Psychological support for FND
Psychologists and counsellors in attendance at our Centre help people with FND understand their symptoms, reduce the distress and fear that often come with them, and build practical ways to manage daily life. Therapy works alongside the care you receive from your GP, neurologist and physiotherapist, not instead of it.
New clients are often seen within one to two weeks, depending on who you wish to see. Please call our reception team to discuss your needs.
Written and clinically reviewed by Natascha Madden, Registered Psychologist, Brisbane Counselling Centre. Last reviewed: October 2026
What is functional neurological disorder (FND)?
Functional neurological disorder is a common condition in which the nervous system has a problem with how it functions, rather than with its structure. The brain is not damaged, but the way it sends and receives signals is disrupted, which causes genuine physical symptoms.
A helpful way to think about it is a computer with a software problem rather than a hardware fault. Standard scans such as MRI and CT usually look normal, yet the symptoms are real and are not under the person’s voluntary control.
FND is one of the most common reasons people see a neurologist. The Medical Journal of Australia reports that a FND was present in at least 15% of presentations to one Australian neurology clinic. It is more common in women and often begins between the ages of 35 and 50, although it can affect anyone at any age.
What are the symptoms of FND?
FND affects people in different ways and symptoms can change over time. Common symptoms include:
- weakness or paralysis of an arm or leg
- difficulty walking, poor balance or falls
- tremors, jerks, spasms or abnormal postures
- functional seizures (also called dissociative seizures)
- speech difficulties, such as stuttering or loss of speech
- numbness or altered sensation
- problems with vision or hearing
- fatigue, pain, poor concentration and memory difficulties
The two most common types are functional movement disorder and functional (dissociative) seizures.
Functional movement disorder
Movement symptoms such as tremor, jerks, spasms, weakness, dragging a leg or an unusual walking pattern. Symptoms often vary from day to day and can lessen when attention is directed elsewhere, which is a recognised feature of FND, not a sign that someone is putting it on.
Functional or dissociative seizures
Episodes that look like epileptic seizures but are not caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain. People may shake, go blank, lose awareness or feel disconnected from their surroundings. They are diagnosed by a neurologist, often with video EEG, and are treated differently from epilepsy.
What causes FND?
There is rarely one single cause. FND is best understood as the result of several factors that make the nervous system more vulnerable and keep symptoms going. These can include:
- a physical trigger, such as an injury, illness, surgery or a migraine
- ongoing stress, anxiety or depression
- past adverse or traumatic experiences, although many people with FND have none
- the way the brain pays attention to and predicts bodily sensations
- understandable fear and avoidance once symptoms start
Psychological factors are not present for everyone, and having FND does not mean symptoms are “all in your head”. It does mean that how the brain processes stress, attention and threat can affect symptoms, which is why psychological therapy is often a useful part of treatment.
How does psychological therapy help with FND?
The best outcomes usually come from a team approach, with a neurologist confirming the diagnosis and explaining it clearly, physiotherapy or occupational therapy for movement symptoms, and psychological therapy to address the factors that keep symptoms going. Research, including the large UK CODES trial, shows therapy can reduce distress and improve day-to-day functioning and quality of life for people with functional seizures.
Your psychologist or counsellor will tailor therapy to you. Approaches may include:
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) – Understanding the links between symptoms, thoughts, attention and behaviour, learning to recognise warning signs before a seizure or symptom flare, and practising techniques to interrupt it.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Reducing the struggle with symptoms and rebuilding a life around what matters to you, even while symptoms are still present.
EMDR – Where past trauma or distressing medical experiences are part of the picture, EMDR can reduce their emotional charge. EMDR is an area of specialist expertise at our Centre. Read more on our EMDR page.
Mindfulness, relaxation and grounding skills – Calming an overactive stress response and staying present during dissociative episodes.
Support with anxiety, low mood and grief – Living with FND can be frightening, isolating and exhausting, and many people grieve the life they had before symptoms began.
You can read more about what a typical session looks like.
Feeling dismissed or misunderstood?
Many people with FND have had years of tests and appointments, and some have been told, directly or indirectly, that nothing is wrong. That experience can leave people feeling disbelieved, alone and reluctant to seek more help.
At Brisbane Counselling Centre, your symptoms are taken seriously. Your psychologist or counsellor will start by listening to your story, explain FND in plain language, and work at a pace that feels manageable for you.
How do I book an appointment for FND in Brisbane?
- Please call (07) 3831 4452 or complete our enquiry form. Our reception team will talk through what you are looking for, confirm fees and suggest a suitable psychologist or counsellor. You do not need a referral to book.
- See your GP if you want a Medicare rebate. Ask for a Mental Health Treatment Plan. If you have private health cover, you may be eligible for a rebate through your health insurance. If you have an NDIS plan, ask our reception team whether your funding can be used.
- Attend your first session in person or online. Bring any letters or reports from your neurologist if you have them. If mobility or fatigue makes travel hard, online and telephone sessions are available.
Brisbane Counselling Centre is at Level 7, 87 Wickham Terrace, Spring Hill, near the Brisbane CBD, about five minutes’ walk from Central Station. The building has lift access. We are open Monday to Friday 7:30am to 5:30pm and Saturday 8:30am to 5:00pm.
Meet the psychologists and counsellors or read about what a typical session looks like.
Frequently asked questions
Is FND a real condition?
Can a psychologist or counsellor help with FND?
Does seeing a psychologist mean my symptoms are "all in my head"?
Do I need a diagnosis of FND before I book?
Can I get a Medicare rebate for FND counselling?
How much does it cost?
Can therapy help with functional seizures?
Can I have online sessions if travelling is difficult?
Can EMDR help with FND?
Will my psychologist work with my neurologist or GP?
Where are you located and is there parking?
Help is available
If you are living with FND, or think you might be, help is available at Brisbane Counselling Centre. Talking with a caring professional who understands FND can help you feel heard and give you practical tools to improve your quality of life. Take the courageous step and reach out today.
Please call to speak with our reception team or send us a message. The Brisbane psychologists and counsellors are available to help.
If you need urgent support, contact Lifeline on 13 11 14, available 24 hours. In an emergency, call 000.
