Package One: 3 Step Package: Best of Gottman...
★★★★★ Couples Counselling Testimonial: "We did not understand the emotional type of Couples Therapy we tried before and felt that we were getting nowhere. My husband was the most frustrated. With the 3 Step Package we unpacked the issues fast and found out so much about each other, our own triggers and why we were fighting. I am so grateful for your help, it stops me thinking, reacting and jumping to conclusions. We are seeing great benefits." RM (Couples Counselling, Reedy Creek).
When things are not perfect in your relationships, it can be daunting to consider help, and scary to admit to friends and family. However, with expert counselling and coaching you can stop fighting and be connected. Be Lovers Again! …Be Best Friends Again …Be Happy Again!
If you are both still committed to your relationship this package is for you. This package combines the best of the best Marriage Therapy tools including Gottman methods, Carl Rogers, Heart versus Ego (Andersen), Esther Perel, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, NLP and the 5 Love Languages (Chapman). These methods have decades of research behind them from the World's Best Couples Counsellors and Psychologists.
The 3 Step Package consists of:
The package must completed in consecutive order:
3 Step Package: $900 ($140 Bonus Value)
Terms and Conditions of Discounted Package:
If you are both still committed to your relationship this package is for you. This package combines the best of the best Marriage Therapy tools including Gottman methods, Carl Rogers, Heart versus Ego (Andersen), Esther Perel, Narrative Therapy, Art Therapy, NLP and the 5 Love Languages (Chapman). These methods have decades of research behind them from the World's Best Couples Counsellors and Psychologists.
The 3 Step Package consists of:
- 2 Hour Couples Intensive: Diagnostic and Info Gathering (Unpacking the issues)
- 2 x 1 hour Back to Back Individual Counselling Sessions (Exploring the Ego Saboteur)
- 2 Hour Couples Intensive Communication Workshop (Repair Strategies and Communication: Active Listening Exercise)
The package must completed in consecutive order:
- First 2 Hour Couples Intensive: Ghita will diagnose and unpack the issues in the relationship. This is an information gathering session. There may be a lot of questions and reality checking. (Checking for the 4 Horsemen: Gottman, Understanding Gender Currencies: Perel.) Be prepared to be open and honest and do not minimise anything.
- Individual Sessions (Usually back to back): Each partner spends an hour with Ghita looking at what they are bringing into the relationship from old relationships or upbringing which are sabotaging the harmony of the union. Methods: Narrative, NLP and Art Therapy Exercise: Here we explore the sneaky mechanisms used by the Ego to divide and separate the couple. (*Usually a sense of hope and a new united front come out of these sessions)
- 2 Hour Intensive Communication Repair: Active Listening Exercise: In the second, two hour intensive session, comes the repair and communication. This intensive workshop will coach you and your partner in Active Listening (Carl Rogers). Each partner has a turn at speaking and listening. Most partners use a recent complaint or argument for their exercise topic and this is resolved.
- Listening to Listen, not to Respond
- Managing and De-escalating Conflict
- Validating Each Other
- Speaking Needs Clearly
- Avoiding Ego, Defensiveness and Your Story
- Creating Trust and Safety
- Turning Towards and Not Away
3 Step Package: $900 ($140 Bonus Value)
Terms and Conditions of Discounted Package:
- Do not book if there is any family violence - including chronic verbal abuse, violence, intimidation, financial control
- Full deposit required upon booking (Credit card required). Not available in session
- Clients select first 2 hour intensive session on the booking portal, after which the therapist has to book you in for the final appointments so that they can track the hours used
- No refunds on unused hours once begun: Eg: Client walkouts, Client Break-ups, Separations
- The consecutive order of the package is vital to it's success
- 24 Hours notice of postponements: 24 Hour Cancellation Policy
- Offer expires 30th June 2023. Valid 3 months from purchase.
Happy Customer Feedback:
★★★★★ 5 Star Google Review: Marriage Counselling: 3 Step 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 3 Step Program, it has saved our marriage. - Nicole Eggleton (Coomera).
★★★★★ Text Testimonial: Marriage Counselling:
'My psychologist recommended you as some of her clients had done couples counselling and said that you were very direct and got straight into doing the work of unpacking the issues. I thought that was just what we needed for our situation. We didn't want the type of approach that would take weeks to make any progress. Thank you so much Ghita.' - Angela (Currumbin).
★★★★★ Feedback Testimonial Marriage Counselling 2022
We had been to Couples Counselling before with another counsellor. We felt we were being sold a package last time rather than doing the work, so we did not achieve much. 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)
About Your Therapist
Ghita Andersen (B.Soc.Sci: Psych & Coun; Grad Cert FDR) is a professionally trained Counsellor and an Federally Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Mediator. Passionate about helping people and regarded as one of the most effective Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita uses a combination of methods designed to help clients to honestly express their needs in a safe, friendly environment. Ghita is known for her direct approach to problem solving and she will get to the heart of matters quickly. Expect to do some work! (Currumbin location only).
Because Couples Counselling is a personal process, it is important to remember that there is an initial free 10 minute phone consultation available. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Call us today at Ghita Therapy Counselling Gold Coast on 0439888070,
Select 'Package One: 3 Step Gottman Package' under Couples Counselling on the booking system.
Ghita Andersen (B.Soc.Sci: Psych & Coun; Grad Cert FDR) is a professionally trained Counsellor and an Federally Accredited Family Dispute Resolution Mediator. Passionate about helping people and regarded as one of the most effective Couples Counsellors on the Gold Coast, Ghita uses a combination of methods designed to help clients to honestly express their needs in a safe, friendly environment. Ghita is known for her direct approach to problem solving and she will get to the heart of matters quickly. Expect to do some work! (Currumbin location only).
Because Couples Counselling is a personal process, it is important to remember that there is an initial free 10 minute phone consultation available. Don't be afraid to reach out and ask questions. Call us today at Ghita Therapy Counselling Gold Coast on 0439888070,
Select 'Package One: 3 Step Gottman Package' under Couples Counselling on the booking system.
Package Requires Credit Card Deposit
Transcript from Active Listening Exercise (Step 3) (Carl Rogers Method):
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.
Unpacking the Issues and Repairing:
Methods Used:
- 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)
- 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.
- Narrative Therapy (Michael White and David Epston, NZ) - Externalising Problems to be Problems to be Worked on. Narrative Therapy
- Ghita Andersen: Heart versus Ego Method (Australia) - Negotiating Marital Agreements and Pre-Marital Contracts, The Relationship Triangle Concept, Codewords for Couples, Eye Gazing Exercise, Acting from Heart Not Ego: Benefit of Doubt, Arguing with Your Monkey Chatter. Heart Versus Ego 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.
- Art Therapy: Externalising our Inner-Critic: Working out the strategies the Ego uses to create drama and division in the relationship and how to overcome this:
Recommended Reading Pages (Both Partners):
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.
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.
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.
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