Functional Neurological Disorder Therapy (FND): Real Symptoms, Real Hope Through Trauma-Informed Therapy
If you’ve experienced sudden weakness, tremors, gait difficulties, non-epileptic seizures, sensory changes, or speech problems—only to be told that your scans and tests are “normal”—you’re not alone. Many people with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) feel frustrated, dismissed, or uncertain about what’s happening in their body. The good news is that FND is a real, recognizable condition, and effective, compassionate help is available.
As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 25 years of experience in San Francisco and Palo Alto, 
I specialize in trauma-informed care, including Complex PTSD, anxiety, dissociation, and mind-body approaches. Many clients with FND find relief through therapies that address the brain’s signaling patterns and underlying stress or trauma. This post explores what FND is, why it occurs, and how targeted functional neurological disorder therapy can support meaningful recovery.
Incorporating functional neurological disorder therapy into treatment plans has shown significant benefits for many clients.
What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?
Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), sometimes still referred to as conversion disorder, is a condition where the brain has difficulty sending and receiving signals properly, even though there is no structural damage (such as from a stroke, tumor, or multiple sclerosis). It’s often described as a “software” issue in the brain’s networks rather than a “hardware” problem.
FND is surprisingly common—it’s one of the most frequent reasons for referral to neurologists after headaches. Symptoms are genuine and involuntary, yet they stem from disruptions in how the brain processes movement, sensation, awareness, or cognition. Positive diagnostic signs (observable in a clinical exam) help confirm FND without relying solely on ruling out other conditions.
This understanding represents a major shift in medicine. Rather than viewing symptoms as “all in your head,” we now recognize FND as a legitimate brain network disorder that can be influenced by factors such as stress, trauma, anxiety, or overwhelming life experiences.
Common Symptoms of FND
Functional Neurological Disorder Therapy
FND can present in many ways. Some of the most frequent include:
- Motor symptoms: Limb weakness or paralysis, tremors, dystonia (abnormal postures), gait or balance problems, or functional jerks.
- Functional neurological disorder therapy: This therapy focuses on retraining the brain to improve the processing of signals.
- Seizure-like episodes: Non-epileptic seizures (also called functional or dissociative seizures) that don’t show epileptic activity on EEG.
- Sensory symptoms: Numbness, tingling, vision or hearing changes, or altered sense of touch.
- Cognitive or other symptoms: Brain fog, fatigue, speech difficulties (e.g., sudden stuttering), dizziness, or chronic pain that overlaps with FND.
Symptoms often fluctuate and can be triggered or worsened by stress, fatigue, or specific situations. Many people with FND also experience co-occurring anxiety, depression, or a history of trauma—including developmental or complex trauma—which is where trauma-informed therapy becomes especially relevant.
Engaging in functional neurological disorder therapy can provide new strategies to cope with symptoms.
The Connection Between FND, Trauma, and the Mind-Body System
In my practice, I frequently see how prolonged stress, unresolved trauma, or high-achiever anxiety can contribute to or maintain FND symptoms. The brain’s protective mechanisms—designed to help us survive overwhelming experiences—can sometimes disrupt normal signaling pathways.
This is not psychological “faking” or weakness. It reflects real changes in brain function, often involving areas responsible for movement, sensation, emotion regulation, and interoception (the brain’s awareness of internal body states). People with histories of Complex PTSD or dissociation may be more vulnerable because the nervous system has learned patterns of hyper- or hypo-arousal that affect physical functioning.
Somatic (mind-body) approaches are particularly helpful here. They help restore connection between thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations—exactly the areas disrupted in FND.
How Therapy Can Help: A Trauma-Informed, Multimodal Approach
The goal of FND treatment is not just symptom management but retraining the brain and restoring function through education, rehabilitation, and psychological support. Here’s how the modalities I offer align with evidence-based strategies for FND:
Functional neurological disorder therapy is a critical component of my approach to healing.
1. Education and Validation
Understanding FND reduces fear and self-doubt, which often worsen symptoms. In therapy, we start with clear explanations and realistic hope—many people experience significant improvement.
2. Somatic Therapy for Mind-Body Reconnection
Somatic approaches help you gently reconnect with your body, release held tension, and build tolerance for sensations without overwhelm. This is especially useful for functional weakness, tremors, or sensory symptoms. My work with Complex PTSD somatic therapy directly supports clients navigating FND.
3. EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) is highly effective for processing trauma that may underlie or exacerbate FND symptoms. It can reduce the emotional charge of past experiences and help the brain integrate them more adaptively. I use EMDR for dissociation, high-achiever anxiety, and related conditions—many clients notice improvements in both emotional and physical symptoms.
Clients have found that functional neurological disorder therapy can play a vital role in their recovery journey.
4. Neurofeedback (Technology-Assisted Brain Training)
Neurofeedback directly trains brainwave patterns to improve regulation. This aligns beautifully with the “retraining the brain” model recommended for FND. Clients often report better focus, reduced anxiety, and fewer symptom flares.
5. IFS (Internal Family Systems) and ACT
These approaches help you work with different “parts” of yourself (e.g., protective or fearful parts) and build psychological flexibility. They support long-term resilience and values-driven living, even while symptoms are present.
Using functional neurological disorder therapy techniques, clients often gain better control over their symptoms.
6. Online Therapy Options
Virtual sessions make consistent support accessible, which is crucial for building momentum in recovery.
Treatment is highly individualized. Some clients benefit from collaboration with neurologists, physical therapists, or occupational therapists alongside psychotherapy.
What Recovery Can Look Like
Those who commit to functional neurological disorder therapy frequently express relief and increased functionality.
Recovery from FND varies, but many people see meaningful improvements—reduced symptom frequency/intensity, better daily functioning, and greater confidence. Progress often involves small, consistent steps: learning to regulate the nervous system, processing contributing experiences, and gradually increasing activity levels.
In my practice, clients frequently report feeling “back in control” of their emotions and body, with renewed joy and peace. While not every symptom disappears overnight, therapy provides tools for long-term self-management and a brighter future.
Incorporating functional neurological disorder therapy into daily routines can greatly enhance outcomes.
Taking the Next Step
If you or someone you love is dealing with unexplained neurological symptoms and suspect FND may be involved—especially if there’s a background of trauma, anxiety, or dissociation—I invite you to reach out.
Consider functional neurological disorder therapy if you’re seeking effective support for your symptoms.
I offer complimentary 15-minute phone consultations for qualified new clients ready to begin therapy, as well as 90-minute intake sessions. Whether you prefer in-person sessions in San Francisco or Palo Alto, or convenient online therapy, I’m here to help create a personalized roadmap forward.
Functional neurological disorder therapy can lead to lasting improvements and a renewed sense of well-being.
I utilize functional neurological disorder therapy methods tailored to your individual needs. You don’t have to navigate this alone—effective, compassionate support is available.
Contact me here today
Michael G. Quirke, M.A., LMFT
San Francisco & Palo Alto, California
Specializing in Trauma, Anxiety, EMDR, Neurofeedback, and Mind-Body Healing
Explore how functional neurological disorder therapy can change your life.
Disclaimer: This post is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or therapeutic advice. Please consult with your healthcare providers for diagnosis and treatment planning.
