Isabel Alfonso
Hello!
I am a Psychologist and a Focusing-Oriented Therapist.
I have experience working with adolescents and adults in non-profit organisations and private practice.
Member of the International Focusing Institute
Isabel Alfonso - Story
Growing up in a family with big emotions, I naturally fell into the role of listener and pacifier, and became very attuned to cues of the emotional states of others.
My listening skills developed further with Nonviolent Communication, which taught me to listen beyond words, for people’s feelings and needs. Then, during my 4-year training as a Focusing-Oriented Therapist, I learned that what is most important is to teach people how to listen to themselves.
While Nonviolent Communication and Focusing taught me about listening, my psychology degree gave me the scientific knowledge. It taught me what research shows about human behaviour and evidence-based practice.
Approach
My approach to therapy integrates both worlds. I combine strategies from conventional talk therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Terapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Terapy (ACT), with Focusing-Oriented Therapy, an experiential, body-based and evidence-based practice.
During sessions, I like to offer practical tools to help clients cope better from the start. I also may provide psychoeducation, that is, research findings on a particular topic or theoretical explanations for a behaviour.
At the same time, I facilitate self-exploration and self-connection because, ultimately, only you know what is best for you. I can only help you look inside yourself for the answer.
Why choose me as your Psychologist?
A personalised and thoughtful approach
Quality over quantity: I don’t overload my schedule with as many clients as possible. Instead, I ensure that I have the mental space and energy to be fully present and engaged in each session.
Session preparation: I don’t just turn up unprepared. I take time to reflect on what might be most helpful for you, so that you get the most out of each session.
Feedback-Informed Treatment (FIT): I track your progress with brief questionnaires to tailor therapy based on your feedback.
A mind-body approach to help you in the short term and in the long term.
I integrate cognitive and behavioral strategies (working with the mind) alongside somatic approaches (working with the body).
This two-pronged approach helps with coping in the short term while also fostering deeper, more lasting change—a change that can be felt in the body, in how the body is holding the issue.
Specialised and evidence-based care
Trained in both traditional (CBT, ACT) and innovative approaches (Focusing-Oriented Therapy). This allows me to adapt therapy to your needs and preferences.
As a Focusing-Oriented Therapist, I have four years of additional training in this somatic approach.
I use scientifically supported approaches to ensure therapy is effective and tailored to your unique needs.
A profession you can trust
Registered and regulated: In Australia, psychology is a regulated profession, meaning psychologists must meet strict educational, ethical, and professional standards. I am registered with the Psychology Board of Australia (PsyBA) and adhere to the guidelines set by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) to ensure safe and effective practice.
Confidential and ethical: As a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS), I follow its Code of Ethics, ensuring that your personal information is kept confidential and that I provide care with integrity and professionalism.