Frequently Asked Questions: Tourette Syndrome, Tics, and Specialized Care
How does the CBIT process work?
To ensure a clear and consistent message, my practice follows the gold-standard, non-medication treatment recognized by the American Academy of Neurology and the Tourette Association of America:
Awareness Training: Your child learns to recognize the "premonitory urge"—the physical sensation that happens just before a tic occurs—giving them a head start to intervene.
Competing Behavior: Your child masters a subtle action to perform when they feel the urge to tic, effectively breaking the neurological habit loop.
Lifestyle Management: You discover how to identify and adjust the day-to-day activities and environmental triggers that worsen tics, naturally reducing their frequency and intensity.
How many sessions will we need for tic management?
Treatment is tailored specifically to the individual’s unique tic profile. During our initial assessment, we will identify which tics are most bothersome and prioritize them.
Targeted Treatment: If we are working on one or two specific tics, the process is often brief (under 10 sessions).
Comprehensive Care: For clients navigating a larger number of tics (ten or more), therapy may be longer to ensure each one is addressed effectively.
My goal is to provide you with the tools efficiently so you can eventually manage new tics independently.
Why does my child tic more in certain situations (like watching TV or at home)?
From a functional perspective, tics are often influenced by specific environmental cues and habits. You may notice increased ticking during relaxation, video games, or transitions. This isn't necessarily about "suppressing" tics all day; rather, certain environments have become triggers where the brain feels "cued" to release tics. Our work involves identifying these patterns and modifying the environment to help lower tic frequency naturally.
Do you work with co-occurring conditions like ADHD, OCD, or Anxiety?
Yes. Tics rarely travel alone; it is very common for it to be accompanied by ADHD, OCD, or anxiety. As a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) , I have experience working with the co-occurring conditions. However, I prioritize the best outcome for your child. If specialized support is needed beyond our sessions for these co-occurring conditions, I maintain a network of local providers and can facilitate a referral to ensure you have a comprehensive care team.
Is therapy a cure for Tourette Syndrome?
While there is currently no cure for Tourette’s, CBIT is a powerful tool for agency and management. The goal is not perfection, but rather giving you or your child a blueprint for managing the body so tics no longer dictate social confidence or physical comfort.
Can tics be managed without medication?
Yes. The American Academy of Neurology now recommends CBIT as a first-line treatment. While medication is an option for some, many families choose a behavioral approach first to avoid potential side effects. CBIT treats the neurological habit loop directly by teaching the brain a new way to respond to the premonitory urge.
Do you offer CBIT via Telehealth in Texas?
Yes. I provide secure, HIPAA-compliant virtual sessions for residents throughout Texas, including Boerne, San Antonio, Austin, and Houston. Research shows that telehealth is just as effective as in-person CBIT, and it allows me to observe the child in their natural home environment where tics often occur.
Do you accept insurance?
Blueprint Therapy Services is a self-pay practice. While I do not bill insurance companies directly, I can provide you with a "Superbill" (a detailed receipt) that you may submit to your insurance provider for potential out-of-network reimbursement.
There are several clinical benefits to the self-pay model for families:
Increased Privacy: Your records and treatment plan stay between us and are not shared with insurance databases.
No Required Diagnosis: Insurance often requires a specific diagnosis to cover care; self-pay allows us to focus on your goals without labeling.
Tailored Care: We are not restricted by insurance companies on how many sessions we can have or how we structure our time.
I strive to keep my rates reasonable to ensure that specialized, world-class CBIT care remains accessible.