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 longed for a different family experience, which caused me to struggle with my self-esteem and look for a deeper connection with those around me. Only when I embarked on a journey of self-discovery did I begin to see the proverbial light at the end of the tunnel.
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Remarkably, my life changed in ways I couldn't have 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 went into the study of Psychology with fire and fervor, finishing my BS and MA with High Distinction. With these foundational experiences I began working on my doctorate in Clinical Counseling Psychology.
Over a decade of clinical practice as a counseling psychologist in the Philippines, I've worked with renowned psychologists in various settings, gaining valuable experience in psychological evaluations, forensic psychology, annulment, child custody cases, corporate recruiting, and benchmark testing. My work brought me into contact with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, each facing 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 at Play Therapy Australia and later with Dr. Gary Landreth, internationally known for his work in Child-Centered Play Therapy.
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I opened my private practice, Kid Whisperer, in 2008, where I observed an unexpected improvement in my counseling effectiveness with adult clients. This newfound depth in self-exploration and sharing emerged from my heightened awareness of subtle cues, a skill honed through understanding children's nuanced communication.
"My work brought me into contact with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, each facing unique emotional challenges."
In addition to my clinical practice, the performing arts have been an integral part of my life.
Theater, in itself, is a therapeutic medium, and this perspective has significantly enriched my clinical approach. This and my experience with children have enabled me to craft empathetic and creative elements into my therapy sessions, opening doors to new and more meaningful connections with my clients.
After immigrating to the United States, I pursued a master's degree in Marital and Family Therapy.
In my two and a half years of training at the Southern California Counseling Center, a low-cost, non-profit mental health center serving the LA community, I specialized in couples, families, and trauma. Working with them, I witnessed the power of relationships and the pain and distress of disconnection. My heart resonates deeply when I am able to help partners or family members move from disconnection and renew their bond.
At present, I am pursuing a rigorous certification in Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), which is considered the gold standard in tested and proven interventions for couples. To ensure the best care for my clients, I participate in weekly clinical EFT supervision by certified EFT Therapist and Supervisor, Ossi Pace, and attend EFT trainings annually to stay current with the model. I am also extensively trained in the Gottman Couples Method.
Additionally, I am fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR and Attachment-focused EMDR, which I draw from when working with trauma. I am also working towards my EMDR certification with The Institute for Creative Mindfulness.
Currently, I am an Associate MFT at Trauma Resolution Therapy Group and Ossi Pace & Associates - Reviving Relationships.
My Credentials
I have over 15 years of experience as a psychologist and psychotherapist helping children, teens, adults, couples, and families in crisis...
... and 50 years of experience being a human.
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 am a proud mother of a beautiful 30 -year-old daughter and a devoted wife to a loving husband. My clinical and lived experiences have instilled in me a profound appreciation for the complexities of human relationships and the strength to serve as a pillar of support in times of crisis and emotional distress.
Beyond my professional responsibilities, I find joy in cooking, reading, singing and playing the piano, swimming, scuba and sky diving, enjoying mindful runs or vinyl records with my husband, and savoring meaningful 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.
2001 South Barrington Avenue
Suite 222
Los Angeles, CA 90025
info@isabellagatti.life
T: 213. 4BE. LLA2 (213. 423. 5522)