Raquel Tomaino
Counselling
Compassionate counselling, offering a safe place to build self-esteem, manage anxiety, and find balance.
My Approach
Feeling isolated is a natural response when struggling, especially with the unspoken expectation to manage everything on our own. We're often told there’s a right and wrong way to feel - good emotions and bad ones. But the human experience is far more nuanced than that. Emotions like fear, anger, shame, and jealousy are a natural part of life, and instead of pushing them aside, I encourage leaning into these feelings to foster understanding and self-compassion.
We’re all made up of different parts - some we’re proud of, and others we might struggle to accept. My work focuses on nurturing all of these parts, creating space for self-acceptance, healing, and growth. As a counselling psychotherapist my approach is warm, relaxed, and conversational. I very much believe in creating a non-judgmental space where we can explore the parts of you that might not always feel easy to talk about.
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 and body image
Attachment issues
Identity formation
Family difficulties
Friendship challenges
Communication
Emotional regulation
Relationship challenges
Anxiety and depression
Men’s and boy’s mental health
Job and school dissatisfaction
Unwell family members
Trauma
Grief and loss
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 me 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 273 High St, Northcote 3070
đź“Ť 1227 Malvern Rd, Malvern 3144
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. Cancellations with less than 48 hours’ notice will incur a 50% fee, and those within 24 hours will be charged the full session rate. If special circumstances arise, please let me know so we can chat and work out a fair arrangement.