Alpha Ponce Gestalt and EFT therapist in West End Brisbane

Hi, I am Alpha; I see clients via Zoom or in person in West End, Brisbane. I graduated as a Psychologist in Mexico and hold a Master’s in Gestalt therapy. I have focused my skills on supporting adults healing from complex trauma (or developmental trauma). My approach is relational and client-centred; I acknowledge my clients as the experts in their lives and give them authority in their therapy work. I use Gestalt, Emotionally Focused Therapy, Family Constellations, Sensorimotor Therapy and Compassionate Inquiry, and I have a basic but substantial knowledge of Internal Family Systems.
I use supportive frameworks to help you gently release the layers of your childhood and recent trauma, triggers, tension and suppressed emotions held in the body. These feelings are often at the root of various emotional and physical challenges, including mental health issues and addiction. I create a safe space in a nurturing, compassionate therapeutic relationship where you can heal your emotional wounds and reconnect with your body’s wisdom.
Through this process, you can explore, understand and heal the traumatic events you experienced as a child, recognise the beliefs you have internalised, and feel the emotions you may have suppressed. This healing journey involves you and I (me) working together to uncover more profound levels of consciousness, mental and emotional climates, hidden assumptions, understanding triggers and bringing awareness to body memories.  Your body holds the wisdom and messages beyond words that guide you towards healing.
As we release ourselves from these past stories, a new way of being can emerge—one that allows for spontaneity, choice, growth, freedom and building healthy relationships.

Read more about Alpha below...

Pricing: $190/hour
Holistic Trauma-Informed Therapy

$150/hour
Counselling

Note: Alpha offers a free 15-minute phone or Zoom conversation, so you can get a sense if she's a good fit for you.

Complex trauma (or developmental trauma) might develop when an unsupported child goes through difficult times with their caregiver. For example, when the caregiver is emotionally disconnected, neglectful, or loving one minute and extremely angry the next. This can lead to the child feeling constantly unsafe.

The following symptoms and effects are generally associated with complex trauma:

• It can be challenging to connect with others and maintain strong relationships.

• Difficulty regulating emotions and behaviour such as anger, fear, and shame.

• Challenges related to attention span and other cognitive abilities.

• Dissociation from reality.

• Mind and body disconnection, feeling numb.

• Low self-esteem: believing you are unlovable or not good enough.

• Anxiety.

• Depression.

• Difficulty trusting others.

• Fear of abandonment.

• Suicidal ideation.

• ADHD.

• Unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse, addictions, and eating disorders.

• An overall negative outlook on the world.

Trauma modifies the brain's structure, function, and chemistry in development. How we were raised shapes our adulthood; our early experiences shape our beliefs about ourselves, others, and the world.
However, knowing that our brain possesses adaptability can help us forge fresh pathways conducive to healing and restoration. We have an inherent ability to overcome trauma, especially if we find and receive proper professional support.
I would create a strong, genuine, and safe working alliance with you based on mutual respect and honesty. I would treat you as my equal and welcome all your thoughts, feelings, and emotions. I would involve psychoeducation to help you understand more about your mind, body, and emotional regulation skills. I would develop exercises that will enable you to connect with your wisdom and create new neural pathways in your brain to cope with stressful situations more effectively, paving the way for a healthier and happier you.

More about Alpha

Brisbane-based Psychotherapist and Counsellor, and founder of Wise Beginning.

As an immigrant woman, I understand the many challenges that life presents as an immigrant. These challenges can present in experiences such as “othering”, exclusion and isolation – and these can have a direct impact on mental health (especially confidence and sense of self-worth). 

My ability to empathise with these challenges gives me a unique cultural perspective to connect with clients to address their sense of belonging and deal with different challenges.

I am very determined and always apply myself 100% to achieve my goals. Despite the experiences of losing a sister, domestic violence, and discrimination in a foreign country far from family support, I still found a way not to lose sight of what I wanted to achieve. As a result of my perseverance, I have grown stronger and more resilient from these challenges. 

I have also assisted migrants who are vulnerable because of migration.

I aim to build a genuine, collaborative relationship with clear boundaries, accompanying you through an awareness-raising process.

I am open-minded and comfortable with diversity. I will develop the best quality of connection with you, giving you authority in the therapeutic work as I believe and honour that you have wisdom and are the expert in your life.

I offer Counselling and Psychotherapy in English and Spanish.

If you want to learn more about Alpha and her services, please visit her website and contact her:

alpha.ponce@wisebeginning.com.au
https://wisebeginning.com.au/

book a session with Alpha

Testimonials

I've been through a few practitioners over the last 2 years but no one has made me feel more seen, heard and understood than Alpha.
I'm glad that I found such an empathetic therapist who really listens to me. She is intentional with her questions and holds space for me to deep dive into my past and present self.
I originally came to her to help me cope with past trauma and she didn't just give me worksheets and pushed me to "move forward" from it. Instead, she engaged me in discussions and exercises to help me find the root of why things happened the way it did. I really appreciated this as it was what I was looking for in a therapist.
I feel safe to be vulnerable with Alpha and I always feel lighter and more happy when I leave the session. I would highly recommend Alpha if you are looking for someone to cope with whatever challenges you are going through.

CL.

I cannot understate how effective Alpha has been for me. I saw her for 6 sessions and the change in my baseline mood, communication and internal dialogue is incredible! I’ve seen psychologists before and they weren’t as helpful as Alpha is. Her direct communication, transparency and creative exercises have made such a difference for me. The price can seem like a lot of money during a cost of living crisis but it’s worth every centThank you Alpha!!!!

EB.

Since connecting with Alpha from Wise Beginnings, I have experienced drastic changes in my mental wellbeing. Alpha’s unique approach sets her apart from other industry professionals by exploring and mobilising her patient’s our inner wisdom to guide targeted, self-directed improvement that yields sustainable, permanent results. Her care, compassion, and vulnerability invite clients to be honest with themselves and adopt a new perspective on life and problems of the past, present, and future, while her own experiences, knowledge, and wisdom add to the depth of personal exploration and healing. I absolutely 110% recommend Alpha’s services to anyone, but particularly those from diverse or minority backgrounds as she provides such a safe, warm, and welcoming environment as well as engages in relatable, culturally sensitive, and empathetic dialogue. Best psychotherapist (and mental health professional) in Brisbane! 😊

J.

Alpha Ponce

Alpha sees clients via Zoom and in West End, Brisbane.

Testimonials