider Daylight Savings does not apply in Qld if you book from NSW. We are an hour behind.
How Often Should I Book Appointments?
Most clients book in weekly or fortnightly until they resolve their concern.
Locations:
Ghita Andersen - Currumbin Beach - All Services: Online Bookings.
Mondays by arrangement
Tuesday - Friday: 10am - 8pm; Saturday: 10am - 2.30pm
Address: Private Residence - address will appear on your booking text and email
Kathie Halse - Ormeau: Phone Booking: Individual Counselling Only
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 5pm
Address: Private Residence - address will appear on your booking text and email
Cancellations and Refunds:
Cancellation Policies 2024- 2025
Preparation: What Do I Bring?
- Bring any notes you have written about the issues you wish to talk about
- Completing your online form or via paper form will save a few minutes in your session Paper Intake Forms
- GP Referral letter (Not required unless you ask for a concession for individual counselling)
Can I Give my Therapist Information to Read Before my Session?
Other than the intake form information and what is said during a brief phone chat, no. Our counsellors and therapists only work with information given in the room for the first appointment, especially when two people are involved in couples work. At that point a confidential arrangement is set up in the face-to-face couple session. Once clients have established a rapport and a working relationship with the therapist, they may then ask him/her in further appointments about the possibility of reading extra information in the sessions.
How Many Sessions Should I Book for Individual Counselling?
If you would like regular appointments, we recommend booking 5 sessions to start with. You can always cancel or postpone with 24 hours notice without a late cancellation fee. Plus, we remind you the day before via text in the morning - giving you time to change them. (See Cancellation Policy).
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 and Privacy
Cancellations and Postponements:
One-off Sessions: 24 hours notice. We send out reminders the day before. No refunds with less than 24 hours notice.
3 Packs: 24 hours notice on sessions, however no refunds for any unused hours once begun.
Packages and Programs: According to the terms and conditions listed on the service page.
General Cancellation Policies
Can I do Individual and Relationship Counselling with the same Counsellor?
Usually we don't unless it is together in a day retreat and involves individual and couples sessions.
However, if you wish to work on something other than your relationship (for example childhood trauma with EMDR or a LIFE COACHING method like NLP, you have no reason not to have the same therapist. We try to keep relationship topics separate for ethical reasons.
Reasons why your relationship counsellor ought not also be your individual therapist:
Unbiased Approach: Having separate therapists for individual and couples' therapy is better in that it allows for an unbiased approach in addressing relationship issues and individual issues. Each therapist can more effectively focus solely on their respective clients’ needs without being influenced by information from the other sessions.
Confidentiality and Trust: Couples' therapy relies on open communication and trust between partners. If the same therapist is also handling individual sessions, it could lead to concerns about confidentiality and privacy. The therapist needs to clear whether it is okay to share personal info in joint sessions.
*Australian counselling guidelines are not law but ethical guidelines.
What is the Success Rate of Couples Counselling?
Research indicates that the success rate of relationship counselling is between 73 - 93% - depending on the amount of time invested and the effort made by the clients. It is also important to note that if a couple come on the verge of separation, it may be better to use the time to consciously uncouple, if it is beyond repair. Obviously we prefer to work with couples who have not left things to the 11th hour. We do not have magic wands for broken relationships.
How Many Sessions Should I book for Couples Therapy?
Depending on your needs, the average number of sessions tends to range from 12 to 20+. You also have the option of starting with a retreat or a package. For that reason, we suggest booking initially 5 sessions at the outset to ensure ongoing care is available.
(You can book a single session or 'just a few', just be aware follow up sessions may be delayed by availability).
When is Couples Counselling Not Recommended?
Couples Counselling is not appropriate for abusive relationships.
Couples Counselling is not suitable if:
- Abuse/ Toxicity: The core of this work is about establishing a foundation of trust. If there is physical violence or emotional abuse in the relationship, then book in for individual counselling.
- 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: Either partner has a serious active addiction (e.g. alcohol, gambling)
- Your relationship is very new, you are both still living with your parents, and/or there is no real commitment.
What If Want to Attend Couples Therapy But My Partner Does not?
When your partner doesn't want to participate in relationship counselling, it can be worthwhile gently exploring what their reasoning is. People have all sorts of reasons that they may avoid engaging, and have a respectful dialogue can be worthwhile. However, because of our cancellation policy, make sure you are both 100% invested in saving your relationship before booking, because if one partner is likely to walk away before your session, the standard cancellation policy for therapists may mean that you lose your deposit. If you are unsure of your partner's level of commitment, then book in for individual counselling instead.
