BPsych(Hons 1st), MAPS, FOT, FT. Languages: English and Spanish.
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Practical tools and a mind-body approach
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Isabel Alfonso is a registered Psychologist, and a certified Focusing-Oriented Therapist and Trainer. She is also certified to provide counselling for problem gambling. Isabel has experience working with young people and adults in private practice and non-profit organisations. She is currently working with clients above 16
years of age.
Her approach is flexible and tailored to the client’s needs and preferences. She combines practical cognitive and behavioural strategies with Focusing-Oriented Therapy, an experiential, body-based practice, to reach deeper than with traditional psychology approaches alone and generate more profound shifts.
Focusing is an evidence-based practice originating from research by Eugene Gendlin. He discovered that what distinguished clients who improved in therapy from those who did not was that successful clients were regularly checking inside themselves for a whole bodily felt sense of their situation. Gendlin called this Focusing. Focusing-Oriented Therapists promote this skill in clients who do it naturally and can teach it to the others.
Isabel combines Focusing with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Nonviolent Communication (NVC). ACT blends mindfulness with cognitive and behavioural tools that clients can use to start coping better from the start. NVC helps clients reduce conflict in their relationships and increase connection by
communicating in a compassionate manner.
When assessing clients Isabel also draws from Family System Theory and Attachment Theory and considers the impact of upbringing. Isabel’s thesis focused on the influence of attachment styles on hoarding, and she has treated clients with hoarding disorder.
While Isabel can treat a wide range of problems, she has a special interest in anxiety and stress, as well as adverse childhood experiences. Other interests are work issues, communication skills, relationship problems, gambling, and body image.
Medicare and Health Fund rebates may apply.
QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor of Psychology with First Class Honours
Certified Focusing-Oriented Therapist
Certified Focusing Trainer
Certified to provide counselling for problem gambling
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
A: Suite 8, Building 7, 49 Frenchs Forest Road East, Frenchs Forest, NSW 2086
E: isabel@selfconnectpsychology.au
T: 0400 86 85 84
www.selfconnectpsychology.au