About me
I qualified in Medicine from The University of London at Guy’s Hospital Medical School. I then undertook postgraduate training, acquiring experience in general medicine, general practice, adult psychiatry and psychotherapy.
I worked for over 20 years as a part time General Practitioner while bringing up my family. During this time I extended my experience of general medical conditions as well as the treatment of common psychological problems including anxiety, depression, stress reactions, alcohol problems and drug dependency.
I returned to practice psychiatry in 2009 initially to inpatient work. I managed acutely disturbed patients needing admission due to severe depression, psychosis, mania, agitation, dementia and personality disorder.
I then spent 6 years working in Community Psychiatry in the NHS. I treated severe psychiatric illnesses, including patients with psychosis, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, severe depression, mood disorders, disabling anxiety disorders, posttraumatic stress disorder, personality disorder and those associated with general medical illnesses.
I have worked in private practice for the last 5 years, seeing patients with varied mental health problems including anxiety issues, panic attacks, severe depression, alcohol and addiction problems, eating disorders, posttraumatic stress disorders and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder.
In recent years I have worked for a UK charity in Malawi teaching psychiatry to medical students to help build their skills in recognising and managing severe psychiatric disorders.
In addition to my private practice I currently work as a NHS Consultant Psychiatrist in Liaison Psychiatry.
To book an appointment please email me: admin@drlizrussell.co.uk
Specialist skills
I have acquired a broad and deep knowledge of psychiatric illness. This has included complex cases involving severe and enduring mental illness as well as in the management of a wide range of common psychiatric problems.
I integrate into my management medication, psychotherapy and counseling. I have incorporated Cognitive Behaviour Therapy principles into my work for many years. I have also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR).
Currently specialising in
Panic disorder, Anxiety disorders and Phobias
Stress
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Affective disorders: depression, treatment resistant depression
Post Traumatic Stress Disorders (PTSD)
Alcohol misuse
Eye Movement Desensitisation Therapy (EMDR). I often use EMDR to address PTSD. I also use it to compliment other therapies used for addictions, anxiety and OCD.
Education
MB BS (Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery) 1983
MRCPsych (Member of Royal College of Psychiatrists) 1989
MRCGP (Member of Royal College of General Practitioners) 1989
New Patients: I regret that I am currently unable to take new referrals while I work to reduce my waiting list
I undertake a full initial assessment to establish the nature of your problems and to arrive at a diagnosis. I take into consideration psychological and social circumstances as well as your physical health.
Diagnosis can often help self-awareness and self-acceptance. Recognising that we all have our foibles and health issues can help us to be kind to ourselves. With your consent, I write to your GP following the assessment.
I am aware that each patient is an individual and tailor a treatment plan specific to your needs. I focus not only on prescribing medication when necessary but on adopting a holistic approach to alleviate distress and to tackle problems in a positive way.
I aim to make it possible for you to understand and feel better about your problems. I hope to empower you to enjoy better mental health through acquiring techniques to relieve unpleasant symptoms and to learn how to minimise the risk of a recurrence.