Treatment for Functional Neurologic Disorder for Children, Adolescents, and Young Adults in Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, & Florida
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.
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.
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
Why Early Treatment Matters
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.
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
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)
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.
Signs Your Child or Teen 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.
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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Functional Neurologic Disorder (FND) in Children and Young Adults: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
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Functional Neurologic Disorder vs. Neurological Disease: What Families Need to Know
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How to Respond to Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES): A Complete Guide for Families, Caregivers, and Clinicians
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Returning to School After Your Child Has Been Diagnosed with PNES
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Psychogenic Non-Epileptic Seizures (PNES) in Children, Teens, and Young Adults: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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Am I Faking My Symptoms? The Truth About FND (And Why You’re Not Making It Up)
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.
FAQs
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Yes. FND is a recognized neurological condition. Symptoms are involuntary and genuine.
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Both. FND sits at the intersection of brain function and psychological processes.
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Yes. With the right approach, many individuals experience meaningful recovery.
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Not necessarily. Without treatment, symptoms can persist—but early intervention improves outcomes significantly.