"What I appreciated about Ghita was that she kept things light-hearted. It was daunting just attending couples therapy for me at first." - Tom (Burleigh)
Package One: One Day Couples Retreat Gold Coast (Gottman Method)
★★★★★ 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)
Could your relationship benefit from a couples retreat or marriage bootcamp?
Are you struggling with arguments that never seem to get resolved? Are you both talking, but no one is listening? Do you feel lonely, sad or frustrated in your relationship?
If you are serious about getting marriage counselling/ couples therapy, and both still committed to your relationship, then this package is for you. This package combines the best of the best Marriage Therapy tools including the Gottman Method.
Consequently, with the expert coaching you will find in this workshop, you can stop fighting and be connected... Be Lovers Again! …Be Best Friends Again …Be Happy Again!
A relationship counsellor for a decade, Ghita often hears people say, ‘I have been asking to go to therapy for ages, but my partner is unsure.’ Importantly, she understands that Couples Therapy is very 'personal' and it does make people feel vulnerable and uncomfortable; afterall opening up about your deepest feelings to a stranger isn’t the easiest thing to do. But Ghita's relationship counselling style encourages a non-blaming environment.
"What I appreciated about Ghita was that she kept things light-hearted. It was daunting just attending couples therapy for me at first, but she really delights in helping us to repair." - Tom (Burleigh Heads)
Are you struggling with arguments that never seem to get resolved? Are you both talking, but no one is listening? Do you feel lonely, sad or frustrated in your relationship?
If you are serious about getting marriage counselling/ couples therapy, and both still committed to your relationship, then this package is for you. This package combines the best of the best Marriage Therapy tools including the Gottman Method.
Consequently, with the expert coaching you will find in this workshop, you can stop fighting and be connected... Be Lovers Again! …Be Best Friends Again …Be Happy Again!
A relationship counsellor for a decade, Ghita often hears people say, ‘I have been asking to go to therapy for ages, but my partner is unsure.’ Importantly, she understands that Couples Therapy is very 'personal' and it does make people feel vulnerable and uncomfortable; afterall opening up about your deepest feelings to a stranger isn’t the easiest thing to do. But Ghita's relationship counselling style encourages a non-blaming environment.
"What I appreciated about Ghita was that she kept things light-hearted. It was daunting just attending couples therapy for me at first, but she really delights in helping us to repair." - Tom (Burleigh Heads)
PROMO CODE: New Clients Only: Enter promo code 'INTENSIVE' this month to save $251 off all COUPLES RETREATS. Enter code on payment page when booking online. (Online via credit card only. Expires January 31st). Terms and Conditions
The Key Benefits of a Retreat in One Day
✅ 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.
✅ Cost Effective
The costs for intensive sessions are equivalent to the benefits of the weekly sessions, but they save you time and allow you to heal your relationship sooner. Acting sooner and promptly rather than leaving relationship issues to continue for a long time will save the high emotional and potentially high financial costs of a broken relationship, fractured family or separation and divorce. And at Ghita Therapy, the exercise benefits involved in our retreats make them highly affordable Couples Counselling retreats on the Gold Coast.
✅ 93% of Gold Coast Couples Were Empowered
Regardless of how long you have been married, or the nature of your marital problems, a Couples Retreat can offer huge benefits to a couple - provided that both parties are committed to repairing their relationship. Importantly, with gentle coaching and a new skills toolbox for your relationship, you can turn things around, stop fighting, learn to listen and feel deeply connected once more. You Can Be Lovers Again! …Be Best Friends Again …Be Happy Again! And we have many happy stories of couples who have done just that on the testimonials page. Testimonials
✅ The Gottman Method - Fast Tracked
This retreat is the old '3 Step Gottman Package' packed into one day. Many couples find Saturdays or public holidays convenient. Importantly, many couples discover that they’re able to make more progress with an intensive Saturday couples retreat. In fact, being away from their normal context, in an undisturbed environment, couples have the time to resolve deep, difficult relationship patterns.
✅ 50 Years of Evidence-Based Marriage / 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. But it requires time and focus: Intensive workshops, such as this one, can often turn a relationship around and do so much more than sporadic, couples therapy.
