Hello, I'm Rupal Rickman.

A bit about me

I am the founder of Counselling with Rupal.

I am based in Bideford, North Devon. I offer a comfortable, welcoming and confidential space for face-to-face counselling, as well as online and telephone sessions.

Alongside my private practice, I work part-time as the sole counsellor in a local secondary school, supporting young people aged 11–16. Before becoming a therapist, I spent 15 years working in student support in a large inner-city secondary school, supporting young people aged 11–18. These experiences have given me a valuable understanding of the challenges people can face at different stages of life.

As an integrative therapist, I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches, including person-centred counselling, creative methods, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)-informed techniques, mindfulness and solution-focused approaches where appropriate. I adapt the way I work to suit your individual needs, helping you explore your thoughts and feelings, recognise patterns and build on your existing strengths.

At the heart of my work is the therapeutic relationship, built on trust, empathy and understanding. My aim is to help you develop a greater understanding of yourself and find ways forward that feel right for you.

I feel incredibly fortunate to live and work in such a beautiful part of the country. The open countryside and dramatic coastline near me are a constant reminder of the importance of connection, balance and wellbeing.

There is something special about being outdoors, taking a moment to pause, breathe and appreciate what is around us. Whether it’s the changing seasons, the sound of the sea or simply the feeling of space and fresh air, these moments can offer a sense of calm and perspective when life feels overwhelming.

I believe that finding space to slow down, reconnect with ourselves and make sense of what we are experiencing can be an important part of looking after our wellbeing.

Qualifications & Professional Memberships

I am an Accredited Member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and work in accordance with their Ethical Framework. This ensures I provide counselling therapy which is professional, ethical and given in a safe and confidential environment.

BACP Registration Number: 403386

Qualifications

Level 5 Diploma in Counselling Children and Young People
Level 4 Diploma in Therapeutic Counselling
BACP Certificate of Proficiency
Bereavement Support Foundation course (Cruse Bereavement Support)
Champion Level Coaching Certificate - Coachinginschools.com (Accredited by Edge Hill University)

Continuing Professional Development

I am committed to continuous professional development, regularly undertaking additional training to ensure my knowledge and skills remain current. Some recent post-qualification training includes:

The Solution Focused Path to Well-being
Breathwork for Chronic Patterns of Stress and Trauma Recovery
Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT)

You can find me on:

BACP Therapist Directory
Counselling Directory

My Story

My own journey with therapy began many years ago during a particularly challenging and emotional period in my life. Like many of my clients, I found myself trying to make sense of difficult experiences, questioning my own thoughts and feelings, and searching for a way forward.

Some of those experiences involved navigating unhealthy relationship dynamics and behaviours that left me feeling confused, doubting myself, and disconnected from who I was. Through therapy though, I gained a deeper understanding of myself, rebuilt my confidence, and discovered the power of being truly heard and supported.
Having someone who believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself, made a lasting difference to my life. I no longer felt undermined or judged, nor weighed down by the expectations of others.

Having sat in the client's chair myself, I understand how daunting it can feel to reach out for help., particularly from a stranger. I know what it feels like to take that first step of attending therapy, carrying a mixture of vulnerability, uncertainty, and hope. Those experiences continue to shape the way I work today. I bring patience, warmth, empathy, and understanding to every session, creating a space where you can feel accepted exactly as you are.

Having someone who believed in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself, made a lasting difference to my life.

Outside of my work, my rescue dog, Sammie, holds a special place in my heart. Sharing life with her has taught me a great deal about resilience, trust, and the importance of feeling safe and cared for. Her journey is a daily reminder that change doesn't happen overnight, but with patience, understanding, and the right support, transformation is possible. She keeps me grounded, brings me joy,, and reminds me to appreciate even the small moments in life.

I feel incredibly privileged to do the work that I do. Every day, I witness my client’s strength, courage, and capacity for change. It is an honour to support them as they gain insight, build confidence, and move towards a more fulfilling and authentic life.

So, that's a little about me. Now I'd like to learn about you.

Whether you're going through a difficult time, feeling overwhelmed, or simply needing someone to really talk to, I'm here to listen.
Please do get in touch by email or through my contact form. You'll always be met with patience and warmth, and with complete confidentiality.

Contact Me

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