Hi, I’m Rita.

I’m a passionate Clinical Psychologist dedicated to mental health, with a focus on couples and family therapy. I hold a Master's in Clinical and Health Psychology from the University of Lisbon, Portugal.

A specialist in couple and family dynamics, I bring eight years of experience to my practice. In the last five years alone, I have helped over 100 couples navigate complex relationship patterns and build stronger connections.

In my therapeutic space, you can expect a collaborative, non-judgmental, and supportive environment, where our work is grounded in evidence-based techniques. We act as scientists, studying your life, committed to understanding the causes of your difficulties and what can lead to positive changes and growth.

As someone who experienced the benefits of therapy first-hand, I found that I wanted to be someone who helps others thrive. The privilege of doing so fills me with gratitude and guides every part of my clinical practice.

If you're concerned about therapy, know that feeling uncomfortable is normal. Feel free to bring any topic into our conversations - building a trusting relationship is crucial for successful outcomes.

Areas of Expertise

  • Relationship Issues

  • Attachment Issues

  • Post-Partum Depression

  • Perinatal Mental Health

  • Divorce/Breakups

  • Grief and Loss

  • Eating Disorders

  • Addictions

  • Sleep Problems

  • Conflict in Relationships

  • Family Conflict

  • Identity Concerns

  • Life Transitions

  • Personality Difficulties

  • Anxiety

  • Panic Attacks

  • Depression

  • Burnout

  • Chronic Stress

  • Physical Intimacy Issues

  • Communication Issues

  • Infidelity and Betrayal

  • Divorce and Separation

  • Infertility

  • Phobias

  • Sleep Problems

  • Perfectionism

  • Expat Adjustment and Relocation

Therapeutic Approaches

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

  • Systemic Therapy

  • Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT)

  • Narrative Therapy

  • Constructivist Therapy

  • Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)

Education and Training

  • M.Sc. in Clinical and Health Psychology - University of Lisbon

  • Post-Graduation in Couples and Family Therapy - Portugal

  • Perinatal Mental Health Course - Lisbon

Media Contributions

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Afternoons with Helen Farmer - Dubai Eye - 13th August - Raising grounded kids in Dubai

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The ultimate UAE parent's guide to preparing for the social media ban

Op-ed: How the under-15 social media debate is entering UAE homes

7 Ways To Regulate Your Nervous System As A Family

GQ Middle East - The Nostalgia Economy Isn't About the Past Anymore

Designing for Wellbeing: How Psychology Should Shape the Communities We Build

خاص: العيد في زمن الـ FOMO… كيف سرقت المقارنة متعة الإجازات؟

Back to school UAE: How children with autism are finding safety with support from parents and educators

The National - 10 science-backed ways to boost your mood in minutes

Harper’s Bazaar - Re-Entry Shock: How To Support The Transition From ‘Fortress Home’ Back To The Classroom

The National - Communication key: Expert advice for families to cope at home during Iran crisis

Gulf News - UAE Doctors Warn: How Fitness Culture, Trauma and Anxiety Fuel Hidden Eating Disorders and What to Watch For

Khaleej Times - What is sleepmaxxing? All you need to know about the viral trend

Haya - الطبيبة النفسية Rita Figueiredo توضح الطريقة الصحيحة لتعامل الاهل مع الأطفال في هذه المرحلة الصعبة

Marie Claire Arabia - نصائح للزوجين للتغلب على التوتر، تقدمها الطبيبة النفسية Rita Figueiredo في هذه المقابلة

Emirates 7 - Eating disorders often go unnoticed: UAE doctors reveal why and how to spot them

Gulf Business - UAE psychologist reveals what uncertainty is doing to children at home