Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is increasingly recognised across neurological, psychological and allied health settings. Despite this growing awareness, many clinicians report uncertainty about how to understand, explain and support people experiencing FND.

FND sits at the intersection of neurology, psychology and rehabilitation. Presentations can vary widely and may overlap with experiences such as fatigue, pain, anxiety, mood difficulties, chronic health conditions and neurodevelopmental differences. This complexity can make formulation and treatment planning challenging.

A contemporary approach to FND involves a biopsychosocial understanding of symptoms, recognising the interaction between the nervous system, the body, experiences and environment. Effective support involves clear communication, collaborative formulation, evidence-informed psychological and physical approaches and coordination of the multidisciplinary team.

This introductory webinar will provide an overview of current understandings of FND and explore practical considerations for clinicians supporting clients with FND presentations. Topics will include key principles of assessment, formulation, communicating about FND, and considerations for psychological intervention.

The aim of this webinar is to help clinicians develop a stronger foundation for understanding FND and increase confidence in beginning to work with this complex and often misunderstood presentation.

About the Presenters

Dr Daniella Siciliano

Dr Daniella Siciliano is a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience working with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), anxiety, chronic pain and complex mind–body presentations. She is the Principal Clinical Psychologist and Founder of The Stanhope Psychology Clinic in Sydney, and the Co‑founder and Director of Let’s Talk FND, an education platform for individuals, families and clinicians.

Daniella has a particular clinical interest in FND, somatic symptoms and mind–body presentations in children, adolescents and young adults, drawing on CBT, ACT, Family Therapy and mind–body rehabilitation models in her therapeutic approach. She is also a Psychology Board of Australia approved supervisor, and serves as an Administrator of the FND Clinician Network Facebook Group, supporting national collaboration and best‑practice care.

Daniella is dedicated to improving FND awareness, advancing evidence‑based treatment and fostering meaningful, sustainable recovery for the people and families she works with.

Elizabeth Pearson

Elizabeth Pearson is a Physiotherapist with more than 30 years of experience across healthcare, rehabilitation, leadership and mind–body practice. She works as a mental health physiotherapist with adults in private practice in Newcastle, NSW and online nationally. Her work integrates physiotherapy, rehabilitation Pilates, yoga therapy, health coaching and trauma‑informed care to support people living with neurological, functional and complex health conditions.

Elizabeth is the Co‑founder and Director of Let’s Talk FND and an Administrative Manager of the FND Clinician Network Facebook Group. Drawing on her extensive cross-disciplinary background, she is passionate about helping clinicians build shared language, confidence and collaborative approaches to FND care.

Elizabeth is committed to bridging the gap between physical and psychological care, empowering both clinicians and patients toward more integrated and sustainable recovery.