Lecture Title

1. Treatment Planning and Education

Lecture Description

Learning Objectives

1.1 Welcome and Introduction to FND Rehabilitation 101

Sarah Lidstone
The A.J. Trustey Endowed Chair, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Medical Director, The Bromfield Epilepsy Center
Chief, Epilepsy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital 

Glenn Nielsen, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Neurological Physiotherapy
St George’s University of London

Dr. Glenn Nielsen is a clinical and academic physiotherapist at St George’s University of London and St George’s University Hospital. He is the lead physiotherapist for a specialist FND Clinic, providing rehabilitation for people with FND motor symptoms. His research focuses on developing specialist rehabilitation and trials of clinical effectiveness. He co-leads the UK AHP FND Network (ahpfndnetwork.org) and is on the board of directors for the international Functional Neurological Disorder Society.

1.2. Education as a Rehabilitation Tool

Sarah Lidstone
The A.J. Trustey Endowed Chair, Brigham and Women’s Hospital
Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School
Medical Director, The Bromfield Epilepsy Center
Chief, Epilepsy, Brigham and Women’s Hospital

Glenn Nielsen, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Neurological Physiotherapy
St George’s University of London

Dr. Glenn Nielsen is a clinical and academic physiotherapist at St George’s University of London and St George’s University Hospital. He is the lead physiotherapist for a specialist FND Clinic, providing rehabilitation for people with FND motor symptoms. His research focuses on developing specialist rehabilitation and trials of clinical effectiveness. He co-leads the UK AHP FND Network (ahpfndnetwork.org) and is on the board of directors for the international Functional Neurological Disorder Society.

2. Rehabilitation Assessment, Common Themes Across Disciplines

Lecture Description 2.1

Delivering an Effective Virtual FND Assessment explores the feasibility of conducting remote assessments for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) while providing practical strategies and demonstrations for optimizing virtual session setup and delivery. This lecture equips clinicians with the tools and techniques to conduct an FND-informed rehabilitation assessment in an online environment.

2.1 Conducting a Patient Interview

Jennifer L. Freeburn, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Massachusetts General Hospital

Jennifer is a speech-language pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital specializing in neurologic disorders of speech, language, and swallowing. She is part of the hospital’s Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, through which she participates in multidisciplinary clinical care and research initiatives in FND. Jennifer is actively engaged in teaching and learning as a lecturer at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and clinical supervisor in partnership with Boston University.

Learning Objectives 2.1

• Identify key information that is important to gather during an initial patient interview
• Describe recommended interview strategies and questions
• Discuss methods that rehab professionals may use to consider biopsychosocial factors in case formulation and treatment planning​

2.2 Delivering an Effective Virtual Assessment

Haseel Bhatt, MSc, MScPT
Physiotherapy Lead
Integrated Movement Disorders Program
University Health Network

Haseel Bhatt is a clinical researcher and physiotherapist dedicated to advancing care for individuals living with movement disorders. He completed his graduate studies at the Movement Disorders Research and Rehabilitation Centre at Wilfrid Laurier University and earned a Master of Physiotherapy in the UK. Haseel served as the Physiotherapy Lead for the Integrated Movement Disorders Program (IMDP) and at the Toronto Western Hospital Movement Disorders Program, where he treated individuals with Functional Neurological Disorder, Parkinson’s disease, Ataxia, and other movement disorders. In addition to his clinical work, he is an adjunct lecturer at the University of Toronto. Haseel has a keen interest in virtual care, focusing on its potential to enhance access and outcomes for individuals living with movement disorders.

Learning Objectives 2.2

• Understand the evidence and feasibility of virtual assessments for FND
• Describe practical strategies for preparing and delivering an effective virtual FND assessment.
• Apply a 3-step framework for virtual FND assessments: before, during, and after the session.

3. Therapy Role and Techniques (including assessment when needed)

Lecture Description 3.2

This lecture will review the role of physical therapy in the treatment of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), with a focus on movement retraining and motor control. Participants will examine the evidence supporting physiotherapy interventions and gain insight into key components of a comprehensive physiotherapy evaluation. The session will provide practical strategies for movement analysis and addressing impaired motor control, incorporating motor learning theories aligned with consensus recommendations. Additionally, the lecture will cover the management of episodic symptoms and effective discharge planning to support long-term patient success.

Lecture Description 3.3

This lecture will provide an overview of Occupational Therapy interventions for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) and will describe how specific interventions can be integrated into functional activities to promote self-management of symptoms.

