Raquel Tomaino
Counselling
Compassionate counselling offering a safe place to build self-esteem, manage anxiety, and find balance.
My Approach
Most of us have been taught - whether we realised it or not - that some feelings are okay and others aren't. That fear, anger, shame, or jealousy are things to push through or get rid of. But in my experience, those feelings aren't the problem. They're trying to tell us something. And when we stop long enough to actually listen, things start to shift.
A lot of what I do is grounded in the idea that we're not just one thing. We all have different parts of ourselves - the part that wants to please everyone, the part that's completely exhausted by that, the part that gets defensive when it feels attacked, the part that still carries something painful from years ago. These parts aren't flaws. They developed for a reason, usually to protect us. But sometimes they end up running the show in ways that don't really serve us anymore.
What I find is that when people can actually get to know these parts - with some curiosity instead of judgment - something loosens. The inner critic softens. The people-pleaser doesn't have to work so hard. The part that's been carrying old hurt starts to feel like it's not carrying it alone anymore.
My sessions are warm, relaxed, and conversational. I draw from Internal Family Systems, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Narrative Therapy, and Attachment Theory - but what that looks like in practice is just: we talk, get curious, and we figure out what you actually need and works best for you.
Couples Therapy
Relationships are where so much of our stuff comes up. The patterns we learned early, the ways we learned to protect ourselves, the things we never quite learned to say. All of it tends to surface in our closest relationships. Which is why couples work, to me, isn't just about communication skills or conflict resolution. It's about understanding what's actually happening underneath - and sometimes, having real practical tools to help you get there.
Working relationally is the area I'm most passionate about. When the same arguments keep happening, or there's a growing distance that's hard to name, or trust has been damaged and you're not sure where to start - that's exactly the kind of work I find meaningful. But you don't have to be in crisis to come. I work with couples at all stages, including those who are early in a relationship and want to build something intentional, or those who just want to keep growing together. Relationships take ongoing tending, and I think there's something really valuable about not waiting until things feel urgent.
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 a lot of my own younger years not really understanding myself and relying on patterns that made sense at the time but quietly got in the way of feeling close to people. It took a while to realise those patterns weren't who I was. They were just strategies I'd developed to cope. That shift from feeling misunderstood to actually starting to understand yourself is something I find quietly profound, and it's a big part of why I do this work.
I came to counselling through my own experience of therapy, and I know firsthand how much it matters to feel genuinely seen. That's what I try to offer - a space that's non-judgmental, human, and actually useful. Somewhere you can bring the parts of yourself that feel complicated or hard to talk about, and start to understand them with a bit more compassion.
I work with adults of all ages and backgrounds. Whatever stage of life you're in, the need for connection and self-understanding is something I see in everyone I work with.
Book an appointment
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In-person & Online
I offer in person appointments in both Malvern and Preston, typically between 8am and 6pm.
đź“Ť 235C Tyler St, Preston 3072
đź“Ť 1227 Malvern Rd, Malvern 3144
Online appointments are great if you prefer speaking from the comfort of your home. Just make sure you have stable internet and a private space!
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Individual
Individual Fee: $140
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Couples
Couples Fee: $230
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.