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. Each retreat is tailored to your particular needs as a couple...
✅ Goal Orientated Outcomes: YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO...
✔️ Unpack the issues: Step by step diagnosis
✔️ Individual sessions and stories: What 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? (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)
✔️ Reduce Distress and Improve Intimacy
What Kind of Problems Can be Solved in a Marriage Retreat?
What Cannot be Solved in a Couples' 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.
✅ Cost Effective
The costs for intensive sessions are equivalent to the benefits of the weekly sessions, but they save you time and allow you to heal your relationship sooner. Acting sooner and promptly rather than leaving relationship issues to continue for a long time will save the high emotional and potentially high financial costs of a broken relationship, fractured family or separation and divorce. And at Ghita Therapy, the exercise benefits involved in our retreats make them highly affordable Couples Counselling retreats on the Gold Coast.
✅ 93% of Gold Coast Couples Were Empowered
Regardless of how long you have been married, or the nature of your marital problems, a Couples Retreat can offer huge benefits to a couple - provided that both parties are committed to repairing their relationship. Importantly, with gentle coaching and a new skills toolbox for your relationship, you can turn things around, stop fighting, learn to listen and feel deeply connected once more. You Can Be Lovers Again! …Be Best Friends Again …Be Happy Again! And we have many happy stories of couples who have done just that on the testimonials page. Testimonials
✅ The Gottman Method - Fast Tracked
This retreat is the old '3 Step Gottman Package' packed into one day. Many couples find Saturdays or public holidays convenient. Importantly, many couples discover that they’re able to make more progress with an intensive Saturday couples retreat. In fact, being away from their normal context, in an undisturbed environment, couples have the time to resolve deep, difficult relationship patterns.
- Fantastic progress in a short time: Learn skills fast and well
- Easier to fit into your busy lifestyle
✅ 50 Years of Evidence-Based Marriage / 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. But it requires time and focus: Intensive workshops, such as this one, can often turn a relationship around and do so much more than sporadic, couples therapy.
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. Each retreat is tailored to your particular needs as a couple...
- Gottman Marriage Therapy (John and Julie Gottman, USA) - The Sound Relationship House/ 4 Horseman of the Apocalypse, Turning towards not away, Fair fighting rules: Gottman Method
- Carl Rogers - Active / Reflective Listening (USA) - How to Complain Constructively, How to be Heard/ Listen Actively
- Family Dispute Resolution (Australia, UK & NZ) De-escalating Conflict and Stating Your Needs, Objective Rather Than Subjective (Removing Emotions)
- Experiential Family Therapy (Virginia Satir): The dynamics of families.
- Esther Perel Methods (Belgium) - Infidelity (Why it Happens), The Gender Currencies, Motivations of Men and Women
- 5 Love Languages (Gary Chapman, USA) You and Your Partner's Love Languages: The 5: Words of Affirmation, Quality Time, Receiving Gifts, Acts of Service, or Physical Touch.
- The Andersen Method: The Couples' Toolbox (Australia) - Negotiating Marital Agreements and Pre-Marital Contracts, The Relationship Triangle Concept, Codewords for Couples, Eye Gazing Exercise, Reframing your internal critic. Pre-Marriage Preparation Course
- Neuro-Linguistic Programming NLP (Richard Bandler, John Grinder, USA) - The Language Influence: How to Talk to Your Spouse, How to Reframe.
- And more...
✅ Goal Orientated Outcomes: YOU WILL LEARN HOW TO...
✔️ Unpack the issues: Step by step diagnosis
✔️ Individual sessions and stories: What 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? (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)
✔️ Reduce Distress and Improve Intimacy
What Kind of Problems Can be Solved in a Marriage Retreat?
- One party or both are contemplating a Separation/ Divorce: Long term distress, resentment and lack of attachment. Unpacking the issues.
- 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: 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.
- 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.
