The ISSTD PNES SIG was formed in 2018-2019 and now has 60 members. An executive group now exists which includes Drs. Lorna Myers, Nicole Black, and Mindy Treybal.
The SIG holds Zoom meetings several times a year during which members can meet to discuss clinical issues, share resources and reading materials, and more.
During the most recent PNES SIG Zoom meeting on April 9, the group had the chance to discuss a new survey that has been sent to all our members to better delineate the group’s interests and to plan for the upcoming meetings. The survey revealed that the group’s greatest interest currently lies in learning more about resources for therapists (e.g., how to manage seizures in the office and/or waiting room) and resourcing and preparation work prior to trauma work (specific techniques). These survey responses will be used to plan future webinars and training topics.
In addition to meetings, the SIG also plans to put together a list of online and printed resources on PNES that will be made available to members. These will aim to benefit clinicians and ultimately benefit the patients.
The PNES SIG is planning on offering a webinar in early 2022. Most likely the topic will be on mindfulness-based treatment modalities to treat PNES (with special modifications for PNES with trauma). Further details will be provided closer to the date.
We welcome all ISSTD members who have an interest in learning more about psychogenic non-epileptic seizures (PNES). Please reach out to the PNES SIG’s secretary Nicole Black to inquire about membership or with any questions you may have about the SIG (nicoleblacklpc@gmail.com).