Dr Daniella Siciliano - Clinical Psychologist

24/03/2026

Proud to share our latest Let’s Talk FND newsletter — a snapshot of the progress, resources, and community momentum shaping FND care in 2026.

If you’re working with people living with FND, or you’re passionate about strengthening confident & collaborative care - connect with us

👉 Join the mailing list for updates, resources, and training opportunities:

2026 brings new momentum for FND care: training, resources, research opportunities, and a growing community supporting better outcomes.

17/03/2026

Misunderstanding remains one of the biggest challenges for people living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

While the symptoms are very real, many people still encounter outdated beliefs about the condition. Neuroscience shows that FND is a disorder of brain–body communication with symptoms occurring automatically rather than by choice.

Importantly, because the brain has the capacity for neuroplastic change, recovery is possible.

In this article, we explore some of the most common myths about FND and what current neuroscience tells us about the condition. Increasing understanding is an important step in reducing stigma, helping people feel believed, and supporting recovery 💛

A patient once said to us:
"The hardest part of FND isn’t always the symptoms… it’s when people don’t believe you."

Many people living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) have heard things like:
🧠 “It’s all in your head.”
🧠 “Maybe it’s psychological.”
🧠 “You just need to relax.”

These comments can be incredibly painful — especially when your symptoms are very real.

The science now tells us something important:
FND is a brain–body communication problem, not a sign of weakness, imagination, or lack of effort.

Research shows the brain is working differently, and symptoms occur automatically — not by choice.

The hopeful part?
Because the brain is capable of neuroplastic change, recovery is possible.

In our latest blog we unpack the most common myths about FND and explain what neuroscience actually tells us about the condition.

When people understand FND properly:
✨ people feel believed
✨ stigma reduces
✨ hope returns

If you live with FND — or support someone who does — this article may help make sense of things.

Read here ➜ https://www.letstalkfnd.com.au/blog/the-most-common-misunderstandings-about-fnd-and-what-the-science-actually-tells-us

12/03/2026

Researchers at the University of Melbourne are exploring how stress affects the brain and body in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — an important step toward improving diagnosis and treatment.

Research like this helps move the field forward and deepens our understanding of how the brain, body, and stress systems interact in FND. Consider sharing this with your FND community 💛

🧠 Researchers at the University of Melbourne are exploring how stress affects the brain and body in Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) — an important step toward improving diagnosis and treatment.

This study is looking at how everyday stress responses interact with brain function in people with FND.

🔬 What participation involves:
• Collecting saliva samples at home (3 times per day for 3 days)
• Completing short online surveys about stress, symptoms, and wellbeing
• Attending one appointment at the Melbourne Brain Centre Imaging Unit for an MRI brain scan
💳 Participants receive a $200 Coles voucher to thank them for their time.

👩 You may be eligible if you:
• Are a woman aged 18–65 and live in Victoria, Australia
• Have a diagnosis of FND
• Can safely complete a MRI scan
• Are willing to collect saliva samples and complete surveys

Research like this helps move the field forward and deepens our understanding of how brain, body, and stress systems interact in FND.

If you or someone you know may be interested, you can learn more here:
📧 Dr Andrea Putica
stress-fnd@unimelb.edu.au
🔗 Expression of Interest:
https://redcap.unimelb.edu.au/surveys/?s=L7LJKH9D9NY8M3PT

Please consider sharing this with your FND community so the right people can see it.

02/02/2026

So excited to finally have launched this clinician training today 💛

I’m genuinely looking forward to connecting and engaging with clinicians who are just as passionate about FND recovery as we are.

Can’t wait for the conversations, shared learning, and collaboration ahead!

25/01/2026

For Any Clinician Considering FND Essentials - There’s no rush to decide.

We’ve intentionally scheduled this course for February to give you the space to:

• Ease into the new year
• Reflect on your CPD goals with clarity
• Select training that truly aligns with and supports your clinical practice

If FND is already part of your caseload or is becoming a growing focus, FND Essentials is here as a reliable and steady clinician resource.

Enrolments are open until 1 February, with the course beginning on 2 February 2026.

If you’d like to chat or have any questions, I’m here to help.

Jump on the link to explore: https://www.letstalkfnd.com.au/FND_Essentials_Empowering_Clinicians_for_Confident_and_Collaborative_Care

23/01/2026

Absolutely 👏

Learning to recognise cycles, pace activity, and manage fatigue is essential in FND recovery. When people understand their own push–crash patterns and respond earlier, symptoms become more predictable, confidence grows, and progress becomes sustainable.

Pacing isn’t optional in FND — it’s a core recovery skill.

Managing fatigue with pacing (even when it’s hard!)

Fatigue is one of the most common — and frustrating — parts of living with FND.
It can show up even after small amounts of activity. 💭💤
This is where pacing helps.

🧩 What is pacing?
Pacing means balancing activity and rest so you avoid the
“push hard → crash hard” cycle.
It’s about staying within your energy limits —
not pushing through at all costs.

It sounds simple…but it’s actually a skill that takes practice and support.

