Alina Badescu Therapy

Hi, I’m Alina, Integrative Counsellor in London

My path into counselling grew from my own curiosity about what it means to be human, with all our messiness, contradictions, and capacity for change. I believe that no one is broken or in need of fixing. We are all human, carrying stories, wounds, and hopes that shape who we are. My journey has taken me from busy hospital corridors, working closely with people during some of their most vulnerable moments—in A&E with patients in mental health crisis—into the quiet space of the therapy room, where I now support people through the challenges life throws at them. I specialize in anger, anxiety, depression, feelings of rejection and abandonment, and the impact these have on your relationships and self-esteem. I work with all genders and welcome anyone experiencing emotional distress.

I know how exhausting it can feel when your mind doesn’t switch off and the same patterns keep repeating, no matter how much you try to understand them. 

You might be feeling anxious, caught in cycles of overthinking, or overwhelmed by stress. Perhaps sleep is difficult, emotions feel intense, or you notice yourself reacting in ways you later regret. You may carry a harsh inner critic, feel stuck in your life, or struggle with loss, identity, or a sense of direction. 

Or maybe something deeper is calling you—a wish to understand yourself more fully, to heal, or to gently explore parts of yourself that have been difficult to face alone. 

How Counselling Can Help 

Counselling offers a space to slow down and begin making sense of what you’re experiencing—at your own pace, and in a way that feels safe. Together, we can:

• develop a clearer understanding of your thoughts, emotions, and patterns  
• explore the roots of anxiety, overwhelm, or relational difficulties  
• build healthier ways of coping and responding  
• strengthen your sense of self and emotional resilience  
• support you in creating meaningful, lasting change  

Alongside insight, we also work at a deeper, more embodied level—helping you feel, process, and respond to your experiences differently, not just think about them. 

How I Work 

My approach is integrative and trauma-informed, with a focus on attachment patterns and nervous system regulation. At the centre of every session is you—your thoughts, feelings, memories, experiences, and everything you carry ultimately creating a strong therapeutic relationship. I aim to offer a space where you feel genuinely seen, heard, and supported, without pressure or judgment. 

I may gently challenge you to notice unhelpful patterns, while also bearing witness to the difficult things you’ve been through—whether that’s loss, betrayal, trauma, or abuse. There is nothing you can bring that I won’t meet with care and respect. This ongoing human connection is what allows change to move from understanding something intellectually to actually feeling and living it differently.

Common Issues I Support Clients With 

• anxiety and overthinking  
• stress and burnout  
• low mood and depression  
• anger and emotional regulation  
• low self-esteem and self-worth  
• grief and loss  
• relationship and attachment difficulties  
• family dynamics and boundary struggles  
• feeling stuck, lost, or lacking direction  
• identity and sense of self  

Tools and Areas We Will Work On 

• building healthy boundaries  
• developing self-esteem and self-trust  
• strengthening emotional regulation  
• encouraging self-care practices  
• understanding and softening the inner critic  
• creating a more compassionate relationship with yourself  

Working Across Cultures 

I offer therapy in both Romanian and English and am mindful of the challenges that can come with living between cultures. 

Adapting to a new environment, navigating differences in emotional expression, and feeling caught between worlds can bring a deep sense of loneliness or not fully belonging. These experiences deserve space, care, and understanding. 

What to Expect in Your First Session 

Our first session is a chance for us to meet and begin getting a sense of whether working together feels right for you. 

There’s no pressure to share everything at once—we will go at a pace that feels manageable and safe. You can talk about what’s bringing you to therapy, ask questions, and begin to get a feel for the space —there is nothing you can say that I’m not OK with hearing. 

What Change Can Look Like 

Over time, you may begin to notice subtle but meaningful shifts. 

• you might feel less overwhelmed, more grounded, and better able to understand and respond to your emotions. 
•  patterns that once felt automatic can begin to loosen, giving you more choice in how you relate to yourself and others. 
• you may find yourself setting clearer boundaries, feeling more confident, and moving through life with a greater sense of steadiness and self-trust. 

Next Steps 

If you feel ready to begin, you’re welcome to get in touch to arrange an initial conversation. 

Change doesn’t have to be dramatic to be meaningful. Often, it’s quiet, steady, and lasting—and it starts with a single step.