Karina

Miss Karina Vaccarezza

Professional Counselor

“I'm proudly registered as a Counsellor with NZAC, and my journey in Clinical Psychology led me through studies in Uruguay. In my therapeutic approach, you'll find a blend of competence and genuine compassion. I'm committed to creating a warm inviting space with empathy. I have training in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy.”

About Me

I offer a warm, inviting space where you can explore life's challenges with genuine compassion. My clinical psychology background, including studies in Uruguay, informs a practical yet empathetic approach. We can work together, using techniques like Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, to gain clarity and develop insights. Clients seeking a supportive, competent environment will find a collaborative path to understanding and moving forward.

Approach

Sessions unfold at your pace; I blend practical tools with reflective conversation so you can try small changes between meetings. Whether we meet in Wānaka or online, in English or Spanish, I keep the space straightforward and steady, checking in about what feels useful each week. We track patterns that fuel anxiety, anger or low mood, rehearsing new responses and building short, achievable skills informed by evidence-based techniques. People seeking a calm, collaborative way to regain confidence and manage stress often find this approach helpful.
Contact Karina

Ask a quick question or arrange a time to meet.

Basic Information

In-person & Online

Services

Services Offered:

  • Counseling

    A form of talk therapy providing a safe, confidential space to explore feelings, thoughts, and behaviours with a trained professional.

    Learn more about Counseling

Works With:

  • Adults
  • Individuals

Area of Expertise

Scope of Practice:

  • Anger

    An intense emotional response to perceived threat, injustice, or frustration that, when persistent or uncontrolled, can damage relationships and well-being.

    Learn more about Anger
  • Anxiety

    Persistent worry, nervousness, or fear that is disproportionate to the situation and interferes with daily functioning.

    Learn more about Anxiety
  • Behaviour or Conduct Issues

    Persistent patterns of defiant, aggressive, or rule-breaking behaviour in children or adolescents that significantly disrupt home, school, or social life.

  • Mood Disorder

    A category of mental health conditions, including depression and bipolar disorder, in which a person's emotional state is significantly and persistently disrupted.

    Learn more about Mood Disorder
  • Stress / Burnout

    The body and mind's response to prolonged or excessive demands. When sustained, it can lead to emotional exhaustion, detachment, and reduced functioning (burnout).

    Learn more about Stress / Burnout
  • PTSD

    Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a condition that develops after a traumatic event, causing flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and emotional numbness.

    Learn more about PTSD
  • Self-Esteem

    A person's overall sense of their own worth and value. When chronically low, it can drive self-doubt, avoidance, and difficulty in relationships.

    Learn more about Self-Esteem

Professional Title:

  • Professional Counselor

    A counselor qualified to provide professional mental health counselling services.

Credentials

Registrations

New Zealand Association of Counsellors (NZAC)

Counsellor

Qualifications

Universidad Católica del Uruguay

Service Areas

Wanaka

In-person & Online

Wānaka, Otago Region

New Zealand

Wānaka, New Zealand