Lecture Description 3.7

In this lecture, Cameron Moss (physiotherapist from St. George’s Hospital, London) discusses wider symptoms of pain, fatigue and cognitive problems that commonly co-exist with FND. He explores why these problems are often described, demonstrates examples of how to discuss these issues alongside some treatment approaches, and advises on how to support people with self-management of these symptoms.

Lecture Description 3.8

This presentation is on the role of social work with patients who have functional neurologic disorders. This recording will review the diverse and unique roles of social workers in providing care to this patient population, including detailed information on the role of case management and how this is beneficial to patients with functional neurologic disorders. Specific international resources, work accommodations, and protections will be discussed. Lastly, there will be a review of psychotherapy treatment modalities for patients with functional neurologic disorders.

Lecture Description 3.9

The lecture briefly explores the role for nursing with FND patients in various care settings. Discussing patient assessment, the importance of therapeutic relationships as a foundation, and balancing time spent with boundary-setting to enhance patient agency.

3.1 Therapeutic Neurobiological Mechanisms

David L. Perez MD, MMSc
Associate Professor of Neurology and Psychiatry
Mass General Brigham
Harvard Medical School

Dr. Perez is board-certified in neurology, psychiatry, and behavioral neurology & neuropsychiatry. At the Massachusetts General Hospital, he is the Founding Director of the multidisciplinary FND Unit and FND Research Group. Dr. Perez has published over 100 peer-reviewed articles, the majority in the fields of FND, brain imaging, and the clinical neurosciences. Dr. has also co-edited two textbooks on FND, including a 32-chapter Springer Functional Movement Disorder book.

Learning Objectives 3.1

• Identify neuropsychological constructs implicated in the pathophysiology of functional neurological disorder
• Identify how functional neurological symptoms, neuropsychological constructs, and brain networks relate to one another in the pathophysiology of functional neurological disorder
• Identify primary resting state brain networks implicated in the pathophysiology of functional neurological disorder

3.2 Movement Retraining Physiotherapy

Julie Maggio, PT, DPT, NCS
Clinical Specialist, Massachusetts General Hospital Outpatient PT
MGH FND Unit Affiliated Researcher

Julie Maggio is a clinical specialist for the outpatient physical therapy service at Massachusetts General Hospital as well as an affiliated researcher with the MGH Functional Neurology Research Group. She works exclusively with patients who have neurologic dysfunction and has extensive experience treating patients with Functional Neurological Disorders. Her research is focused on outpatient care of patients with FND and she actively lectures on physical therapy treatment for FND. Julie is a founding member of the FND society and is recognized as a Certified Neurologic Clinical Specialist by the American Board of Physical Therapy Specialties.

Learning Objectives 3.2

• Participants will be able to assess movement patterns and recognize opportunities to enhance motor control utilizing external focus
• Participants will be able to identify key factors contributing to movement dysfunction including altered attentional focus, fear, pain and nervous system dysregulation
• Participants will develop a more comprehensive understanding of how FND impacts movement and motor control

3.3 Occupational Therapy, Including Provision of Aids and Adaptations

Clare Nicholson, OT
Clinical Specialist Occupational Therapist, Neurosciences / Functional Neurological Disorders Rehabilitation Team
The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, London
Doctoral Clinical Practitioner Academic Fellowship (DCAF) candidate
University College London (UCL), Centre for Behaviour Change

Clare is a clinical specialist Occupational Therapist, working at The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, UCLH NHS Foundation Trust, London, specialising in Neurosciences and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). Clare also has an interest in FND research and is currently undertaking an NIHR funded Doctoral Clinical Practitioner Academic Fellowship (DCAF) at the UCL Centre for Behaviour Change. The focus of her doctoral project is on co-developing with patients and Occupational Therapists an Occupational Therapy intervention/s for people with FND that can be delivered in community settings.

Learning Objectives 3.3

• To describe over-arching principles of Occupational Therapy interventions for Functional Neurological Disorder
• To provide examples of Occupational Therapy interventions for specific functional neurological symptoms.
• To illustrate how symptom management strategies can be integrated into daily activities and routines.

