Clinical Psychologist Bristol

Dr Lizzie Summers

  • Professional Title: Clinical Psychologist
  • Qualifications: D.Clin.Psy., MSc, BSc (Hons) Psychology, EMDR trained
  • Clinic location: Greenway Centre, Doncaster Road, Bristol

Background

Dr Elisabeth (Lizzie) Summers is a Clinical Psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC). Lizzie has worked with people experiencing a broad range of difficulties in the NHS and private healthcare settings since 2008. After qualifying as a Clinical Psychologist in 2018, Lizzie has predominantly worked within NHS physical health psychology settings, supporting people adjusting to, and living with, acute and long-term health conditions, including rare diseases. Alongside her clinical work, Lizzie has also contributed to research exploring workplace wellbeing and burnout.

Areas of Specialist Experience

Lizzie works with adults experiencing a range of difficulties including anxiety, low mood, low self-esteem, stress, relationship difficulties, life transitions, single-incident trauma (for example, a traumatic accident), behaviour change (such as weight loss or lifestyle-related change), bereavement and loss. Lizzie also has particular expertise in supporting adults living with physical health conditions and understands the significant impact health difficulties can have on identity, relationships, work and day-to-day life.

Therapeutic Approach

Lizzie provides a compassionate and thoughtful space where individuals feel understood and able to explore their experiences openly. She places strong importance on developing a warm, collaborative and trusting therapeutic relationship where people are able to bring their full selves into the therapeutic space without fear of judgement.

Lizzie considers the human experience to be shaped by many interconnected factors and takes a holistic (whole-person) approach to emotional wellbeing. She supports people to consider how physical health, social, cultural, environmental, family and lifestyle factors may interact and contribute to psychological wellbeing. Lizzie supports individuals to develop an understanding of the challenges they are facing, find ways to make meaningful change, and move towards a life that feels aligned with what matters most to them.

Lizzie tailors her support to each individual’s needs, experiences and goals, drawing on a range of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Her work is also informed by Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) and systemic models. She is also trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR).