Questions About FND Therapy

Answered Honestly. Starting therapy for FND can feel like a big step. Here are the answers to the questions we hear most often.

About FND & Therapy

  • Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition in which the brain's signaling and functioning is disrupted — not because of structural damage or disease, but because of how the nervous system has learned to respond to the world. FND is not imaginary. It is not "all in your head." It is a recognized medical diagnosis — and it is treatable.

  • FND is the broader diagnostic category. PNES — also called functional seizures — is one specific presentation within the FND spectrum. Think of it this way: all functional seizures are a form of FND — but not everyone with FND has functional seizures. FND is the forest. PNES is one of the trees.

  • FND is absolutely real. Your symptoms are real, measurable, and worthy of serious clinical care. "All in your head" is one of the most harmful misconceptions about FND — and one we work to dismantle from your very first session.

  • Yes — and this is not something we say lightly. The FND Healing Center was built specifically for people with FND and functional seizures. You will not need to explain or justify your diagnosis here.

  • Research consistently shows that trauma-informed psychotherapy produces significant reduction in functional seizure frequency — and in many cases, full remission.

  • We will stay calm, keep the space safe, speak in a low steady voice, and let you know you are safe. We will not panic or make you feel embarrassed. Your nervous system expressing itself in session is not a problem — it is information.

  • From your very first contact you will be met with belief, validation, and clinical expertise. You will never be asked to prove your symptoms are real. This practice exists because you deserve better.

Practical Details

  • Yes — all sessions are via telehealth throughout Arizona. Particularly valuable for people whose FND symptoms may make leaving home challenging.

  • We accept insurance through Headway — currently in network with Aetna and Cigna. Self-pay rates are also available. Contact us to verify your coverage.

  • 24 hours notice required. If FND symptoms cause a health-related cancellation please reach out and we will work with you compassionately.

  • Yes — everything is protected by strict confidentiality laws with narrow legal exceptions explained in your first session.

Getting Started

  • No referral is required. You are welcome to reach out directly. We warmly welcome referrals and are happy to coordinate care with your medical team.

  • In our first meeting we will talk about what brought you in and what you are hoping to get from therapy. There is no pressure to share more than you are ready to share. You set the pace.

  • If you are living with FND or functional seizures and want support beyond what medication or neurology appointments have offered — therapy is likely the right next step.

  • A relaxed 20-minute conversation — no pressure, no commitment. We will ask about your FND experience, answer your questions, and help determine if we are the right fit.

How Sessions Work

  • Sessions are 50 minutes via telehealth. Each session is tailored to where you are that day — EMDR processing, nervous system education, somatic regulation, or simply processing what you are carrying. We always follow your lead.

  • EMDR helps the brain process memories that have become stuck so they no longer carry the same physiological charge. For FND, EMDR addresses the traumatic roots underlying functional seizures.

  • Yes — with your written permission we are happy to communicate with your neurologist, PCP, PT or OT to ensure coordinated care.

  • Your neurologist diagnoses FND and rules out other conditions. We treat the nervous system's relationship with safety, stress, and trauma. Both matter. Together they produce the best outcomes.

  • This varies by person. Some clients see meaningful reduction in seizures within months. Others benefit from longer support. We never keep you in therapy longer than is genuinely useful.

  • Show up consistently, be as honest as you are able, and practice skills between sessions. Your commitment is the most powerful ingredient in the process.

Still have questions?

We'd love to hear from you.

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