3.4 Voice Disorders

Janet Baker, LACST, MsC, PhD
Speech Pathologist & Family Therapist
Clinical Consultant in Voice & Counselling
Supervision & Reflective Practice for Clinicians and Academics
Adjunct Associate Professor, Flinders University, SA
Honorary Clinical Fellow, UTS NSW

Adjunct Associate Professor Jan Baker is a speech pathologist and family therapist with post-graduate qualifications in psychotherapy. She studied classical singing at the Elder Conservatorium and has performed as a soloist in the mezzo-soprano repertoire. She is a Life Member of the Australian Voice Association and Fellow and Life Member of Speech Pathology Australia. Jan has taught at undergraduate and post-graduate levels, and after completing her PhD in the Department of Psychiatry in 2006, she was appointed Associate Professor at Flinders University (2007-2011). Jan is now Adjunct Associate Professor at Flinders University.

Jan has presented at many national and international conferences in relation to the management of voice disorders with the integration of counseling and family therapy, and more recently in Boston (USA) and Newcastle on Tyne (UK), in the areas of FND/voice, counseling, and the importance of supervision for field clinicians. Her clinical work, research, and publications have focused on the etiology and management of psychogenic voice disorders; other FNDs affecting communication, swallowing, cough; and understanding the psychological processes involved in the therapeutic relationship. From her private practice at the Randwick Specialist Centre in Sydney where Jan is now living, she is a consultant in voice and communication disorders related to FND, and she offers regular supervision to speech pathologists and mental health practitioners throughout Australia and overseas.

Learning Objectives 3.4

• Provide an overview of biopsychosocial conceptual understandings underpinning the nature and patterns of onset of FNVD
• Describe the positive clinical signs that contribute to the differential diagnosis of FNVD
• Present the general principles of management that include practical strategies to facilitate resolution of vocal symptoms, and generalisation beyond the clinical setting
• Highlight ways in which counselling by the SLP is integral to this process, with attention to predisposing, precipitating and perpetuating factors
• Identify possible ‘red flags’ that may indicate the need for deeper levels of counselling and/or collaboration with mental health professionals in the multidisciplinary team

3.5 Functional speech disorders

Jennifer L. Freeburn, MS, CCC-SLP
Speech Language Pathologist
Massachusetts General Hospital

Jennifer is a speech-language pathologist at Massachusetts General Hospital specializing in neurologic disorders of speech, language, and swallowing. She is part of the hospital’s Functional Neurological Disorder Unit, through which she participates in multidisciplinary clinical care and research initiatives in FND. Jennifer is actively engaged in teaching and learning as a lecturer at the MGH Institute of Health Professions and clinical supervisor in partnership with Boston University.

Learning Objectives 3.5

• Identify the common features and types of speech-language disruptions in FND​
• Describe methods for using assessment data to inform differential diagnosis of functional speech disorders
• Explain treatment principles and strategies as applicable to the clinical setting

3.6 Swallowing

Catherine Gregory, PhD, MSLP (Hons), BSc (Hons), CPSP
Lecturer and Clinical Educator
University of Technology, Sydney
Owner/Director of Resonate Speech Pathology

Cath Gregory, PhD is a Speech Pathologist with 13+ years of clinical experience. A lecturer at the University of Sydney (UTS), Cath treats FND-related communication and swallowing disorders in her private practice and as a practice educator at UTS’s student-led SPROUTS clinic. Her current research explores the use of Virtual Reality applications as distraction tools during treatment for this population. An international educator, she regularly delivers podcasts, training modules, and workshops to advance the understanding of FND communication and swallowing disorders.

Learning Objectives 3.6

• Know the positive signs for functional neurological dysphagia
• Know the DEEEP principles of treatment of functional neurological dysphagia
• Understand how treatment for clients with chronic/complex FND differs

3.7 Pain, fatigue, and cognition

Cameron Moss
Principal Physiotherapist, Functional Movement Disorders
St George’s University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust
Honorary Contract: City St George’s University of London

Cameron completed a degree in Sport Studies before obtaining a first-class degree in Physiotherapy from London South Bank University in 2008. He completed his early clinical rotations at St. George’s Hospital, before moving into specialist roles in neurology in 2010. He has worked across inpatient, outpatient and rehabilitation services since then, in various NHS and private settings, and has specialised in functional neurological disorder (FND) since 2018. He has completed additional training in physiotherapy for FND, as well as Advanced Bobath treatment, Self-Management, and an MSc module on Mental Health Skills for Non-Mental Health Professionals from King’s College London. He is currently undertaking a Research Fellowship at St George’s Hospital, developing post-graduate research skills. He has presented at conferences, taught at universities on FND and has a specialist interest in functional dystonia. Outside of work, Cameron loves tennis, cycling, running, playing the guitar (badly), and attempting DIY.

