Counselling and Psychotherapy in Reading, Berkshire and Online

My name is Alina Maroukian and like many people, I have lived experience of issues such as grief, trauma and anxiety. During those times I was able to work through the weight and pain of those feelings, with the kind support and acceptance I received in counselling, which I am profoundly grateful for. That in itself helped inspire my belief in the value of therapy, long before I became a counsellor myself. One of the things that has resonated in me through my own struggles is that life does not always move in smooth or predictable ways. Sometimes it feels deeply unsettling, and at other times we may question whether our struggles are significant enough to warrant support. Yet moments of feeling lost, shocked, confused or lonely are part of being human, and reaching out can be an important step towards regaining a sense of grounding.

In addition, I have a particular interest in neurodiversity, including Autism, ADHD and OCD, shaped by close family experience and a genuine passion for supporting neurodiverse individuals, and the people in their lives who are carrying the challenging and rewarding role of supporting them. I am also closely familiar with what it feels like to adapt to a different culture to the one you were born or raised in, and the pressures and rewards of navigating through complex cross-cultural and administrative hurdles. Moreover, as a parent and as a working professional, I understand the pressure and family dynamics that can complicate and add nuance to so many of these challenges.