Dr Ciara Maloney
I am a chartered clinical psychologist dedicated to delivering evidence-based therapy for people experiencing eating disorders and body image difficulties. I understand the potential impact that these issues can have on wellbeing and quality of life and I love working with people to reach their goals. I believe in the importance of warmth, trust and compassion within the therapeutic relationship and strive to create an environment where people feel comfortable to discuss their progress. I am trained in delivering CBT-E (the primary evidence-based treatment for eating disorders) and have considerable experience working with eating disorders and body image difficulties both privately and within the NHS. I take a holistic approach when working with people, spending time to hear and understand individual stories and to create personalised treatment plans for each person I see. Together we explore factors that might trigger and maintain difficulties and investigate strategies that might break patterns that are less helpful. We will also discuss other aspects (such as low mood, anxiety, perfectionism, trauma etc.) that might be interfering with desired recovery. While I primarily use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy as a therapeutic modality in my work, I will also draw on other talking therapies such as Compassion focused Therapy and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy when therapeutically relevant.
Referral Criteria & Process
Self Referral
Qualifications
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Training
I originally completed a Bachelor of Social Science (BSocSci) at University College Dublin before completing my degree in Experimental Psychology (BSc) at the University of Bristol. Since then, I gained a Masters in Health Psychology (MSc) at the University of Bath and completed a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (PsychD) at the University of Surrey. My doctoral training allowed me to specialise in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Systemic Family Therapy. I am currently registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) as a Chartered Clinical Psychologist.
Experience
I have worked with both adults and young people with eating difficulties and body image issues in various capacities throughout my career. Through this, I have developed a keen interest in working with people to overcome these difficulties. Alongside my private work in this field, I work with children and young people in a paediatric setting within the NHS. In addition, I previously worked in a bariatric service (working with people who had difficulties with binge eating, emotional eating, and restrictive eating patterns), a specialist OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) and BDD (Body Dysmorphic Disorder) Service, as well as working within CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) and adult CMHT (Community Mental Health Team) services. Within these settings I have experience treating a range of mental health issues (such as depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, difficulties with regulating emotions etc.) as well as eating and body image difficulties.