ISTDP for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

FND is a recognized condition involving real neurological and physical symptoms. Upon learning of their diagnosis, many people feel overwhelmed or unsure what comes next.

You do not need to fully agree with the diagnosis, or be certain psychotherapy will help, to begin.

Everyone’s experience with FND is different, but many people…

• have undergone extensive testing, referrals, or long waits for answers
• may feel uncertain about what the diagnosis means
• are unsure how a psychological therapy might help physical symptoms
• may feel uncertain about how emotions and physical symptoms are connected
• may experience changes in movement, sensation, or other bodily functions that don’t follow a typical neurological pattern
• may encounter moments of misunderstanding or lack of support, sometimes in unexpected places
• may have had previous therapy or a medical diagnosis and feel confused about why symptoms are changing or appearing now
• may have both functional and structural neurological conditions, which may interact
• hope for improvement but fear another false start after trying other approaches
• understand there are no guarantees in therapy but feel uncertain about how to assess options
• may feel unsure how to approach a brief consultation call or what to expect
• are navigating the financial realities of therapy if OHIP-covered options aren’t available
• are experiencing waitlists for their preferred therapy approach

Understanding Functional Neurological Disorder (FND)

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — sometimes called functional motor disorder (FMD) when movement symptoms are prominent — is a well-established neurological condition in which the brain has difficulty sending and integrating signals in the usual way. These disruptions can lead to real and sometimes severe symptoms such as weakness, gait changes, tremor, spasms, sensory loss, seizures, or chronic pain, even when scans or tests appear normal.

Neurologists diagnose FND based on positive signs on examination — specific patterns that indicate the nervous system is functioning inconsistently rather than showing structural damage. This means FND is not a diagnosis of exclusion, but a condition with its own recognizable features.

For many people, receiving this diagnosis is both clarifying and overwhelming, especially after long wait times, multiple referrals, or periods of worrying that the symptoms might signal a degenerative or acute neurological condition.

What FND Is Not

FND is not imaginary, and it is not a sign of “faking,” exaggeration, or attention-seeking. Symptoms are real, involuntary, and can be as disabling as symptoms arising from structural neurological conditions.

FND is not caused by structural damage to the brain or nerves, which is why tests and scans may be unremarkable. The issue lies in how the brain is functioning, not in the physical structure of the nervous system.

FND is not always associated with trauma, and symptoms or symptom flares may appear to arise without clear triggers. You do not need to identify a specific psychological cause in order to begin treatment or make progress.

How Psychotherapy Can Help

ISTDP offers a careful and structured way of exploring the issues that matter most to you. You decide what feels important to bring into the session, and together we look at how your mind and body respond as we stay with those experiences. The focus is not on advice, homework, or strategies, but on helping you notice what is happening beneath the surface of your symptoms or difficulties.

Many people find that their system reacts strongly during these conversations—sometimes through shifts in tension, symptoms, or internal pressure. These reactions give us valuable information about how your nervous system is managing stress and emotion. We use this information to determine whether this method is a good fit for you, and to guide the pace and depth of the work.

ISTDP is a form of talk therapy, but the focus is experiential—working with what happens inside you in the moment, rather than only discussing events or ideas, so that meaningful change can happen from the inside out. As this capacity grows, people often notice changes in their relationships, a greater sense of stability, and a reduction in the internal barriers that once made change feel impossible.

While no approach can promise recovery, many clients find that improvements in physical symptoms occur alongside these deeper shifts. The goal is a more grounded, flexible, and authentic way of living—with fewer obstacles between you and the life you want to lead.

If FND isn’t the primary concern

My practice is primarily focused on Functional Neurological Disorder and related functional symptoms. However, I also work with some clients whose main concerns are somatic symptoms, depression, anxiety, or PTSD—particularly when these challenges are linked to medical events, health changes (Parkinson’s or MS), or long-standing patterns of emotional distress. If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, we can explore this together in a brief consultation call.

Services

• Individual psychotherapy for adults (18+)
• Language: English
• In-Person in a downtown Toronto location near Union Station
• Online appointments for clients in Ontario
• Accessible office and location
• Staffed Reception Area
• Individual Gender Neutral washroom (access within the Toronto Underground PATH)

Fees and Coverage

Psychotherapy services provided by Julia Blackstock Psychotherapy are not covered by OHIP. Access to publicly funded or no-fee psychotherapy in Ontario may be possible but can involve significant wait times or specific program criteria.

For those seeking private therapy, many extended health-care plans include reimbursement for psychotherapy provided by a Registered Psychotherapist (CRPO #007206). If you have benefits coverage, check with your provider to confirm that psychotherapy with a Registered Psychotherapist is eligible for reimbursement.

Some plans cover ongoing sessions but may have different limits or requirements for the initial appointment, which is three hours in length.

Payment is accepted by credit card or cash at the time of the appointment. A receipt is issued after each session, whether for insurance submission or personal record-keeping.

About Julia Blackstock

I am a registered psychotherapist working with adults who are seeking stability, clarity, and meaningful change in the face of complex physical symptoms and emotional reactions. Many of the people that I work with are navigating challenges that have affected their daily functioning, relationships, or sense of agency for a long time. My approach is to offer a steady, collaborative space where we can understand what is happening for you and explore what might help you move toward a healthier and more integrated way of living.

Professional Background

• Registered Psychotherapist (Member in good standing with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario)
• Specialized training in Intensive Short-Term Dynamic Psychotherapy (ISTDP) – CORE Graduate
• Regular consultation and supervision for continuous learning in advanced ISTDP practice
• Ongoing professional development focused on functional neurological and motor disorders since 2020 
• Experience working with functional neurological/motor symptoms, chronic pain, and medically unexplained symptoms
• Collaboration with medical and allied health professionals involved in client care
• Master of Arts (Counselling Psychology) 2016 

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