Course Overview:
Although many current psychotherapists think they don’t know much at all about psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES), this disorder has existed for thousands of years. Granted, it has gone by many different names (hysteria, wandering uterus, conversion disorder, functional neurological disorder). Also, a variety of theories regarding its origins and treatment have been put forth over time. This course introduces the attendee to the convoluted and fascinating history of these puzzling symptoms and conditions. Understanding the history of this disorder is key to avoiding repeating errors from the past and rather building and expanding our knowledge and skillsets.
About Dr. Julia Doss
Dr. Julia Doss is the owner and director Doss Clinic of Health Psychology. The clinic is focused on providing care for patients with PNES and other forms of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND).
She is a clinical psychologist with a pediatric specialization. In practice she has focused the majority of her 20 year career on assisting in diagnosis and treatment of patients and their families struggling with PNES. She has published her research in scientific journals, she has authored professional book chapters, and presents in meetings across the US and abroad. She has co-authored two books, one in 2017 “Pediatric Psychogenic NonEpileptic Seizures: A Guide” and more recently “The Psychogenic Non-epileptic Seizure Pocketbook” with co-author Dr. Lorna Myers.
Dr Doss has been a training director of psychology fellows while practicing at the Children’s Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota. She is certified in pediatric hypnosis and uses a variety of modalities when approaching the treatment of PNES.
Dr Doss has trained a number of post-graduate clinicians in the treatment of PNES/Functional Disorders and enjoys disseminating information to clinicians.
Dr. Doss has contributed to pioneering research on pediatric PNES, co-authored treatment guides, and regularly presents at conferences. She collaborates with Children’s Hospitals and Clinics in St. Paul and the Minnesota Epilepsy Group, and is developing training protocols for mental health professionals treating conversion disorders.
Her expertise includes working with families, managing anxiety and depressive disorders, and addressing medically-appearing symptoms rooted in emotional factors. Dr. Doss’s diverse career spans various settings, providing her with extensive experience in child development and trauma.
Audience:
Health professionals (mental health professionals, therapists, nurses, etc.), school personnel, parents and students with PNES
Learning Points:
- Developing the symptoms response plan
- How to manage symptoms that occur in the classroom
- Who needs to be informed and how to manage the student following the episode
- How to address peer questions
