ABOUT RITA
From advocacy to therapy. A practice shaped by real experience
Before qualifying as a therapist, I spent many years working alongside people in crisis. I supported survivors of domestic violence, challenged discrimination, and helped develop policy to protect vulnerable communities. That work shaped how I understand what people carry with them, and what it really takes to begin healing.
MY PATH INTO THERAPY
Years of frontline work before a single day in the consulting room
My professional life began in the women’s sector and in local authority work focused on violence, hate, and discrimination. For several years I managed a specialist unit with a London Council dealing with domestic violence, homophobic and racially motivated hate crimes. It was work that demanded both practical skills and deep human understanding.
Alongside that frontline work, I was involved in policy development for many years, helping to shape how services were designed and delivered for people who had experienced abuse, violence, and systemic discrimination. I also worked extensively within diverse communities across London, helping to build trust and promote strong partnership work between agencies.
It was through this work, sitting with people at their most vulnerable and hearing what they needed, that I found my way to therapeutic practice. I undertook an MSc in Therapeutic Counselling and began the transition from policy and advocacy into direct, one-to-one clinical work.
Everything I learned in those earlier roles is present in how I work today. What I know about trauma, about power, has all helped shape my understanding and the way I work. I bring many years of professional experience into a practice built on compassion, rigour, and a genuine understanding of the complexity of people’s lives.
HOW I WORK
Integrative therapy adapted to what you actually need
I am an integrative psychotherapist, which means I draw on several therapeutic models rather than following a single approach. These include cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), humanistic and person-centred approaches, and systemic therapy.
In practice, this means I adapt to what each person genuinely needs. Some people benefit from structured, goal-oriented work. Others need space to talk freely, to be heard without judgement, and to gradually make sense of experiences that have stayed with them. Often it is a combination of both.
I work with individuals, couples and families, for both short-term and longer-term therapy. My Therapeutic training has included gaining a deeper understanding of trauma, family and couple relationships as well as psychosexual issues.
WHAT I BRING
Compassion grounded in real-world understanding
My years of working with survivors of abuse, with people facing discrimination, and within communities under pressure have given me something that cannot be learned from textbooks alone. I have a real understanding of how the world shapes our inner lives.
I have extensive experience with domestic and sexual abuse, trauma, anxiety and depression, relationship difficulties, issues of identity and self-esteem, and the particular pressures faced by people from marginalised communities.
I welcome clients from all backgrounds. Concessions are available for students and those on lower incomes.
QUALIFICATIONS & PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIP
Training, registration, and ongoing development
Qualifications
MSc Therapeutic Counselling
MA Social Policy
BA (Hons) Social Studies
Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy
The Grove Practice
Certificate in Trauma Therapy
The Grove Practice
Certificate in Relationship & Couple Counselling
The Grove Practice
Working with Survivors of Child Sexual Abuse
The Grove Practice
Systemic Family Therapy training
St George’s Hospital
Memberships & Registration
MBACP Registered Member
British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy
Enhanced DBS Clearance
Disclosure and Barring Service
The BACP Register is accredited by the Professional Standards Authority, demonstrating that registered members meet recommended standards for training, proficiency, and ethical practice.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP
Ready to begin?
Beginning is often the hardest part. Send me an email and we can arrange a time to speak, with no obligation and complete confidentiality.
rita@ritarupal.com · +44 (0) 7746 378 330 · Brockley, South East London