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. This is because the system will reject two clients with the same phone number. Please note that we do not take information about a person - other than an intake form or from another professional.
Can I Sit in on a Friend's/ Partner's Individual Session?
No: Unless you are in Family Counselling or Couples' Counselling you cannot sit in on another person's session. Reasons: 1) Counsellors Confidentiality/ Privacy Rules. 2) No signed Intake Form (We are not legally treating you!). 3) Non clients are not covered by public liability insurance. 4) And it can be very distracting for the therapist to have another person there and this person may try to interject their opinions, body language, story etc. It can prohibit a client from fully revealing their thoughts and emotions and be perceived as controlling. The only therapists that might allow this are psychiatrists.
Can I Have my Appointment via Telehealth (Video) or Phone?
If your appointment is with Ghita Andersen and you struggle to have your appointment in person, you can select online video or phone sessions. Just select Telehealth/ Online on the booking system. We prefer Skype, Whatsapp and Facebook Messenger for video sessions.
Note: NLP, Time Line Therapy, Art Therapy, EMDR and Hypnotherapy are not available via Teletherapy.
Can I Bring Babies or Children to my Session?
We love kids (most of us are parents ourselves!) Unfortunately, babies and children are not able to come into a session - including having your child in the same room with you during a Telehealth / Zoom session.
This is in line with best practice for therapy and minimising risk of harm. The research indicates that children (including babies) of all ages can sense and are influenced by distress in a parent. Given that therapy can be a place where distress is often being processed and worked through, this potential harm poses a risk to the child.
Important: We are also not insured in our homes for children and appointments will be cancelled at your cost if you bring them as it is clearly stated in several places on this website under pages such as 10 Things to Consider Before Booking Couples Counselling, FAQ, Couples Coounselling page and you have agreed to that rule in the 'appointment terms' on Timely when you booked - which is your responsibility to read.
What if I am in a Timezone Other Than the Gold Coast (AEST)?
Ghita Therapy's booking system - Timely provides all session times in Brisbane time (I.e. Australian Eastern Standard Time).
Queensland - does not observe Daylight Savings time.
What Should I do if I am Sick on the Day of my Appointment?
You need to be well to attend any face to face appointments for the health and safety of staff and other clients who attend Ghita Therapy. If you are unwell and can manage an appointment, we can organise a video or phone session with you. Alternatively, you may wish to cancel your session altogether: A late cancellation fee for illness is the full fee because we cannt fill appointments at the last moment.
Health Funds:
All online bookings receive an automatic email invoice/ receipt so that you don't have to ask for one.
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. You can ask us for a specific type of invoice.
CASE REPORT WRITING & LETTERS FOR COURT (Divorce)/ CENTRELINK etc.:
Areas Counsellors Don’t Work in:
Medico-Legal Reports: If you are involved in a court case now or in the forseeable future and you require a psychological evaluation or report then look for a 'Forensic Psychologist' or someone who specialises in court reporting. This works out better for you as you will start with someone experienced in that area who can give you good advice from the beginning.
For Clients we are Already Seeing:
Third-Party Billing
Our clinic provides counselling services for people who receive funding for their treatment by third-party providers including but not limited to:
Please ask us to confirm if we provide psychological services under your third-party cover at the time of your booking enquiry. If your psychological services are covered by a third party, you are typically not liable to pay us directly for invoices incurred, as it is usually that we send the invoices to your third-party provider for payment. However, please confirm this with us first.
Areas Counsellors Don’t Work in:
Medico-Legal Reports: If you are involved in a court case now or in the forseeable future and you require a psychological evaluation or report then look for a 'Forensic Psychologist' or someone who specialises in court reporting. This works out better for you as you will start with someone experienced in that area who can give you good advice from the beginning.
For Clients we are Already Seeing:
- Note that we do not write case notes for clients with less than 3 sessions. Also, we are not diagnosing physicians. Please check with the requirements from court, centrelink etcetera and organise your bookings well in advance.
- We can only write reports on genuine mental health progress and information given during sessions. However, if you are only attending counselling only to receive an official report by a diagnosing psychologist or psychiatrist, we cannot supply this. Also, if you have not made progress in session or have neglected to inform us of a mental health diagnosis - such as personality disorder or anything relevant to your situation such as domestic violence orders or anti-social behaviours, we cannot write a report about it. Clients must also give written consent for breaking confidentiality clause.
