1st Edition
A Patient’s Workbook for Functional Neurological Disorder Helping To Release the Pressure
This self-help workbook offers guidance for those coping with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND). It uses a visual metaphor based on a ground-breaking new Pressure Cooker Model to help understand the condition and to reduce the symptoms.
Firmly rooted in neuropsychological principles, this model is practical and relatable, bridging the gap between theoretical models of FND and non-FND specific treatment models, often based on Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, which have been found to be lacking in terms of symptom reduction. The Pressure Cooker Model focuses on how the person's environment, interactions, relationships and surroundings can contribute to FND, and looks to improve recovery, reduce stigma, increase FND awareness and result in a shift in thinking about FND. Grounded in neuropsychology, this book helps people to understand their FND triggers, as well as their emotional and physical symptoms, and offers many strategies for self-care and building healthy relationships.
The book is accompanied by an extensive set of entirely free online resources and templates to help people with FND to manage a range of genuine and disabling functional neurological symptoms, from motor symptoms such as tremors, functional weakness and gait difficulties; sensory symptoms including tingles and numbness, as well as cognitive symptoms such as memory and concentration difficulties or brain fog, and dissociative seizures. It is valuable reading for anyone with FND, their partners, families and friends, as well as healthcare professionals in any field working with people with FND.
1. Using Psychology to understand Functional Neurological Disorder
2. The History of the Pressure Cooker Model
3. Rationale for Developing the Pressure Cooker Model
4. The Structure of the Pressure Cooker Model
5. How adverse life experiences can create a vulnerability towards developing FND: Ignition (Layer 1)
6. The FND Coping Triad: Cover, Valve, Sticky left-over food (Layer 2)
7. The FND maintenance cycle: Fuel, Flames, Heat, Overpressure Plug (Layer 3)
8. Facilitating physical factors in FND: Pot, Warning light (Layer 4)
9. Environmental and Interpersonal factors in FND: The Kitchen (Layer 5)
10. Improving Pressure Cooker dynamics: Building better relationships
Biography
Dr Egberdina-Józefa van der Hulst is a Principal Clinical Psychologist working in the National Health Service in the United Kingdom. She has extensive experience with providing highly specialist clinical neuropsychology input to people with Functional Neurological Disorder, brain injury and complex trauma, and is passionate about undertaking systemic work including facilitating family support, group reflections and complex case discussions.
