Dr Shaza Elfaki
Consultant psychiatrist
Conditions treated
- Anorexia nervosa
- Binge eating disorder (BED)
- Bulimia nervosa
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Mood disorders
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
- Bipolar disorder
- Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD)
- Interpersonal difficulties
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic attacks
- Personality disorders
- Phobias
- Postnatal depression
- Psychosis
- Schizophrenia
- Self-harm
- Sleep disorders
- Stress
- Suicidal thoughts
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Work-related stress
Treatment approaches
- Clinical psychology
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)
- Cognitive analytic therapy (CAT)
- Counselling
- Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT)
- Eating disorder treatment
- Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
- Interpersonal therapy (IPT)
- Medication
- Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
- Psychotherapy
Languages spoken
- Arabic, English
Professional qualifications, accreditations and memberships
- MD
- MRCPsych
- AC status: Approved by the Secretary of State under Section 12 (2) MHA 1983 (Amended 2007)
Professional experience
Dr Shaza Elfaki qualified as a medical doctor from the University of Szeged in Hungary and went on to specialise in psychiatry within The Guys, Kings and St Thomas’s Psychiatric Training, obtaining her MRCPsych from the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
Dr Elfaki has over two decades of experience in diagnosing and treating various mental health problems, both within the NHS and in the private sector. She is currently based at Nightingale Hospital and Ellern Mede Hospital in London, focusing on the treatment of acute, chronic and complex mental health disorders (including treatment-resistant eating disorders) in both adults and adolescents over 16. With a comprehensive approach to psychiatry, Dr Elfaki integrates the latest evidence-based treatments and a holistic approach that covers biological, social and psychological factors.
She is also experienced in pre and post-bariatric psychiatric assessment and treatment for patients undergoing bariatric surgery (weight reduction surgery).
She has served in various other esteemed positions, including Lead and Senior Consultant Psychiatrist in the NHS and overseas, setting up specialist services.
Dr Elfaki was featured live on Al-Jazeera Arabic News Channel and the BBC documentary “Talking to Anorexia”, raising awareness of the challenges of eating disorders including obesity. She has also produced social media content to promote mental health awareness and has participated in numerous professional training programs.
Dr Elfaki is fluent in both English and Arabic and has experience working in the Middle East.
Personal statement
Dr Shaza Elfaki’s approach involves understanding each patient as a unique individual, and recognising that mental health challenges are influenced by a multitude of personal and environmental factors. She fosters a collaborative, empathetic approach that integrates a tailored treatment plan which incorporates medical treatments, psychological therapies, and holistic care, ensuring that it aligns with the patient’s values and needs.
Dr Elfaki is fluent in both English and Arabic and has experience working in the Middle East.
She works closely with a multidisciplinary team which includes therapists, nursing staff, dieticians and family therapists across various settings of outpatient, day patient, and inpatient care, to provide comprehensive support for each patient.
Additional information about research, publications, and interests
- Dr Elfaki has particular interests and experience in eating disorders, including anorexia, bulimia, ARFID, disordered eating, binge eating disorder, obesity, weight management, pre- and post-bariatric psychiatric assessment and treatment and unspecified eating disorders.
- Extensive experience and interest in working with neurodivergent patients (particularly autism).
- Participated in a research project focusing on psychological treatments for eating disorders and personality disorders.
- Dr Elfaki participates in teaching and lecturing in the field of eating disorders.