- Report Writing for Court: $250 per hour pro rata (PAID IN ADVANCE/ INVOICE). This will be invoiced to you or your lawyer. Please discuss your letter/ report/ form requirements and associated fee with our practice in good time. Please be aware that reports/ letters/ forms that require time outside of your consultation generally will not be able to written that same day and may take up to 2+ weeks to complete depending on the nature of your request, so please ensure that you allow enough notice provided to your therapist for your request. Full payment is required before we are able to release the document to you.
- Liasing with Other Professionals: $250 per hour (Pro-Rata). This will be invoiced to you or your lawyer and must be paid within 7 days.
- Unpaid debts will go to debt collection.
Third-Party Billing
Our clinic provides counselling services for people who receive funding for their treatment by third-party providers including but not limited to:
- National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
- Surf Life Saving Australia (Gold Coast)
- Shine Recruitment
- Professional Sporting Clubs
- Mining Companies
- Catholic Schools
- and more..
Please ask us to confirm if we provide psychological services under your third-party cover at the time of your booking enquiry. If your psychological services are covered by a third party, you are typically not liable to pay us directly for invoices incurred, as it is usually that we send the invoices to your third-party provider for payment. However, please confirm this with us first.
Concessions:
Can I use a Mental Health Care Plan?
At present we do not have any psychologists at Ghita Therapy. A Medicare rebate is not available to counsellors for Individual Counselling - however Ghita does offer some concessions. See Concessions page under Fees,
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.
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. Disclaimer
At present we do not have any psychologists at Ghita Therapy. A Medicare rebate is not available to counsellors for Individual Counselling - however Ghita does offer some concessions. See Concessions page under Fees,
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.
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. Disclaimer
Invoicing (EAP and Health Funds):
ALL BOOKINGS ONLINE RECEIVE AN INVOICE/ RECEIPT EMAILED
Do Health Funds Rebate Counselling or Couples Counselling?
Some do. Rebates may be available for members of Medibank, Bupa, Police Health, St Luke’s, CUA Health, Phoenix Health Fund and Emergency Services. However, we do not have any particular registrations with health Funds because there are so many. It is your responsibility to check before booking. Your online booking will automatically send you an emailed invoice receipt which you can submit if your provider will refund you. Invoices do not carry an item number. Please check with your provider before booking.
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 or Couples Counselling?
Some do. Rebates may be available for members of Medibank, Bupa, Police Health, St Luke’s, CUA Health, Phoenix Health Fund and Emergency Services. However, we do not have any particular registrations with health Funds because there are so many. It is your responsibility to check before booking. Your online booking will automatically send you an emailed invoice receipt which you can submit if your provider will refund you. Invoices do not carry an item number. Please check with your provider before booking.
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.
How to Get the Most Out of Your Appointment:
TIPS FOR NEW CLIENTS:
Messages: You will receive
All Clients:
Messages: You will receive
- A booking SMS or Email (the day you book)
- An SMS reminder before your appointment to say we are looking forward to seeing you
All Clients:
- Filling out the online intake form will save 10 minutes of your first session. Currumbin clients receive a link to an online form. Ormeau clients fill out forms in session. Alternatively, you can also print out the form on the forms page.
- 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
- Consider whether Couples Counselling is the best course of action: 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. Ghita will not accept clients with a history of domestic violence. See page: Will Couples Counselling Help Toxic Relationships?
- 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 and you will be black listed with our counselling organisation.
- Keep your emailed invoice if you have Private Health Fund. Some health funds rebate couples counselling. If you need a special invoice with codes, please let us know. *Please note that we do not have affiliations with any particular health fund.
- 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
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:
Health Funds:
All online bookings receive an automatic email invoice/ receipt so that you don't have to ask for one.
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. You can ask us for a specific type of invoice.
*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 attends intoxicated, high or has stopped taking medication
- Client continues to postpone or cancel appointments
- Client separates from partner (after couples therapy) and the other partner remains the client. (Unethical to have both parties as clients)
- 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 requires specialist medical care for a personality disorder. We are not psychologists: Disclaimer
Health Funds:
All online bookings receive an automatic email invoice/ receipt so that you don't have to ask for one.
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. You can ask us for a specific type of invoice.
*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 2025 Ghita Andersen