✅ Real-World Success Stories - Couples Counselling Retreats Australia
★★★★★ 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)
★★★★★ Testimonial: 5 Weeks Couples Therapy Package 2023:
'Truthfully, I was ready to give up. Things were so bad. Since the five week program, we have nothing to fight about. The other day my husband used the code word 'Pineapple' to share something about his childhood: I stopped and listened without judgement - and I was fully present. Normally, I would half listen, avoid feelings and get defensive when he got frustrated. That would result in a whole day of ill feelings and sulking on both sides. The conflict would start with such small things. This has really changed how we see each other's triggers and motivations. We have never been so close. We don't take things so personally. We are stronger and we make time for each other.' - Suzie van de Schraaf (Currumbin)
★★★★★ 5 Star Google Review: Marriage Counselling: Gottman 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 Sets Ghita Apart From Other Couples Counsellors?
✔️ Top Rated Couples Counsellor on the Gold Coast
✔️ Ghita is a registered Family Dispute Mediator
If you want to improve your relationship and you are interested in learning relationship skills based on 50 years of research, you may need an experienced family counsellor and coach. Ask Ghita for a 10 minute call-back chat on 0439 888 070 or check the appointment availability on the booking portal and book online.
Select 'Package One: One Day Couples Retreat Gold Coast (Gottman Method)' under Couples Counselling on the booking system. (Terms and Conditions apply)
✔️ Top Rated Couples Counsellor on the Gold Coast
✔️ Ghita is a registered Family Dispute Mediator
If you want to improve your relationship and you are interested in learning relationship skills based on 50 years of research, you may need an experienced family counsellor and coach. Ask Ghita for a 10 minute call-back chat on 0439 888 070 or check the appointment availability on the booking portal and book online.
Select 'Package One: One Day Couples Retreat Gold Coast (Gottman Method)' under Couples Counselling on the booking system. (Terms and Conditions apply)
Package One: One Day Couples Retreat (Gottman method): $1250 ($999 with PROMO CODE - Save $251. Codes are limited)
*Not designed for separated couples or couples in crisis.
*Limited spots available
Gold Coast Couples Retreat Location: Set with beautiful views of Currumbin estuary and five minutes walk to the beach, our Currumbin location offers a cosy, comfortable lounge setting with relaxing herbal teas or 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 therapy only and does not include accommodation, meals etc..
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.
Retreat Schedule: (Often a Saturday, although it can be on other days: Ask Ghita if you would like a different day like a holiday.)
Line-up: Four therapy sessions over five hours with a break in-between.
Diagnostic:
Includes Worksheet 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.
- This package involves in person therapy (This is for you personally, as a couple, in private, just the two of you working with Ghita on your own).
- 5.5 hours of intensive Gottman and Communication Exercises.
- Please note that this is an intense marriage workshop with exercises. Expect to do some work.
*Not designed for separated couples or couples in crisis.
*Limited spots available
Gold Coast Couples Retreat Location: Set with beautiful views of Currumbin estuary and five minutes walk to the beach, our Currumbin location offers a cosy, comfortable lounge setting with relaxing herbal teas or 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 therapy only and does not include accommodation, meals etc..
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.
Retreat Schedule: (Often a Saturday, although it can be on other days: Ask Ghita if you would like a different day like a holiday.)
Line-up: Four therapy sessions over five hours with a break in-between.
Diagnostic:
- 9 am - 10 am: Individual Session One (One party has a creek/ beach walk, coffee or tea at a cafe)
- 10 am - 11am: Individual Session Two (One party has a creek/ beach walk, coffee or tea at a cafe)
- 11 am - 12pm: Couples Session: Unpacking the information from the individual sessions. Looking at the needs and vulnerabilities from both sides.
- 12pm - 12.30pm: Lunch Break
- 12.30pm - 2.30pm: Two Hour Intensive: Active Listening, The Family Therapy Model, Code Words, Communication Strategies and New Skills Toolbox
Includes Worksheet 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 One:
Please read our terms and conditions before purchasing. By booking this special, you agree to our terms.
Please read our terms and conditions before purchasing. By booking this special, you agree to our terms.
- Have a chat to Ghita before booking.
- 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: We cannot fill a full day diary at short notice. 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 are not valid excuses for short notice cancellations. We can offer video sessions.
- If for any reason you cannot attend in person, you will be offered an online video session
- Please note that this retreat workshop is based in a private home by the beach and subject to neighbourhood noises. Parking may be limited on holidays.
- Note: Private home venue: Accommodation and meals are not included. Teas and coffees however are included.
