Anxiety Therapy

with registered Psychologist

in the Northern Beaches & online

RELEASE TENSION. FEEL MORE GROUNDED.

Medicare Rebates

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Book a free 15-min intro call

My mind-body treatment approach for anxiety

When you first come to see me, I take time to get to know you and what’s been happening in your life. In our early sessions, we’ll explore your current struggles, relevant past experiences, and what feels most important to you now.

I draw from different therapeutic approaches and tailor therapy to your needs, preferences, and pace, so it feels supportive and meaningful.

I approach anxiety through both the mind and the body.

The mind - practical strategies

I offer practical cognitive and behavioural strategies from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). These tools can help you relate differently to anxious thoughts and feelings, so you can start coping more effectively early on in therapy.

From an ACT perspective, anxiety is often maintained by getting caught in worry and by efforts to avoid or control uncomfortable inner experiences. While understandable, this can gradually shrink life and limit what feels possible. ACT focuses on gently noticing and making room for inner experiences, while moving towards what matters to you. Depending on your situation, this may include approaches such as gradual exposure, always at your pace.

The body - tunning in with compassion

Alongside this, I work with the body through Focusing. Anxiety doesn’t live only in the mind — it’s often felt physically as tightness, restlessness, pressure, or a sense that something isn’t quite right. In Focusing, we gently turn towards these bodily experiences rather than pushing them away.

By slowing down and paying compassionate attention to what is happening in the body, many people notice a softening or shift over time. This process can feel deeply grounding, creating a greater sense of stability and ease. For people experiencing anxiety, Focusing can help reduce the intensity of physical symptoms, increase tolerance for uncomfortable sensations, and lessen the cycle of fear about anxiety itself.

If this mind-body approach resonates with you, please reach out.

Contact Isabel
Isabel Alfonso, Psychologist in Sydney's Northern Beaches and online.

Isabel Alfonso - Psychologist Northern Beaches

Registered Psychologist | Certified Focusing Oriented Therapist & Trainer

AHPRA registration number PSY0002146686

Member of the Australian Psychological Society

I aim to create a safe space for you where you feel truly heard and where you can:

  • come to terms with your past

  • reduce its effect on the present

  • find the best way forward.

My therapeutic approach integrates:

  • Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

  • Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

  • Focusing Oriented Therapy (a somatic therapy)

  • Family Systems Therapy

  • Non-violent Communication (NVC)

Learn more about Isabel.

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Why choose me as your Psychologist?

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

  • Item deRegistered 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.scription

Still unsure?

I offer a free 15-minute call so you can ask questions and get a sense of whether you would like to work together.

Book a free 15 minute call

Fees

$200 per standard 50 minute session

MEDICARE REBATES with GP referral: $98.95 per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.

REBATES FROM SOME PRIVATE HEALTH FUNDS

Contact Isabel

For any questions, to make an appointment or book a free 15-minute intro call:

email isabel@selfconnectpsychology.au

ring 0400 86 85 84

or fill in the form

After you submit:

• I’ll reply within 2 business days
• All information is confidential