🧠 Why pacing works

When the nervous system is stressed or fatigued,
the brain has to work much harder to control movement,
thinking, and focus.

Overdoing it can overload the system quickly.
By slowing down before symptoms spike,
pacing gives your nervous system space to reset,
recover, and rebuild energy over time.

💚 Important reminder
Pacing isn’t about doing less forever —
it’s about doing more sustainably.

And it’s okay if this feels hard.
Support from a physio, OT, or psychologist
who understands FND can make a big difference.

✨ Gentle, consistent progress really does add up. ✨

💬 Does pacing feel easy or tricky for you right now?

06/10/2025

Let’s Talk FND is pleased to announce the launch of the FND Fundamentals Course for Clinicians, commencing this November.
This comprehensive program has been developed in response to clinician feedback highlighting the need for structured guidance in formulating and implementing effective treatment plans for Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

The course provides a strong foundation in understanding and managing FND, with a focus on the biopsychosocial model, formulation tools, somatic symptom management, and the importance of multidisciplinary collaboration in achieving positive outcomes for clients.

Learning is enhanced through real-world case studies that illustrate how to apply key principles in clinical practice, alongside practical tools and frameworks to support formulation and treatment planning. Participants will also gain access to patient education strategies, including ready-to-use handouts and education modules designed to support understanding, engagement, and recovery.

This course is particularly relevant for clinicians managing mild to moderate FND presentations in settings where they may be required to act as the primary care coordinator, ensuring consistent, coordinated, and evidence-informed care across disciplines.

Course inclusions:
▪ Four pre-recorded webinars
▪ Two live Q&A sessions
▪ Access to optional pre-work to enhance learning and engagement

The aim of the program is to equip clinicians with the knowledge and confidence to deliver effective, collaborative care for individuals with FND, particularly within private practice settings.

Let’s Talk FND welcomes clinicians from all disciplines to join this foundational learning experience.

Further information and registration details are available here: https://www.letstalkfnd.com.au/FND_Fundamentals_Empowering_Clinicians_for_Confident_and_Collaborative_Care

Send a message to learn more

17/09/2025

Check out the latest blog from Let's Talk FND all about unpacking the perfect storm ⛈️

01/07/2025

Excited to share this incredible opportunity for allied health professionals to enhance their FND care approach.

Don’t miss this free webinar to get your practice FND-Fit! 🌟

Click the link to join the webinar on Monday 14th July!

24/06/2025

🌟 Discover Your Path to Recovery with the "Building Your FND Recovery Roadmap" Webinar Series

Join our 3-part webinar series designed to empower individuals living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Through expert guidance, evidence-based strategies, and practical tools, you'll learn how to:
➡️ Understand your symptoms and identify triggers.
➡️ Build a strong support network of professionals, family, and peers.
➡️ Incorporate proven mind-body strategies to reset and rewire your system.

💪 Take the first step toward reclaiming your life.

📩 Download our flyer with information about this transformative series and start building your personalised recovery roadmap today!

https://lnkd.in/gPM2yt5V

Or access more information via our website letstalkfnd.com.au

This link will take you to a page that’s not on LinkedIn

11/06/2025

Feeling so proud and grateful today!

We’ve just wrapped up the final session in our Let’s Talk FND webinar series—and what a journey it’s been. From "Why Me?" to "Why Now?" and finally "What Works", this series has been all about making FND less confusing, less isolating, and more manageable.

Thanks to everyone who joined, shared, asked questions, and showed up for themselves or a loved one.

Together, by sharing stories, offering practical resources, and opening up with honest conversations about lived experience, we’re helping to reduce the stigma around FND and remind people they’re not alone in their recovery journey. 💙

14/04/2025

This webinar marks the beginning of an exciting new series dedicated to supporting those with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).

Designed to promote recovery, foster a sense of community, and challenge the stigma surrounding FND, this webinar will bring together lived experience, clinical insight, and the latest research. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been navigating FND for some time, this series offers a space to learn, connect, and move forward with hope.

Join us at Let’s talk FND tomorrow night - https://www.letstalkfnd.com.au/

🕊️⏳ Early diagnosis changes everything.

The sooner we see you, the sooner we can support you.

FND is real. Recovery is possible. Let’s start now??

If you’ve ever asked yourself, "Why did this happen to me?" or "Why now?" — you are not alone.

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) can feel overwhelming, confusing, and isolating. But new research shows that early diagnosis and access to the right treatments can make a real difference in your recovery journey.

🎓 Webinar: "Why Me? Why Now?

📝 Register now for our webinar 'Why me? Why now?"
on 15 April 2025 at 7:00PM AEST
and start putting the pieces together about why FND occurs at a certain point in life.... and begin to think about how to manage it 😉

🔗 https://www.letstalkfnd.com.au/why-me-why-now-webinar

Cost : $19.00

(A recording will be available if you can't join us at that time)

✨ Learn what science says about how and why FND develops
✨ Discover what helps improve outcomes
✨ Find hope, answers, and community

This is your chance to turn confusion into clarity — and take the next step toward healing.