Coping with Functional Neurological Disorder

Dr Michelle Gregory is a clinical psychologist from Sussex, specialising in treating Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). She draws on her clinical expertise and lived experience to support adults and young people to recover from FND. She lives in Sussex with her husband, child and a menagerie of animals.

• Table of ContentsPart One: Making FND more understandable1. What is FND?2. The stories behind FND symptoms3. Understanding the causes for FND4. Understanding the altered brain networks in FNDPart Two: Making FND more predictable5. Making your triggers for FND symptoms predictable6. From predictability to attunement7. Giving yourself an emotional dictionaryPart Three: making FND more manageable8. Developing emotional regulation skills9. Over control and avoidance: predictability imposters10. Managing cognitive symptoms and brain fog in FND11. Managing neurological fatigue in FND12. Coping with severe and chronic FNDPart Four: Supporting the whole system and thinking for the long term13. MDT support for FND14. Support from family and friends15. Obstacles to FND recovery16. Rolling with the ups and downs of FND recovery17. Coping with FND: Finding the path to recovery

‘Coping with Functional Neurological Disorder is a clear, balanced and clinically grounded guide for people living with this often misunderstood condition. It explains complex brain–body processes in an accessible way while validating the genuine impact of symptoms on daily life.From a GP and CBT perspective, this book fills an important gap. It helps readers understand their diagnosis, recognise triggers and develop practical strategies for pacing, emotional regulation and self-management. The integration of evidence-based approaches – including CBT, ACT and nervous system regulation – provides a coherent framework that can be applied in everyday life.The approach fosters understanding, confidence and agency. This makes it an extremely valuable resource for patients, primary care clinicians and families seeking a compassionate, evidence-informed approach to supporting recovery in FND.’Dr Lee David, GP and CBT Therapist'This is a transformative and deeply needed guide for anyone living with FND. As both a Clinical Psychologist and someone with lived experience, Dr. Michelle Gregory offers a unique perspective that bridges the gap between professional expertise and personal insight. This book provides a compassionate practical roadmap, breaking down a complex and often misunderstood condition into clear, bite-sized chunks gently guiding the reader from understanding what FND is to the realities of long-term management, highlighting the powerful influence of wider factors, including the role of family, support networks, and health professionals. Readers will move through the 'ups and downs' of FND rehabilitation not only with practical tools and clarity but also something equally important: a renewed sense of optimism and hope for the future.' Dr. Emma Williams, Clinical Psychologist and Director of EmPsych Ltd‘Coping with FND is an accessible, compassionate guide that brings theory to life through real-world examples. Written in clear, simple language, it frequently invites readers to reflect on how they might think, feel, or behave in similar situations, and what resonates personally. Helpful chapter abstracts set expectations, while concise end-of-chapter summaries distil key take-home messages, reinforcing learning and supporting practical, meaningful change for individuals, families, and clinicians alike everywhere today. It is a fascinating read and one that will resonate deeply with patients, carers, and those treating FND.’Diego Kaski, Consultant Neurologist at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Honorary Associate Professor at UCL