Isabella Rose Alonzo-Gatti
Hi, I'm Isabella, a Filipina born and raised in Manila, Philippines. I immigrated to New York City at the age of 37 and am now based in Los Angeles, CA.
My Story
My journey into the realm of couples and family therapy was not just a career choice; it was a personal odyssey driven by a profound desire to understand the intricate dynamics of family life. As a child, I yearned for a different family experience, which sparked my quest for self and genuine connections. It was through my own journey of self-discovery that I finally glimpsed the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
In an astonishing twist, my life underwent a transformation in ways I never imagined. The shifts were overwhelming but positive, and I was inspired to pursue a career that would enable me to guide others along a similar path of personal growth and healing. My fascination with couples and families began to take root, and my educational journey in this field became a passionate pursuit.
I dove into the exciting world of Psychology with fire and fervor, completing my Bachelor's and Master's with High Distinction. With these foundational achievements, I began working on my doctorate in Clinical Counseling Psychology.
With over a decade of clinical practice as a counseling psychologist in the Philippines, I've worked with esteemed psychologists across various settings, gaining valuable experience in psychological evaluations, forensic psychology, annulment and child custody cases, corporate recruiting, and benchmark testing. My work brought me into contact with extraordinary individuals and families from all walks of life, each facing their own unique emotional challenges.
Discovering the transformative power of Play Therapy while working with children marked a pivotal moment in my career. This led me to pursue training with Play Therapy Australia, and I later had the privilege of learning from the renowned Dr. Gary Landreth, a true giant in the field of Child-Centered Play Therapy.
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I launched my private practice, Kid Whisperer, in 2008, where I observed an unexpected improvement in my counseling effectiveness with adult clients. This exciting new chapter brought deeper self-exploration and sharing, as I developed the ability to pick up on subtle cues—an invaluable skill I cultivated by embracing the rich, nuanced communication of children.
"My work brought me into contact with extraordinary individuals and families from all walks of life, each facing their unique emotional challenges."
Alongside my clinical practice, the performing arts have been an exciting and integral part of my life.
Theater, in itself, is an incredibly therapeutic medium, and this perspective has significantly enriched my clinical approach. This and my experience with children has inspired me to infuse empathy and creativity into my therapy sessions, opening doors to new and more meaningful connections with my clients.
Upon moving to the United States, I completed my master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy.
During my incredible two and a half years of training at the Southern California Counseling Center, a dedicated low-cost, non-profit health center serving the LA community, I focused on couples, families, and trauma. This life-changing experience opened my eyes to the profound impact of relationships and the challenges that come from disconnection. There’s truly nothing more fulfilling for me than helping couples and families rebuild and strengthen their connections..
I am thrilled to share that I am currently a proud member of the International Centre for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) and EFT Center of Los Angeles (EFTCLA), where I am passionately pursuing a rigorous certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) - the gold standard in effective intervention for couples. To provide the highest level of care for my clients, I engage in weekly clinical EFT supervision with the amazing certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor, Ossi Pace, and I make it a priority to attend annual EFT trainings to stay at the forefront of this model. Plus, I bring extensive training in the Gottman Couples Method to the table!
On top of that, I am fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR and Attachment-focused EMDR, which I draw from when working with trauma. I'm also actively working towards my EMDR certification with The Institute for Creative Mindfulness and am a proud member of the EMDR International Association.
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I am excited to be collaborating with two fantastic private practice groups, as an Associate MFT at Trauma Resolution Therapy Group and Ossi Pace & Associates - Reviving Relationships.
My Credentials
With over 15 years of extensive experience as a psychologist and psychotherapist, I have consistently supported children, teens, couples, and families through their toughest challenges. Additionally, I offer a rich background of 50 years of personal human experience.
