Application of W.A.R.A. in an Adult with Functional Neurological Disorder: A Single-Session Exploratory Case Report

Abstract

Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is a disorder of motor, sensory, and cognitive functioning in which the brain generates genuine symptoms without a structurally identifiable lesion. Arousal, attention, and prediction processes are increasingly understood as central to symptom generation and maintenance. This case report examines the application of the W.A.R.A. (Wiring Affect with ReAttach) method, a short ReAttach-derived exercise targeting the immediate dominance of negative affect and sensory over-responsivity, during an introductory session with an adult participant diagnosed with FND. The session was conducted remotely in West Haven, Utah, and integrated fast rhythmic tapping, parasympathetic press, psychoeducation on prediction errors, shelf visualization, and an introductory-level Forgive & Forget Hood. The participant reported feeling lighter, calmer, and experienced a sense of reduced cognitive load; no seizure activity, neurological worsening, or adverse sensory reactions occurred. Findings are discussed in relation to transdiagnostic mechanisms—arousal regulation, sensory integration, co-regulation, and cognitive reframing—and to the broader ReAttach framework. This report documents the session process, key observations, and the potential relevance of W.A.R.A. in addressing transdiagnostic processes within the participant's specific context.