Paula Gardiner

Paula Gardiner is an Honorary Lecturer in the Nursing Division at Queen Margaret University (QMU). She holds dual qualifications in Neurological Physiotherapy (since 1993) and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), with a Master’s in Long-Term Conditions (2009) and a research Master’s in CBT (2017). Her expertise spans Functional Neurological Disorders (FND), Dissociative Seizures, and CBT applications in neurological care. She has extensive clinical experience, including roles as a Research Clinician for a national RCT on dissociative seizures and as part of a specialist FND team. Paula also tutors the South of Scotland CBT Programme and maintains a private CBT practice. Her educational contributions include teaching medical students and registrars, alongside developing neurological care programs in Lanarkshire. She has published widely on FND management, occupational therapy, and MS-related interventions.

Education and Qualifications: Physiotherapy qualification (1993), MSc in Long-Term Conditions (2009), MSc in CBT (2017).

Research Interests: Focused on improving clinical care for FND and dissociative disorders through CBT integration, occupational therapy innovations, and multidisciplinary collaboration. Her work emphasizes patient-centered approaches to long-term neurological conditions, including fatigue and mobility challenges in MS.

Publications Trends: Her articles address clinical guidelines for FND, therapeutic interventions for MS symptoms (e.g., spasticity, sleep), and CBT applications in neurological settings. She collaborates with leading researchers in neurology and psychology, contributing to both clinical practice and academic discourse.

Advising and Grants: Led a national RCT on dissociative seizures, with published outcomes. Active in program development for neurological teams and CBT training accessibility for non-core professions via KSA assessments.

Labs/Teams: Collaborates with the South of Scotland CBT Programme and a specialist FND team integrating physiotherapy and psychology expertise.