Effective Tic Treatment: How CBIT Changed My Life and Gave My Son Control Over His Tics
To truly understand my passion for CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Therapy for Tics), I need to share a bit of my own story. I live with Tourette Syndrome, and for years, the impact of my tics extended far beyond just me.
I struggled with trying to manage or explain what felt so uncontrollable and often times painful. The burden of an unseen struggle is one thing, but my tics were often very visible and audible. For my wife, this meant dealing with constant coughing tics that would keep her awake at night, causing her worry and disrupting her sleep. In public and at work, I felt embarrassed that I could not control my tics, often explaining them away to colleagues or strangers. The constant mental energy required to minimize, hide, or apologize for my body's movements was exhausting. Now I am much more open about my Tic disorder and am happy to help people understand more about Tics, but for much of my life I felt defective, embarrassed, and was not sure how to help people understand what was going on with me. For a long time I thought that I just had to accept that there was nothing I could do. I knew there were medications out there but felt it was better to try to live with the Tic than the potential side effects of the medications.
About a year ago my son began experiencing Tics. As a parent, watching him struggle with something I understand so intimately was incredibly challenging . It was one thing to live with this myself but I could not live with the thought of my son going through what I had my entire life. His neck tic, in particular, was causing him significant discomfort and pain. My wife and I became concerned and began researching what we could do for him.
That's when we discovered CBIT. As an addiction counselor, I was immediately struck by the core principles. In my work, I help clients identify urges, pinpoint behavioral triggers, and create proactive strategies to prevent relapse. When I realized CBIT employed a similar framework—recognizing the premonitory urge, identifying triggers, practicing relaxation skills, and developing a competing response—it clicked instantly. It's amazing how simple but profound these behavioral solutions can be. After undergoing CBIT, my own tics were reduced by a remarkable 70 percent, giving me back a greater sense of peace and control. For my son, the results were even more profound. While he still occasionally notices the urges, he now has powerful strategies to manage them, and his tics are almost non-existent. The relief from the pain and discomfort his neck tic caused was immeasurable. Seeing him thrive, and knowing the relief my wife and I now felt, fueled a burning desire in me: I knew I wanted to bring this life-changing intervention to others.
What is CBIT
CBIT is a highly effective, evidence-based therapy that teaches individuals to manage their tics. It's not about "stopping" tics entirely, but about gaining control and significantly reducing their impact. Through a structured approach, clients learn:
Habit Reversal Training: Developing "competing responses"—movements or thoughts that make the tic difficult to do.
Education: Understanding what triggers tics and how they work.
Functional Analysis: Identifying specific situations or feelings that might worsen tics.
Relaxation Training: Managing stress, which can often exacerbate tics.
I will be completing certification in CBIT through the Tourette Association of America (TAA) the first weekend of December 2025, and I am excited to begin offering these services shortly thereafter.
The Science Behind the Success
My personal experience is powerful, but it's equally important for me to share that CBIT is not just anecdotal; it's backed by scientific research:
Remarkably Effective: Multiple studies have shown that CBIT produces significant reductions in tic severity.
As Effective as Medication (Without the Side Effects): Imagine getting similar relief to tic-suppressing medication, but without common side effects like weight gain, fatigue, or feeling "foggy." That's what studies show for CBIT. It offers a powerful alternative or complement to medication.
Flexible Treatment: Whether someone is taking medication for tics or not, CBIT has been proven effective. It can be a standalone solution or seamlessly integrated into a broader treatment plan.
For All Ages: Research confirms it's an effective and valuable option for both children and adults living with Tic Disorders.
My Hope for Our Community
If my journey resonates with you, or if you are curious about how CBIT could bring greater peace and control into your life or the life of a loved one, I encourage you to reach out.
To learn more about my practice and services, please visit: