Raquel Tomaino
Counselling
Compassionate counselling offering a safe place to build self-esteem, manage anxiety, and find balance.
My Approach
It’s easy to feel alone when you’re struggling, especially when it feels like you’re supposed to just keep it together and figure things out on your own. We’re often told there’s a “right” way to feel, or that some emotions are good and others are bad. But the truth is, being human is a lot messier than that. Feelings like fear, anger, shame, or jealousy aren’t wrong, they’re just signals trying to tell us something. Instead of pushing them down, I try to help people get curious about them and respond with a bit more understanding and self-compassion.
Often, what we find is that these feelings come from different parts of us - like the part that wants to keep everyone happy, the part that feels exhausted by that, or the part that still carries hurt from the past. We all have these inner parts that sometimes pull in different directions, each trying to protect us in their own way. My work focuses on helping you get to know these parts with compassion, so they can soften and work together rather than against each other.
As a counselling psychotherapist, my approach is warm, relaxed, and conversational. I believe in creating a non judgmental space where you can bring every part of yourself, even the ones that feel hard to talk about, and start to understand them with more kindness and clarity.
Whether it’s adjusting unhelpful thoughts, improving emotional regulation, or learning to embrace yourself as you are, my approach draws from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Attachment Theory and Internal Family Systems.
Common challenges I work with:
Self esteem
Attachment issues
Identity
Relational challenges
Communication
Anxiety and depression
Job and school dissatisfaction
Trauma
Grief and loss
Emotional regulation
About Me
I spent many of my own teenage years feeling isolated, relying on coping mechanisms that, over time, led me to withdraw from those closest to me. It took years into adulthood to realise that these insular and depressive patterns weren’t who I was, but strategies I had developed to protect myself. It’s a painful thing to feel misunderstood by others, only to later realise that you don’t fully understand yourself.
Having experienced the support of my own therapist, I was inspired to pursue a career in counselling. I know firsthand how important it is to feel seen, supported, and given the space to understand who you are and what you need - no matter your age. While I have a deep passion for supporting young people as they navigate life’s complexities, I work with people of all ages and backgrounds. The challenges we face might look different across life stages, but the need for connection, self-awareness, and healing is universal.
My goal is to create a space where you feel comfortable being open, sharing your experiences, and ultimately leaving with a sense of being genuinely heard and understood.
Kind Words
"I just want to again reiterate how appreciative I have been of your help during my recovery. I hope you continue to help people as you are a natural at it and display real empathy."
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"I feel incredibly safe and supported by Raquel as my Counsellor, who has had a positive impact on my life by helping me develop coping mechanisms for my anxiety, and to feel safe. Raquel has helped me develop in effective communication in my relationships, and has increased my confidence greatly. Thank you Raquel, for your ongoing counselling and for building trust with me as a vulnerable client."
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"I just want to again reiterate how appreciative I have been of your help during my recovery. I hope you continue to help people as you are a natural at it and display real empathy." * "I feel incredibly safe and supported by Raquel as my Counsellor, who has had a positive impact on my life by helping me develop coping mechanisms for my anxiety, and to feel safe. Raquel has helped me develop in effective communication in my relationships, and has increased my confidence greatly. Thank you Raquel, for your ongoing counselling and for building trust with me as a vulnerable client." *
Book an appointment
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In Person
I offer in person appointments in both Malvern and Carlton, typically between 8am and 6pm.
đź“Ť 1227 Malvern Rd, Malvern 3144
đź“Ť 235C Tyler St, Preston 3072
Fee: $140
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Online
Online appointments are great if you prefer speaking from the comfort of your home. Just ensure you have stable internet and a private space!
Fee: $140
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Free 15 min Discovery Call
Alternatively, you can book a free 15 minute pressure-free discovery call to make sure I’m the right fit!
FAQS
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Yes, I completed my Master of Counselling in 2024 and have been registered with the Australian Counselling Association (ACA) since.
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At the moment, no, a GP referral is not required to access counselling. Counselling in Australia is not currently classified as an Allied Health service, which means sessions are not eligible for Medicare rebates. We are hopeful this will change soon! However, my fees are comparable to the out-of-pocket costs of seeing a psychologist with a Mental Health Care Plan.
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Yes, everything we discuss in counselling is kept confidential. The only exceptions are if there is a risk of harm to yourself or others, or if I am legally required to share information (e.g., court orders, mandatory reporting). If any concerns arise, I will always aim to discuss them with you first.
For clients under 18, confidentiality is handled with care. While I encourage family involvement where appropriate, the young person is ultimately my client, and their privacy is my priority. Information will only be shared with parents or guardians if the client consents or if there are safety concerns that require disclosure.
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Just access to wi-fi or mobile data. I will send you a Teams link prior to the appointment, and you can join via your internet browser like Google Chrome or Safari by clicking on the link. You don’t need to download anything!
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No, I generally don’t provide formal psychological or diagnostic assessments. My focus is on counselling and therapeutic support, helping clients explore their thoughts, emotions, and challenges in a safe and supportive space. If you require an assessment, I can help guide you toward the appropriate professionals or services.
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I understand that life happens, and sometimes you may need to cancel or reschedule your appointment. If that’s the case, I’d really appreciate it if you could let me know as soon as possible via email.
Where possible, please provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to change or cancel an appointment. Cancellations within less than 24 hours or non-attendance will incur the full consultation fee.