Education M.A. in Marital and Family Therapy from Alliant International University -California School of Professional Psychology, CA Ph.D. (c) in Counseling Psychology with specialization in Clinical Counseling from De La Salle University, Manila M.A in Psychological Services from Assumption College - Graduate School, Manila B.S. in Psychology from Assumption College, Manila
Professional Affiliations California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT) - Associate Member American Association of Couples and Sex Therapists (AACAST) International Center for Excellence in Emotionally Focused Therapy (ICEEFT) EFT Center of Los Angeles EMDRIA International Association IFS Institute Circle
Additional Training Emotionally Focused Family Therapy (EFFT): Essentials with James Furrow and Kathryn de Bruin; Nancy Aikin and Gail Palmer Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT): Core Skills with Dr. Rebecca Jorgensen, and Dr. Scott Woolley Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFT): Externship with Kathryn de Bruin Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) for Attachment Trauma with Dr. Sue Johnson Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT): Attachment-based Interventions to Treat Trauma, Anxiety & Depression with Dr. Sue Johnson Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Attachment Science in Practice with Dr. Sue Johnson, James Furrow, and Leanne Campbell Emotionally Focused Individual Therapy (EFIT) for Attachment Trauma: Transforming Psychological Wounds for Adult Clients Traumatized as Children with Dr. Sue Johnson and Leanne Campbell Gottman Method Couples Therapy -Levels 1 and 2 Integrative Sex and Couples Certification Training with Tammy Nelson: Certified Sex Therapy Informed Professional (CSTIP) Course Esther Perel's Transformative Approach to Couples Therapy in Action Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) with The Institute for Creative Mindfulness with Dr. Stephen Dansinger Attachment-Focused EMDR at Southern California Counseling Center Mastering Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy for Trauma, Anxiety, Depression, & Adiction: An Intensive Course with Dr. Richard Schwartz & Dr. Frank Anderson Internal Family Systems (IFS) for Complex Trauma with Dr. Richard Schwartz To Forgive or Not to Forgive? Releasing the Pain of Relational Trauma with Dr. Frank Anderson Repairing the Internal Attachment with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy with Dr. Frank Anderson DBT and Personality Disorder Dual Certification Training with Lane Pederson, PsyD, LP, C-DB and Gregory Lester, Ph.D. Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) – Medical University of South California (MUSC) Trauma Resiliency Model (TRM) at Southern California Counseling Center (SCCC) Family Systems with Angela Caldwell : Family Interaction Cycles, Family Mapping, Resistance in Families, & Non-Suicidal Self-Injury Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) – University of California, Davis/Child and Adolescent Abuse Resource and Evaluation Diagnostic and Treatment Center/PCIT Training Center Child-Centered Play Therapy (CCPT) with Dr. Gary Landreth, Center for Play Therapy, North Texas Post-Graduate Certificate in Clinical Play Therapy – Play Therapy Australia, Brisbane Feminist Therapy with Dr. Raquel Edralin Tiglao -Women’s Crisis Center, Philippines
Beyond Therapy
I’m an incredibly proud mother of a vibrant 30-year-old daughter and a devoted wife to my loving husband! My clinical and personal experiences have given me a deep appreciation for the intricacies of human relationships, empowering me to be a steadfast pillar of support during challenging times. When I’m not immersed in my professional pursuits, you can find me joyfully whipping a delightful meal, getting lost into a good book, singing my heart out, and playing the piano! I absolutely love swimming, scuba diving, and skydiving, along with mindful runs and spinning vinyl records with my husband, all while cherishing those heartfelt conversations with my daughter!
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Did you know?
Isabella co-authored a book entitled, "Sex, Lies, and Simple Truths - Filipino Women in Challenged Relationships,” - an anthology of master theses written in prose with her colleagues at the Assumption College - Graduate School in Manila.
Her master's thesis on "The Other Woman" has won recognition and praise and ushered her into the world of academia, getting her invited to read relevant topics in counseling symposia and being published in leading magazines.
My goal is to create an inclusive space where individuals, couples, and families can delve into their relationship systems, anchored in the principles of understanding, respect, and cultural sensitivity.
Get In Touch
Feel free to reach out if you have any questions or would like to schedule a consultation. I am here to provide a supportive and non-judgmental space for you to explore your therapeutic needs.