About Dr Caroline Bendall, clinical psychologist in Stroud
About Swift’s Hill Psychology Practice
I’m Dr Caroline Bendall DClinPsy, MSc, PGDip, PGCert, BA (Hons), and I founded and run Swift’s Hill Psychology Practice in the Cotswold Valleys. The practice takes its name from a nearby area of natural beauty. Just as nature and landscape can provide space for reflection, therapy here is a safe space for contemplation, healing and psychological growth.
I offer highly specialist assessment and evidence-based psychological therapy for a range of difficulties.
About Caroline
Many of the people I work with have built a good life and yet still feel anxious, self-critical or unsure they’re doing the right thing, often when life is changing or unsettling, or when traumatic events happen. I’m a HCPC registered Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years of clinical experience in the NHS and other settings, and I’ve had the privilege of supporting people from a wide range of backgrounds and life stages through a range of emotional and psychological challenges.
Fostering a safe and trusting space where you are welcome to come as your real, whole, authentic self enables us to work out what’s keeping things stuck. Together we will develop a formulation: a shared understanding, unique to you, of how things came to be this way.
My in-depth training enables me to work holistically, responsively and creatively, adapting the therapy to what you need as things change. I can support you to look deeper, process past experiences, or develop coping strategies for the here and now. My hope is that you will feel heard, understood and empowered to move forward towards the life you wish to lead.
The part of my work I value most is witnessing people begin to see themselves differently. I’ve come to believe that enabling a warm curiosity towards ourselves, rather than criticism, is what makes meaningful change possible.
Alongside my private practice, I continue to work as a Principal Clinical Psychologist in the NHS, where I lead the development of a community mental health team and supervise senior, experienced, trainee and assistant psychologists. I also provide highly specialist assessment and therapy for adults and families with complex needs.
My research interests, active participation in ongoing training and commitment to receiving regular supervision of my work all help me to keep learning, to reflect on my own practice, and to bring up-to-date, evidence-informed thinking to the work we do together.
Finding the right psychologist is a key part of the journey, which is why I offer a free 15-minute consultation. It’s a chance to ask questions and see whether working together feels like the right fit. Book a free call whenever you’re ready.
My qualifications, registrations and research publications are just below.
“Thank you Caroline - I found the CBT therapy really helpful and very much appreciated your sympathetic and considered approach.”
Qualifications
- Doctorate in Clinical PsychologyUniversity College London
- Postgraduate Diploma in Cognitive Behavioural TherapyInstitute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King’s College London
- Foundation Level Training in Systemic PracticeCourse accredited by the Association for Family Therapy and Systemic Practice (AFT)
- Masters in PsychologyUniversity of East London
- Postgraduate Certificate in Mental Health StudiesUniversity of Southampton
- Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Sociology and TheologyUniversity of Bristol
Professional Registrations
I am registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) and I am fully accredited by the British Association of Behavioural and Cognitive Therapists (BABCP). I am committed to offering high-quality, ethical and effective psychological therapy. I receive regular supervision in line with requirements and I also supervise other Clinical Psychologists.
Publications
I have undertaken research in the field of mental health and have numerous publications including:
Kular A, Birken M, Wood L, Parkinson J, Bacarese-Hamilton T, Blakley L, et al. (2025) Exploring pathways to compulsory detention and ways to prevent repeat compulsory detentions in England; clinician perspectives. PLOS Ment Health 2(6): e0000314. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pmen.0000314
Ahmed, H., Bendall, C., Anwar, F., Al‐Janabi, M., & Wood, L. (2024). A systematic review and narrative synthesis examining the facilitators and barriers of psychological intervention delivery in crisis resolution home treatment teams. Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy, 31(4), e3032. https://doi.org/10.1002/cpp.3032
Johnson, S., Birken, M., Nyikavaranda, P., Kular, A., Gafoor, R., Parkinson, J., ... & Lloyd-Evans, B. (2024). A crisis planning and monitoring intervention to reduce compulsory hospital readmissions (FINCH study): protocol for a randomised controlled feasibility study. Pilot and Feasibility Studies, 10(1), 35. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40814-024-01453-z
Bendall, C., Williams, C., & Huddy, V. (2022). Exploring experiences of restrictive practices within inpatient mental healthcare from the perspectives of patients and staff. Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care, 18(1), 17-29. https://doi.org/10.20299/jpi.2022.005
Bendall, C., O'Brien, M., & Williams, C. (2021). Exploring patients' experience of activities on a mental health inpatient ward: a service evaluation. Journal of Psychiatric Intensive Care, 17(1), 11-20. https://doi.org/10.20299/jpi.2020.017
Bendall, C., & McGrath, L. (2020). Contending with the minimum data set: Subjectivity, linearity and dividualising experiences in Improving Access to Psychological Therapies. Health, 24(1), 94-109. 10.1177/1363459318785718
Not sure where to start?
Have a conversation first. A free 15-minute call is a chance to tell me a little about what’s going on and ask me anything you like. No pressure, no obligation.