Ray Maloney - Portsmouth

Jess M.

I suffered with anxiety and depression my whole life and had previously seen multiple therapists and did all sorts of different techniques and nothing worked. I started to believe I was the problem and was unfixable.

I started seeing Ray for therapy and with just 7 sessions I felt like a new person. I’m doing things I never thought I’d be able to do and have a completely different outlook on life. He actually listens to you and understands your problems and helps you to fix them.

Would highly recommend as a therapist.

Donna H.

Hello, I have suffered from acute anxiety, agoraphobia and depression for the past 20 years. Many years ago, in 2002 my GP recommended I try Cognitive analytic therapy, commonly known as "CAT". The sessions took place at the "Royal South Hants" hospital in Southampton. I had a brief appointment beforehand, basically, just to meet the therapist and discuss what "CAT" entailed and the problems I was having etc. Unfortunately, I did not feel comfortable with that particular therapist. My "gut feeling" was, that it just didnt "feel right.I couldn't imagine" opening up"to this person. So, I decided against having therapy at that point in time, and abandoned the idea. I believe that the therapeutic relationship is an integral part of the process of having "good" therapy and is more likely to produce a positive outcome and effect change. Fortunately, I was then given the opportunity to see another therapist, namely, Ray Maloney. On the day of my appointment with Ray, I felt nervous and apprehensive, and to be honest, I did not expect it to go well. I couldn't have been more wrong! Upon meeting Ray, I can honestly say: I immediately felt comfortable and at ease. Ray had a calm and comforting manner. He made me feel relaxed. And I felt, as though I could definitely start therapy with Ray. I could see myself talking and working through my problems with him. It just "felt right! I found Ray to be very professional, competent, with a highly engaging and compassionate manner. Ray was a good listener, kind and empathetic. He was very understanding, and really seemed to care about "people". It is no surprise that he chose to become a therapist, I would go so far to say'":" he's a natural"! Ray radiated warmth. I felt safe and yet, liberated at the same time.Ray came across as genuine and sincere and it was clear and evident to me, that Ray was passionate about his work, and wanting to help people improve and enrich their lives. If I was talking about a particularly sad subject, I could see that he really, felt my pain(if that makes sense) I saw and felt sincere empathy from Ray. As a client, you really do need that connection because you feel vulnerable. The last thing you need is someone who comes across as "too clinical or indifferent". Ray would maintain, good eye contact whilst I was talking to him and discussing my issues with him. He was interested in what I had to say, no matter what It was I was saying, or how silly I thought it sounded. He would occasionally take notes. I was amazed that at the next session and indeed thoughtout my therapy, he literally always remembered what I had told him in my previous session. I felt as though he really took everything I said on board, even though I'm sure I "rambled on, non-stop during my first session.and it would have been impossible to write it all down! This made me feel "heard" and more importantly, really "listened to.Ray is adept at building a professional rapport with clients which made the sessions so much easier. I felt as though I could" really talk to Ray about my inner thoughts and feelings, which is something I usually find quite difficult to do. I didn't feel "judged, I felt" accepted". He helped me to understand how past events can sometimes influence how we feel, behave, and deal with problems today. He helped me to understand myself better, and I can now challange my negative thoughts which makes my anxiety easier to cope with.Ray gave me helpful tools and suggestions on how to better, deal with my feelings when any negative thoughts arise. I had 16 sessions with Ray, and I actually felt sad when my therapy came to an end. For anyone who is considering having therapy for the first time and is nervous about it, I would highly recommend Ray Maloney as the ideal therapist to allay your fears and reservations. Overall, my experience was a very positive one. I emerged feeling mentally stronger. If I have a bad day, I just reflect on everything I learned from my therapy, which is truly empowering! To this day-it still helps me. Excellent therapy!
Donna-Marie