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About Paula Bendon

MSc, PGDip, PGDip, PGCert, BSc (Hons), MBPsS, MBACP

My approach begins with listening and  understanding the difficulties and challenges you may be experiencing and how they affect your wellbeing, behaviour and relationships. Together, we can explore your experiences, develop a deeper understanding of what may be affecting your happiness and work out what you would like to change. I use evidence-based therapeutic approaches and practical strategies, tailored to your individual needs and goals.

 

Clinical Experience​

Since 2014, I have run my own private practice in Putney, South West London, providing counselling, psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and clinical hypnotherapy.

 

I have 14 years' experience working within the NHS mental health services. I am an accredited member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) and a member of the British Psychological Society (BPS).

 

Private Practice

My work with adults focuses on a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties, including anxiety, depression, postnatal depression, trauma, stress, sleep difficulties, addiction, menopause and neurodivergence, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism (ASD). I draw on my clinical experience and knowledge of evidence-based psychological therapies to provide an individual approach that reflects each person's needs and circumstances.

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I also provide couples counselling, relationship therapy and family therapy, supporting couples and families with relationship challenges, communication issues and helping them manage  conflict to strengthen relationships  and enhance emotional wellbeing.

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Since  2014, I have worked with schools across Central and South West London, providing psychological support for children and young people aged 8-18, as well as  parents and teachers with a range of emotional, psychological and behavioural difficulties. My work extends to supporting University students across the UK.

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National Health Service​

I have 14 years of clinical experience within the National Health Service (NHS). I currently work as the Family and Carer Support Lead within the South London and Maudsley (SLaM) NHS Foundation Trust. My role involves supporting carers and families affected by complex mental health difficulties, including psychosis, bipolar disorder and personality disorders.

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My clinical experience also includes working within Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) at the Michael Rutter Centre and Snowsfields, both part of the South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, I supported children and young people aged 12–18 years with complex mental health needs, including high-risk presentations and self-harming behaviours.

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My experience at SLaM NHS Trust also includes working with people affected by homelessness, severe mental health difficulties and addiction across Southwark and Lambeth.

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Other Clinical Experience

My clinical experience also includes working in psychological rehabilitation with people affected by an acquired  brain injury at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disability, in Putney South West London. Also I volunteered with the Samaritans for three years.​

Paula Bendon, PG Dip, PG Cert, MBPsS, MBACP
Qualifications

I hold an MSc in Psychological Therapies from City St George's, University of London.

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Postgraduate Certificate in CBT for Psychosis from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN),  King's College London.

 

Postgraduate Diploma in Psychology (Cognitive, Child and Social Psychology) from The Open University.

 

Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Hypnotherapy from the University of Westminster. 

 

BSc (Hons) in Management Science, specialising in Organisational and Occupational Psychology from The University of Manchester.

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Publications

I am co-author of a peer-reviewed research publication examining specialist psychological support for carers of people with psychosis, in collaboration with colleagues at King's College London and South London and Maudsley NHS Trust.

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Smallwood, J., et al. (2017). Implementing specialist psychological support for caregivers in psychosis services: A preliminary report. Psychosis, 9(2), 119–128.

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📄 CLICK HERE TO OPEN THE FULL ARTICLE (PDF)​

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Specialist Interests in Clinical Hypnotherapy

I have developed specialist clinical hypnotherapy programmes in the following areas:

 

  • Gut-directed hypnotherapy programme for IBS

  • Perimenopause and menopause programme 

  • Sleep and insomnia 

  • Weight management programme

 

 
Wider Professional Work​

​I am also Psychological Director and Advisor to the Shoorah mental health and wellbeing app, contributing to the development of evidence-based digital wellbeing resources designed to make high-quality psychological support more accessible.

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I interviewed former England rugby player Joe Marler for the Sky Original documentary Big Boys Don’t Cry, exploring his experiences with mental health.

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"Paula has also helped me manage my stress and anxiety, which were contributing to my symptoms. IBS no longer dictates my life, and I am a much happier and more relaxed person. I could not recommend her more."

SUSAN

Counselling in the Putney area

Paula offers counselling and psychotherapy sessions in Putney, South West London, near Fulham, Wandsworth and Wimbledon. Paula offers an integrated approach to her therapy, including: Counselling, Psychotherapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

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