An interview with Mariam Bennouna from Living My Parkinson on June 18, 2023 by George Ackerman, Ph.D, J.D.
Biography
My name is Mariam Bennouna, I’m 40, married and proud mum of Hamza. Originally from Morocco but living in London for almost 10 years now. I have 15 years of Marketing experience in multinational companies. I was diagnosed with Parkinson disease at the age of 28. I’m a super-positive, super-energetic, resilient, and mindful person.
Aside from my symptoms which I try to manage as good as I can, Parkinson’s taught me a lot of life lessons and brought me many positive opportunities. It taught me how to be resilient, how to see the light in the darkness, and how to see the good in the bad. Simply put, PARKINSON’S HAS CHANGED THE WAY I LOOK AT LIFE.
I’m the founder and creator of the digital platform called Living My Parkinson, which I created to support for free young people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Today, Parkinson is such an integral part of my life, that I don’t say ”I have Parkinson’s”. I say ”I’m living My Parkinson”, and that where the name ‘’Living My Parkinson’’ came from. Since then, I decided to study Life Coaching at the International Coaching Institute in Geneva. I got certified and experienced in Life transitions, Professional reconversions, Time management, Stress management, Emotions management, Speaking in public, Work/Life balance, Procrastination and much more. I also became a Mental Health Coach specialized in helping people with Parkinson’s disease and their families. Because I was diagnosed at the age of 28, I know what it is like to struggle with this disease starting that early in life. With my 12 years of living with Parkinson’s, I have the capacity to help people develop coping strategies, manage their symptoms, and find a new balance in their life. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a happy and fulfilling life, regardless of their circumstances. I can coach in 3 different languages (English, French and Arabic).
Please tell me a little about your background and what got you involved with awareness.
My name is Mariam Bennouna, I’m 40, married and proud mum of Hamza. Originally from Morocco but living in London for almost 10 years now. I have 15 years of Marketing experience in multinational companies. I was diagnosed with Parkinson disease at the age of 28.
Can you tell me more about your organization?
I’m the founder and creator of the digital platform called Living My Parkinson, which I created to support young people diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Today, Parkinson is such an integral part of my life, that I don’t say ”I have Parkinson’s”. I say ”I’m living My Parkinson”, and that where the name ‘’Living My Parkinson’’ came from. After I have finished my Coaching studies, I converted this website into a coaching website and renamed: www.mariambennounalifecoach.com
I am now a certified Master Life Coach (for mainstream clients) and a Mental health coach for Parkinson’s.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
I am passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, with or without Parkinson’s. Because I was diagnosed at the age of 28, I know what it is like to struggle with this disease starting that early in life. With my 12 years of living with Parkinson’s, I have the capacity to help people develop coping strategies, manage their symptoms, and find a new blanace in their life. I believe that everyone has the potential to live a happy and fulfilling life, regardless of their circumstances.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when working with you?
They come to me seeking guidance and support to learn 3 things:
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Developping coping strategies: they want to develop strategies for managing the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease and finding a new life balance for living a full and active life.
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Staying motivated: they are looking for support and motivation to help them stay on track, to avoid falling into the anxiety trap.
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Connecting with others: they are very demanding of keeping the connection with other people who are living with the condition.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
A usual coaching cycle takes around 6 to 8 weeks to have efficient results at the end of it.
However, for Parkinson disease, the coaching cycle is recommended to last between 3 months to 12 months. This is because of the complexity of the impact that the disease can have on every one of us!
What effect can it have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Being coached by a coach who shares the same condition as yours is priceless, because he/she can perfectly understand your specific needs and challenges and offer you a coaching package tailored to your specific needs and goals.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your programs?
My ultimate motive is to empower people to live their best lives, regardless of their circumstances.
What events do you participate in?
Online 1 to 1 coaching and group coaching sessions
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers are interested in this program because they can learn quicker and better about how to cope with someone with Parkinson’s. For example, have a look at some posts I published addressing caregivers:
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When caring about someone with Parkinson’s, you may not think of yourself as a hero. BUT YOU ARE!
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7 Ways to Help Your Loved One with Parkinson disease
https://www.mariambennounalifecoach.com/post/7-ways-to-help-your-loved-one-with-parkinson-disease
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
My coaching website is www.mariambennounalifecoach.com
You can read my full story with Parkinson’s at https://www.mariambennounalifecoach.com/livingmyparkinson
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
I know that life can be difficult, with or without Parkinson’s disease. Look around you for sources of positivity, support, and motivation, re-align your life priorities accommodating your symptoms, and take back the driver seat in your life. Don’t let Parkinson’s drive you!