CBT Therapist

[Brieze]

Hello! I’ve been diagnosed with Functional Neurological Disorder, more specifically Functional Movement Disorder. Does anyone know of any therapist that’s done CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) with FND/FMD patients in Hawaii? Thank you!

[Brokendeer]

Hi I'm in the UK so cannot help with a particular CBT Therapist in your Country.

However, I can tell you that this first book recommended, does basically cover ALL the Multi-disciplinary FND Rehab in London, UK (at least a few years back).

And I personally found the second book to be very helpful in understanding that other people with physical impairments - even without FND- can be seriously debilitated by life experiences.

1) Rehab book:

`Overcoming Functional Neurological Symptoms - a five areas approach'

by Professor Christopher Williams, Dr Sharon Smith etc

ISBN 978-1-444-13834-4

2) Helpful book (Don't let the title put you off!):

`Living with Physical Disability and Amputation'

By Dr Keren Fisher

ISBN 978-1-84709-076-8

Bear in mind, CBT for FND is all based on identifying your own triggers that make symptoms worse and finding solutions to cope or lessen those symptoms.

Basically you say what you want to achieve and mutually agree goals to aim for through `facing your fears/bad habits' with the Therapists guidance on interpreting your results after completing each self-set goal.

If you are looking for definitive answers to things, or not prepared to do most of the mental and leg work on your own- then CBT is not really going to be of much benefit to you.

If you want a better understanding of FND in relation to your natural traits, circumstances and how to change your mindset to be more positive - then CBT will be of benefit to you.

Remember the Neurologists, Therapists and Psychologists all believe by `retraining the brain' to think differently it will improve or cure FND - But they of course do not have FND or understand the debilitating involuntary condition first hand.

So pace yourself, and take from the Therapies what is useful for managing your daily life; you have to live with the condition after all- not the Therapists!

Look for the calm in the Storm!