This course is a recording of a previously hosted live webinar event. Polling and question submission features are not available for this recording. Format and structure may differ from those of standard podcasts.
Join host J.J. Mowder-Tinney, PT, PhD, NCS, for an insightful conversation with Julie Hershberg, PT, DPT, NCS, a renowned expert with over two decades of experience navigating the complexities of functional neurological disorder (FND). Together, they unpack the critical—and often fragile—role of the therapeutic alliance, exploring how past medical stigma and past clinical “gaslighting” can derail patient progress before treatment even begins. You will discover how to identify subtle “trust-breakers” in your own practice and replace them with actionable, evidence-based strategies that center the patient’s wisdom. Tune in to learn how to move beyond simple patient education and build a collaborative partnership that fosters genuine healing.
Learning Outcomes
- Analyze the evidence related to medical stigma and the impact of mistrust on clinical outcomes in functional neurological disorder (FND)
- Apply evidence-based, practical strategies to build trust and foster patient-led collaboration in FND
- Integrate case-based approaches to restore therapeutic alliance and strengthen rapport with individuals with FND
Timestamps
- (00:00:00) Welcome
- (00:00:00) Introduction to trust in FND
- (00:02:11) Building trust with patients
- (00:10:23) Understanding stigma in healthcare
- (00:15:36) Impact of stigma on trust
- (00:18:45) Explaining FND to patients
- (00:24:00) Interdisciplinary team approach
- (00:31:50) Discharge recommendations for FND patients
- (00:34:25) Starting therapy with FND patients
- (00:36:35) The importance of listening and believing patients
- (00:40:28) Building trust through empathy and understanding
- (00:47:40) Creative approaches in therapy sessions
- (00:59:20) Navigating insurance and patient care
- (01:10:00) Family dynamics and patient belief
- (01:11:00) Unusual adaptations in therapy for trust building
Neuro Navigators is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.
To hear more episodes of Neuro Naviagators, visit https://www.medbridge.com/neuro-navigators
If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/
IG: https://www.instagram.com/medbridgeteam/