Learning Objectives 3.7

• To identify wider symptoms of pain, fatigue and cognition that commonly co-exist with FND.
• To demonstrate examples of education regarding these complex, co-existing symptoms.
• To describe strategies that support self-management of these co-existing symptoms.

3.8 The Role of Social Work

Najda Robinson-Mayer, LMSW
Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW)
University of Michigan Health System, Michigan Medicine
Adult Neurology Clinic, Department of Social Work
Social Worker MSW Senior

Najda Robinson-Mayer is a licensed master clinical social worker with over 20 years of clinical experience. She received her master’s degree from the University of Michigan School of Social Work and has been working at the University of Michigan in the adult neurology clinic for the past 10 years. Najda works in a multidisciplinary clinic that focuses on people with functional seizures, other functional neurologic diseases, and epilepsy. Najda’s expertise encompasses psychotherapy treatment methods including cognitive behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and motivational interviewing. She provides individual and group therapy to patients with functional seizures and functional neurologic disorders. Najda is well versed in providing social work services including case management to patients with complex medical conditions and psychosocial needs. Najda has given presentations locally and presented at poster sessions nationally. She is a co-author of the 2024 article: Elevated Mortality Rate in Patients With Functional Seizures After Diagnosis and Referral in Neurology: Clinical Practice.

Learning Objectives 3.8

• Explain the multifaceted role of social work in treating patients who have functional neurologic disorders, including providing therapy, identifying needs, and collaborating with local agencies.
• Illustrate case management techniques to reduce barriers in access to healthcare and other resources.
• Demonstrate how prognostic signs are used to personalize psychotherapy treatment and maximize treatment success.

3.9 The Role of Nursing

Kate Kain, RN
Registered Nurse
Ambulatory Neurosciences
South Health Campus / Alberta Health Services (Calgary AB)

Kate Kain is a dedicated Registered Nurse with 13 years of experience in various care settings including Internal Medicine, Oncology, and Neurology. Holding a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Calgary, she is passionate about delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and collaborating with many valued team members. Currently, her nursing role expands across the Functional Movement Disorders, Movement Disorders, Neuromuscular and ALS clinics at South Health Campus. Kate's focus is on caring for the 'whole person', developing strong therapeutic relationships, and identifying careful considerations based on each unique individual. 

She believes in the power of education to transform healthcare, both through shared experiences and by fostering a collaborative, compassionate approach to patient care. She is committed to improving outcomes and advancing the nursing profession through innovative networking, resourcefulness, and evidence-based practice. Kate is honored to share insights with other providers and contribute to the ongoing evolution of the nursing role in FND. In her free time, she enjoys camping, watching and participating in various sports, and spending time with family and animals. These personal experiences shape her approach to nursing by emphasizing balance, empathy, and lifelong growth.

Learning Objectives 3.9

• Explain the RN role for patients with FND within various care settings.
• Explore nursing role in the assessment of FND symptomology and patterns.
• Differentiate between the necessity of time spent with patients, and setting boundaries to promote agency and avoid dependence.

3.10 Concluding treatment and supporting self-management

Glenn Nielsen, PhD
Senior Lecturer in Neurological Physiotherapy
St George’s University of London

Dr. Glenn Nielsen is a clinical and academic physiotherapist at St George’s University of London and St George’s University Hospital. He is the lead physiotherapist for a specialist FND Clinic, providing rehabilitation for people with FND motor symptoms. His research focuses on developing specialist rehabilitation and trials of clinical effectiveness. He co-leads the UK AHP FND Network (ahpfndnetwork.org) and is on the board of directors for the international Functional Neurological Disorder Society.

Mark J Edwards, MBBS, BSc, FRCP, PhD
Professor of Neurology and Interface Disorders
Department of Basic and Clinical Neuroscience
Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience
King’s College London

Mark Edwards (MBBS, BSc (Hons), PhD, FRCP) is Professor of Neurology and Interface Disorders at King’s College London and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at The Maudsley and King’s College Hospitals. He has a specialist clinical and research interest in Movement Disorders and Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). He did his PhD at the UCL Institute of Neurology, studying the pathophysiology of genetic dystonia. He later became a Senior Lecturer and Honorary Consultant Neurologist at UCL and the National Hospital for Neurology. Here he developed an NIHR-funded research program and specialist diagnostic and treatment service for patients with FND. After moving to St George’s in 2015 he expanded this work to develop one of the first integrated diagnostic and treatment services for FND alongside continued research work into the pathophysiology of the disorder and development and testing of novel treatments, including the first randomized trial of specialist physiotherapy for functional movement disorders. He recently led the development of a national optimal clinical pathway for Functional Neurological Disorder on behalf of NHS England. He was appointed as Professor of Neurology and Interface Disorders at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Neuroscience at King’s College London and Consultant Neurologist at the Maudsley and King’s College Hospital in September 2022. 