- If postponed (with 14 days notice), and credit is retained, the package is valid for 3 months from purchase date and not transferrable or refundable.
- Note: This type of retreat can be used more than once to tackle different issues.
- 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
- Agreeing to our terms when booking and then later saying that you did not read them is no excuse
"What I appreciated about Ghita was that she kept things light-hearted. It was daunting just attending couples therapy for me at first." - Tom (Burleigh)
Currumbin Alley
Family Violence Screening: Note Couples Counselling Maybe Unsuccessful for Abusive Relationships: Please do not book this package or Couples Therapy if there is any family violence or one party is in doubt and may not complete the course (No refunds on unused hours). Please book individual sessions instead. *More terms and conditions listed above.
Transcript from Active Listening Exercise (Included in package):
Greg: I have absolutely had it with George today! Nothing I say to him seems to make a difference to him and I’m tired of feeling like I am talking to a wall! (Expressing emotions, frustration and anger. Using “I” statements to claim his own emotions.)
Alisha: Sounds like you are really frustrated with George, and pretty upset too. What are you trying to talk to him about? (Reflecting back what Greg has said to her and asking for more information – showing interest.)
Greg: Yes, I am totally frustrated with him! I have told him several times today that I need this order completed no later than tomorrow because a client has been waiting on it and he just keeps blowing me off. (Verifies that Alisha received the message clearly and expanding on his feelings and the reasons behind them.)
Alisha: I’m sorry it has been so frustrating. (Again verifying that she is receiving Greg’s message and validating his feelings.)
Ghita's Coaching Notes:
Rather than offering solutions - like she normally does, Alisha is just offering support and validation to Greg. A common mistake is trying to fix our spouse's problem. Furthermore, when we can't fix things we can get defensive and back off, or things may escalate into fights.
The use of reflective or active listening helps Greg to feel heard and understood. He may not be looking for solutions, so much as needing to be heard. Sometimes solutions come afterwards, and sometimes just being listened to is all a partner needs.
As the conversation continues, each spouse will take turns offering their own message and letting it be verified by their partner before contributing their own message. This form of communication takes more effort and may even take longer because it is “active” and does not allow us to jump forward to think about our own contribution until we have taken the time to verify the message we are receiving. However, the tremendous benefit from using active listening as a communication skill is that it avoids misunderstandings, improves personal responsibility for emotions, allows for clearer messages to be sent and improves empathy.
Greg: I have absolutely had it with George today! Nothing I say to him seems to make a difference to him and I’m tired of feeling like I am talking to a wall! (Expressing emotions, frustration and anger. Using “I” statements to claim his own emotions.)
Alisha: Sounds like you are really frustrated with George, and pretty upset too. What are you trying to talk to him about? (Reflecting back what Greg has said to her and asking for more information – showing interest.)
Greg: Yes, I am totally frustrated with him! I have told him several times today that I need this order completed no later than tomorrow because a client has been waiting on it and he just keeps blowing me off. (Verifies that Alisha received the message clearly and expanding on his feelings and the reasons behind them.)
Alisha: I’m sorry it has been so frustrating. (Again verifying that she is receiving Greg’s message and validating his feelings.)
Ghita's Coaching Notes:
Rather than offering solutions - like she normally does, Alisha is just offering support and validation to Greg. A common mistake is trying to fix our spouse's problem. Furthermore, when we can't fix things we can get defensive and back off, or things may escalate into fights.
The use of reflective or active listening helps Greg to feel heard and understood. He may not be looking for solutions, so much as needing to be heard. Sometimes solutions come afterwards, and sometimes just being listened to is all a partner needs.
As the conversation continues, each spouse will take turns offering their own message and letting it be verified by their partner before contributing their own message. This form of communication takes more effort and may even take longer because it is “active” and does not allow us to jump forward to think about our own contribution until we have taken the time to verify the message we are receiving. However, the tremendous benefit from using active listening as a communication skill is that it avoids misunderstandings, improves personal responsibility for emotions, allows for clearer messages to be sent and improves empathy.
Recommended Reading:
Copyright 2025 Ghita Andersen. All Rights Reserved. Photos by Ghita Andersen & Maarlen Noordanus.
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