Counselling & psychotherapy · Melbourne & online
Welcome to Integrative Holistic Counselling and Psychotherapy
Counselling that helps you unlock potential and reach the hidden depths you already carry.
Meet Regina VaksmanMaster of Counselling, BA · she/her
About Regina
I am an accredited, dedicated, and trauma-informed Certified Practising Counsellor committed to social justice, individual empowerment, and cultural diversity. Holding a Master of Counselling from Deakin University and a Bachelor of Arts in Community Development, I draw from over two decades of experience across clinical placements, community consultation, and private practice advocacy.
Master of Counselling, Deakin University · Bachelor of Arts in Community Development · Certified Practising Counsellor
Who I amshe / her
My pronouns are she/her and I identify as a cisgender woman. I am a mum, a sister, a carer to elderly family members, and no stranger to disability — a wife, and very much part of the sandwich generation.
I love working with children and young people, as well as couples, families and the older generations.
Not much can shock me. What I hope to bring you is a wealth of support, understanding and validation.
The key in our mark
You'll notice a small key beside the three hearts in our logo. It's there on purpose. I believe every person carries hidden depths — strengths, insights and capacities that stress, trauma or life upheaval can lock away from view.
Counselling isn't about me handing you answers. It's about walking beside you until you find the keys that open what is already there. Sometimes the key is a new word for an old feeling. Sometimes it's a boundary, a breath, a value named out loud, or a story finally told.
What sits behind the door is your potential — and it is never too late to unlock it.
My therapeutic philosophy
My therapeutic philosophy is deeply rooted in Rogerian person-centered values: meeting every client with empathy, strict professional congruence, and unconditional positive regard. I understand that every life story is shaped by unique intersecting dynamics, and I prioritize creating an egalitarian space where you feel seen, respected, and securely heard.
Empathy
Your experience is met with warmth and understood from your point of view, not mine.
Professional congruence
A genuine, honest relationship where I show up as a real person, consistently and transparently.
Unconditional positive regard
You are accepted and valued as you are, without judgement or conditions.
My Therapeutic Modalities & Specialties
I utilise an integrative, evidence-based toolkit tailored specifically to your unique needs, seamlessly weaving together:
My training in these modalities was completed within my Master of Counselling (Deakin University) and through ongoing professional development and clinical supervision. In line with PACFA's Scope of Practice for Registered Counsellors, I only deliver interventions I am suitably trained and skilled to provide — no separate per-modality certification is required for a tertiary-qualified, PACFA-registered counsellor.
PACFA Certified Practising Counsellor · Reg. No 33772
View my PACFA membership certificate (PDF)Gottman Method Couples Therapy (Level 1)
Formal relationship assessments and conflict-resolution frameworks that strengthen communication and friendship systems.
CBT & Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Structural thought-replacement models and clarity of personal values, drawn from Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and ACT.
Emotion-Focused (EFT) & Somatic Interventions
Navigating intense emotional patterns and processing distress through safe, grounding nervous system regulation.
Play-Informed & Expressive Arts Therapy
Creative outlets for younger demographics or individuals processing deep-seated transitions.
Whether you are navigating major life upheavals, processing systemic stress, looking to strengthen an intimate relationship, or seeking practical, neuro-affirming strategies for ADHD, autism and executive focus, my objective is to walk beside you, empower your personal growth, and co-design sustainable paths toward a fulfilling life.
Every one of those paths begins with a key: the belief that you carry hidden depths and potential worth discovering — at your own pace, in your own time.