Rita Da Silva

Rita Da Silva is a counsellor with 17 years of experience supporting people through stressful and painful times. She works with concerns such as stress, anxiety, grief, loss, anger, low self-esteem and depression. Rita speaks English and Portuguese and works with clients in the United Kingdom and internationally.

Rita offers a compassionate, respectful way of working that is adapted to each person. She aims to create a space where someone feels heard and able to talk through what matters most. Sessions focus on practical steps as well as understanding feelings and patterns that get in the way.

Her background across many years means she has helped people manage panic attacks, social anxiety and phobia, and long-term worries that affect daily life. She also supports people dealing with issues around attachment, abandonment and relationship communication. Topics such as body image, sexuality, guilt, shame and finding life purpose are included in her work.

Rita uses evidence-based therapeutic techniques to guide sessions in a way that fits the person. She encourages self-compassion, clearer boundaries and small changes that make a difference. Moving forward tends to be gradual and practical, with the client setting the pace.

To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and arrange sessions according to the therapist's schedule. Rita describes therapy as a partnership and aims to help people feel more able to manage emotions and next steps.

How evidence-based approaches translate to online therapy

Rita draws on evidence-based therapeutic techniques to structure sessions in clear, practical ways. One common approach helps people identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviour that increase anxiety and low mood, with exercises that can be tried between sessions. Another useful approach focuses on understanding attachment and relationship patterns, helping people notice how past experiences influence current reactions and communication.

Choosing the right approach is part of the work together. Rita will discuss goals, preferences and what feels most helpful, then agree on a way of working that fits the person. This collaborative process can include trying different techniques to see what helps most.

If you are considering online work, please confirm the available session formats before booking as the profile does not list them. Online sessions can make it easier to fit therapy into a busy life, reduce travel time and allow shorter check-ins when needed. They also let people connect with a therapist who speaks their language even if they live elsewhere. The emphasis is on finding practical ways for therapy to slot into day-to-day life and on choosing methods that support steady progress.