Functional Neurological Disorder Therapy in Melbourne

Sometimes—but not always. Trauma is a common factor in many cases, particularly when it involves emotional neglect, abuse, or overwhelming stress. But it’s important to note that not all people with FND have a history of trauma. What we consistently see, however, is that symptoms tend to emerge when someone’s emotional system is under strain—whether due to life stress, long-standing internal conflicts, or difficulties expressing emotions safely.

From a psychodynamic perspective, the issue is less about whether a traumatic event occurred, and more about how the person’s nervous system has learned to manage strong emotion.

Yes. There is strong and growing evidence that many people with FND can make significant, lasting improvements—and some fully recover. Recovery doesn’t always mean that symptoms disappear instantly. But with the right therapeutic support, it is very possible to reduce the frequency, intensity, and impact of symptoms.

One of the key factors in recovery is learning to identify and experience previously avoided emotions. When the nervous system no longer needs to express distress through physical symptoms, the symptoms often reduce or disappear. Research into ISTDP for FND shows that even brief courses of therapy can lead to reduced symptoms, better emotional wellbeing, and reduced reliance on medical care​.

This is one of the most common questions of people suffering with FND ask. The answer is: if your symptoms are happening without your conscious control, then you’re not faking them. Functional Neurological Disorder symptoms—such as tremors, paralysis, or non-epileptic seizures—are real, involuntary, and often the result of the nervous system being overwhelmed.
Many people with FND feel uncertain or even ashamed of their symptoms, especially if they’ve been misunderstood or dismissed by others. Doubting yourself doesn’t mean you’re faking anything—it simply means you’re struggling to make sense of something confusing.
At Dynamic Psychotherapy, we take these concerns seriously. Through therapy, we help you understand why your body might be expressing emotional or internal stress through physical symptoms, and how to work with—not against—what your body is trying to communicate. You don’t have to prove anything. You just need space to explore what’s going on, with compassion and support.

Not at all. Many people come to therapy feeling unsure—or even sceptical—about the idea that their symptoms might be linked to emotions. That’s completely understandable, especially if you’ve been told “it’s all in your head” or felt dismissed by medical professionals or others around you.
At Dynamic Psychotherapy, we never force a psychological explanation onto your experience. Instead, we explore your symptoms together—with openness, curiosity, and respect. Therapy is about helping you understand what your body might be trying to communicate. You don’t need to have the answers before you begin—you just need to be open to asking the questions.