He has published over 400 peer-reviewed publications and is the author of the Oxford Specialist Handbook of Parkinson’s Disease and Other Movement Disorders. He is President of the Association of British Neurology Movement Disorders Group, a Founding Member of the Functional Neurological Disorder Society, Associate Editor of the European Journal of Neurology, and medical advisor for FNDHope, the UK Dystonia Society and the British Association of Performing Arts Medicine.

Learning Objectives 3.10

• To recognize the importance of planning for discharge from day one of treatment
• To be able to include strategies in your treatment that will help to create a good discharge experience
• To be able to approach treatment in ways that supports the patient to develop self-management skills

4. Adapting Treatment for Paediatrics and Young People

Lecture Description 4.1

In this module, we will discuss FND symptoms and specifically focus on how it impacts youth.

4.1 Paediatric predisposing, precipitating, and perpetuating factors

Kristen Trott, PhD
Pediatric Psychologist
Nationwide Children's Hospital
Clinical Associate Professor
The Ohio State University in Columbus

Kristen Trott, PhD, is a Pediatric Psychologist at Nationwide Children's Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and she has been with NCH for 20 years. Throughout her career, Dr. Trott has worked closely with the Section of Neurology, and this provided her the opportunity to gain expertise in the assessment and treatment of youth with Functional Neurological Symptom Disorder (FNSD), and in 2009, she co-founded the Psychogenic Nonepileptic Event (PNEE) Clinic and is the Co-Director.

Learning Objectives 4.1

• Identify typical FND symptomology in youth
• Define risk factors in the development of FND in youth
• Recognize complicating factors in recovery

4.2 Paediatric multidisciplinary teams

Dara Albert, DO, MEd, FAAN, FAES
Associate Professor
Department of Pediatrics
Division of Child Neurology
Nationwide Children’s Hospital/The Ohio State University

Dara Albert is a Child Neurologist and Epileptologist and Associate Professor at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in the Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neurology. She is the Medical Director of a multidisciplinary Pediatric Functional Neurologic Disorder Seizure Clinic. The goal of the clinic is to help patients and families to move from diagnosis to treatment. She is engaged in clinical research on this topic and using quality improvement to improve clinical outcomes.

Learning Objectives 4.2

• Define why there is a need for multidisciplinary care for patients with FND
• Highlight the benefits of multidisciplinary care
• Provide an example of a multidisciplinary Pediatric Functional Seizure Clinic

4.3 Rehabilitation for Young People

Jason Kreuzman MOT, OTR/L
St. Louis Children's Hospital
Therapy and Audiology Services

Jason Kreuzman is an Occupational Therapist at St. Louis Children’s Hospital and primary allied health provider treating patients with FND at his institution. He is a founding member of the FND Society, Co-Chair of the FND Society Pediatric Special Interest Group, and Chair of his institution's multi-disciplinary FND committee. His current work is aimed at bringing awareness of the valuable role Occupational Therapy plays in multi-disciplinary care while collaborating on conducting research through the FND Society aimed at pediatric treatment.

Learning Objectives 4.3

• Define the roles of OT, PT, ST in the treatment of young people with FND
• Explain the importance of developmental skills in FND treatment of young people
• Explain Bio-Psycho-Social factors unique to young people with FND

5. Integrating Mind and Body

Lecture Description

Learning Objectives

5.1 Specific therapy techniques and examples

Sarah Lidstone


 

Kate Holt


 

Sarah Cope, BSc, MSc, DClinPsy
Clinical Psychologist
Lishman Unit, South London
Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Sarah Cope is a consultant clinical psychologist, accredited CBT therapist, and accredited EMDR therapist. She works in the NHS at the Lishman Unit, a national specialist neuropsychiatry inpatient unit; as well as working in private practice. She is the chief investigator of MODIFI, which is a National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR)-funded feasibility study examining Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing therapy (EMDR) for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). She has published peer-reviewed journal articles in the field of FND.

Helen Jinadu
 

5.2 Psychological safety in rehabilitation

Michael Dilley
 

7. The Lived Experience

Lecture Description

Learning Objectives

Caoimhe McLoughlin