ISABELA LOPES

At the heart of my work is a deep respect for your experiences, emotions, and personal growth. I aim to create a space where you feel heard, understood, and safe to explore what is on your mind. Therapy isn’t about me being the expert on your life, my role is to embark on a journey with you into uncharted waters and explore what we might discover along the way. 

I have a particular interest in trauma, including the parts of ourselves we learn to hide, judge or believe are somehow unacceptable. I’m interested in helping people approach these parts with greater curiosity and making room to live in ways that feel true to who they are.

I work from a trauma-informed and client-centred perspective, integrating psychodynamic therapy, Schema Therapy, EMDR, CBT, DBT and ACT depending on the person, their needs, and what we are working on together.

I’m Brazilian and offer therapy in both English and Portuguese.

My professional experience spans NDIS, foster care, workplace rehabilitation, and not-for-profit organisations. I’ve also worked in private practice for the past six years.

I began my psychology studies in Brazil in 2014 at Universidade Federal Fluminense, before moving to Australia and starting from scratch at Macquarie University. (Fun!)

I hold an Honours degree in Psychology and am registered with the Psychology Board of Australia. I’m also a member of the Australian Association of Psychologists Inc. and a Trainee Member of the Australian and New Zealand Association of Psychotherapy. 

I’m currently completing a Master’s in Trauma-Informed Psychotherapy at the University of Sydney.

You’re looking for therapy that gives you room to explore rather than following a rigid formula; 

You’re curious about patterns that keep showing up in your life; 

You want someone who will listen and make space for your experience, while also asking questions and challenging you when it might be helpful.

You want your therapist to feel like a real person — someone warm, genuine and with a sense of humour.

If that sounds like the kind of therapeutic relationship you’re looking for, you’re welcome to get in touch.