Treatment for Functional Neurologic Disorder for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, & Florida

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Specialized FND Therapy

Is your child or teen experiencing real physical symptoms—like seizures, paralysis, or difficulty walking—but medical tests aren’t giving clear answers? You’re not alone. And they are not “faking it.”

At Ezer Psychotherapy, we specialize in treating Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) in children, adolescents, and young adults through evidence-based, compassionate care—available virtually across Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and Florida.

What Is Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)?

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a condition where the brain has difficulty sending and receiving signals properly, leading to very real neurological symptoms without structural damage to the brain.

Common symptoms include:

  • Non-epileptic seizures (PNES)

  • Difficulty walking or sudden weakness

  • Tremors or abnormal movements

  • Paralysis or limb heaviness

  • Speech difficulties

  • Sensory changes (numbness, vision issues)

  • Chronic pain or fatigue

Important: FND symptoms are not intentional and not imagined. They are a genuine medical condition involving how the nervous system functions.

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Why Does FND Happen?

FND is best understood through a biopsychosocial model, meaning multiple factors can contribute:

  • Nervous system dysregulation (brain-body communication disruption)

  • Stress or emotional overload

  • Anxiety or trauma (past or present)

  • Perfectionism or high-achieving tendencies

  • Physical illness or injury triggering symptoms

  • Learned neural patterns that become “stuck”

Many of our clients are high-functioning, sensitive, and driven individuals—which is why FND can feel especially confusing and frustrating.

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Book Your Session or Consultation Today!

Our Approach to Treating FND

At Ezer Psychotherapy, we use a specialized, evidence-based approach tailored specifically for young people with FND

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    01 - Psychoeducation (Understanding the Diagnosis)

    We help clients and families understand:

    — Why symptoms are happening

    — How the brain-body connection works

    — Why symptoms are real and reversible

    Clarity reduces fear—and fear reduction is a key part of recovery.

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    02 - Nervous System Regulation

    We teach skills to calm the brain and body, including:

    — Grounding techniques

    — Breathing and somatic strategies

    Reducing symptom amplification cycles

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    03 - Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT for FND)

    We address:

    — Symptom-related fear

    — Catastrophic thinking patterns

    — Avoidance behaviors that reinforce symptoms

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    04 - Behavioral Activation & Retraining

    We guide clients in:

    — Gradual return to movement and activities

    — Rewiring brain patterns through repetition

    — Reducing symptom-focused attention

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    05 - Family Involvement (Especially for Children & Teens)

    Parents play a critical role in recovery. We provide:

    — Coaching on how to respond to symptoms

    — Strategies to reduce unintentional reinforcement

    — Support for navigating school and daily functioning

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    06 - Whole-Person Care

    We also address co-occurring concerns such as:

    — Anxiety

    — Depression

    — Eating disorders

    — Chronic illness

    — School Avoidance/Concerns

    — Trauma

Book Your Session or Consultation Today

Two Options for FND Treatment at Ezer Psychotherapy:

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy with Hallie is personalized, collaborative, and thoughtfully paced to meet your unique needs. Whether you or your child have recently been diagnosed with Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND) or have been navigating symptoms for years, therapy offers a supportive and non-judgmental space to better understand the connection between the mind and body.

Treatment focuses on helping patients reduce fear, anxiety, symptom-related avoidance, and nervous system overwhelm while building practical tools for emotional regulation, coping, and recovery. Hallie works alongside children, teens, young adults, and families to help restore a sense of safety, confidence, and hope.

At Ezer Psychotherapy, recovery from FND and related mind–body conditions is viewed as a journey of reconnection—between body and mind, emotions and physical symptoms, and individuals and the relationships that support healing.

Schedule Today!

Therapy Intensives

Therapy intensives are designed for children, teens, young adults, and families seeking immediate, specialized support following a diagnosis such as Functional Neurologic Disorder (Conversion Disorder), including Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES), Functional Movement Disorder, chronic pain, POTS, somatic symptom disorder, and related mind–body conditions.

Many individuals and families come to treatment feeling overwhelmed, confused, or discouraged after countless medical appointments with few clear answers. It can be incredibly difficult when symptoms are very real and distressing, yet finding providers who truly understand these complex neurological and mind–body conditions feels nearly impossible. Long waitlists and limited specialized care often leave patients and parents feeling isolated, uncertain, and unsure where to turn next.

Hallie has extensive experience supporting both young adults and pediatric patients through these challenges and provides compassionate guidance, education, and evidence-based treatment recommendations tailored to each individual’s unique needs and symptoms.

Therapy intensives may include:

  • A comprehensive diagnostic assessment

  • Personalized psychoeducation about you or your child’s condition

  • Nervous system and symptom education

  • A clear plan for symptom management and recovery

  • Parent, caregiver, and family support

  • Recommendations for ongoing treatment and care coordination

Unlike traditional weekly therapy, intensives are short-term, focused interventions designed to provide meaningful support, direction, and practical tools in a condensed and impactful format. Following an intensive, patients and families may choose to schedule additional intensives or transition into ongoing individual therapy with Hallie for continued treatment, symptom management, and support.

Why Early Treatment Matters

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Without the right treatment, FND symptoms can become more ingrained over time.

With specialized care, many young people experience:

  • Significant symptom reduction

  • Return to school and activities

  • Increased independence and confidence

  • Long-term recovery

Early intervention leads to better outcomes.

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Why Choose Ezer Psychotherapy for FND Treatment?

We are not a general therapy practice—we specialize in complex conditions like FND.

What Makes Us Different:

  • Expertise in Functional Neurological Disorder treatment from Hallie’s experience working in a comprehensive level 4 epilepsy center

  • Focus on children, adolescents, and young adults

  • Evidence-based approaches tailored for FND

  • Experience with high-achieving and sensitive individuals

  • Integration of medical and psychological understanding

  • Optional faith-based (Christian) therapy upon request

  • Fully virtual therapy, making care accessible across:

    • Minnesota (MN)

    • Wisconsin (WI)

    • North Dakota (ND)

    • Florida (FL)

Work With Us

Virtual FND Therapy (Accessible, Effective, Flexible)

Our virtual model allows clients to:

  • Receive specialized care from home

  • Reduce stress related to travel or symptoms

  • Integrate therapy into real-life environments

  • Maintain consistency in treatment

Research shows that telehealth can be highly effective for FND treatment, especially when combined with structured behavioral approaches.

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Signs You or Your Child May Benefit from FND Therapy

  • Medical tests are normal, but symptoms persist

  • Symptoms worsen with stress or attention

  • Sudden onset of neurological symptoms

  • Difficulty attending school due to symptoms

  • Feeling misunderstood or dismissed by providers

  • Anxiety or frustration around symptoms

If this sounds familiar, specialized treatment can help.

Schedule Today!

Struggling to understand FND or how to help someone you love? Visit our blog for expert advice, real-world strategies, and support for every stage of recovery.

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Get in Touch

Beginning therapy can feel overwhelming. My goal is to provide a supportive, nonjudgmental environment where you feel empowered throughout your therapeutic journey.

I invite you to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to explore whether we may be a good fit and to address any questions you may have about the work we can do together.

Book Your Session Today
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FAQs

  • Yes. FND is a recognized neurological condition. Symptoms are involuntary and genuine.

  • Both. FND sits at the intersection of brain function and psychological processes.

  • Yes. With the right approach, many individuals experience meaningful recovery.

  • Not necessarily. Without treatment, symptoms can persist—but early intervention improves outcomes significantly.