Hello! ¡Hola! Вітаю!

Psychology is my fourth profession.

Before beginning my psychotherapy training and clinical studies, I studied International Relations, worked in Human Resources, and spent more than a decade in Marketing. It was a winding path.

I was drawn to existential psychotherapy because of its philosophical roots and refusal to claim authority over another human's life. In a world full of so called "experts", and ready-made solutions, I find existential therapy both frustrating and liberating. It doesn't strip reality of its complexity, ease suffering by promising solutions, or reduce a person to a diagnosis or a problem to be solved. Instead, it invites us to explore our unique ways of being in the world, relating to ourselves and others, and find our own inner answers. There is a rich variety of psychotherapy approaches. None of them, and certainly not existential psychotherapy, is a one-size-fits-all approach. This one simply speaks to me in a way no other does.

Volunteering has been at the heart of my adult life. As Russia continues its war against Ukraine, I continue to offer free psychotherapy sessions to fellow Ukrainians.

It is important to me that you know I take the quality of my work seriously. Alongside my own personal therapy, I regularly discuss my clinical work in both individual and group supervision. I am also a member of the Eastern European Association of Existential Psychotherapy and follow its ethical standards.

Biography

Understanding your own world. One conversation at a time.

Photos with meaning. No editing. On film.

Education

BS in Psychology

University of London, United Kingdon

2025 — Present

Existential Psychotherapy Training

Humanistic and Existential Psychotherapy Institute, Lithuania

2022 — Present

Psychology Training, Advancement of Qualification

Institute of Practical Psychology, Ukraine

2021 — 2023

Member of an East European Association of Existential Therapy

2023 — Present

Who I Help

Ukrainians & War Refugees

I work with Ukrainians who are adjusting to life in a new country, are displaced within Ukraine, or have chosen to remain in their hometowns while living under a constant existential threat. Now in the fifth year of the full-scale Russian invasion, many of my fellow countrymen and countrywomen - while having adapted in many ways to life during the war - continue to face enormous emotional and practical challenges. These range from settling to their children growing up and attending kindergarten/school/university abroad, to living with the daily news of death, disappearance, or captivity of their loved ones.

Young Adults

I work with young adults who are navigating the early stages of building direction and confidence in their lives. I have a special place in my heart for people between the ages of 18 and 25. The experiences and challenges faced during this time are deeply formative, yet many are expected to figure them out on their own.

Expats in LATAM

I work with expats living in Latin America who are navigating cultural shifts and new beginnings abroad. Living between cultures can be both exciting and challenging, and therapy can provide a space to process the transitions that come with building a life in a new place. In my practice, I work with people from many cultural backgrounds and walks of life. Having lived across different cultures for more than a decade, I’ve experienced both the richness of human diversity and the common threads in the struggles people face.

© Rita Pakhlova 2026

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