Our 8 Core Coping Menus

Healing Horizons for FND has developed eight foundational coping menus designed to provide structured, accessible nervous system support across age groups.

These core menus were intentionally prioritized based on common patterns reported by individuals and families affected by Functional Neurological Disorder. Each menu focuses on a distinct regulatory need, while remaining adaptable to different developmental stages and capacities.

Together, they form the foundation of our practical support framework.

FND presents differently across individuals, but many people experience overlapping challenges such as sensory overwhelm, emotional intensity, cognitive fatigue, dissociation, or difficulty initiating action.

Rather than creating scattered resources, HHFFND established eight structured categories that address the most commonly reported regulation needs. This approach allows:

  • Clear organization
  • Reduced cognitive load
  • Consistency across age groups
  • Adaptability for schools, families, and adults

The Core Eight serve as the base layer of our coping resource system.

1. Gentle Reset
Low-demand activities designed to reduce nervous system intensity and create stabilization during mild dysregulation.

2. Sensory Calm
Structured sensory-based options to reduce overload and support regulation.

3. Deep Grounding
Stronger anchoring strategies for periods of significant overwhelm or disconnection.

4. Soft Neutral Grounding
Gentler orientation techniques for individuals who may find traditional grounding too activating.

5. Emotional Support
Tools that validate internal experiences and reduce emotional isolation.

6. Creative Expression
Low-pressure creative activities that support regulation through expression and focus.

7. Motivation & Strength
Small, manageable actions designed to rebuild confidence and forward momentum.

8. Quiet Focus
Structured supports for attention, cognitive pacing, and calm concentration.

Each menu contains clearly defined activities presented in accessible, low-overwhelm formats.

The Core Eight are:

  • Trauma-informed
  • Developmentally adaptable
  • Structured to reduce decision fatigue
  • Designed to avoid shame-based language
  • Built for both independent use and supported settings

Where appropriate, age-specific versions are created to reflect developmental needs while maintaining consistency in structure and visual presentation.

This ensures continuity across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.

A Foundation for Ongoing Growth

The 8 Core Coping Menus represent the first phase of HHFFND’s coping framework. Additional menus are being developed and reviewed for safety, clarity, and accessibility before release.

Our approach prioritizes thoughtful expansion over rapid production, ensuring that every resource reflects calm structure, clinical awareness, and respect for nervous system variability.

Healing Horizons for FND remains committed to building practical, steady tools that individuals and families can rely on across seasons of change.