Effective Treatment for Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders

I specialize in treating Tourette Syndrome and Tic disorders. My passion for this work is deeply personal and I absolutely love getting to work with clients with TS and their families. I live with Tourette Syndrome myself, and I am the parent of a child with tics. I truly understand the struggle—the hopelessness when you feel you lack control over your body, and the heartbreak you feel as a parent or loved one. For my family, everything changed when we found Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). I can tell you firsthand the profound impact this approach had on the life of my son and me. Because I believe in this approach so deeply, I sought out and completed specialized training at UCLA from one of the developers and leading researchers on CBIT and Tic disorders, Dr. John Piacentini. My practice combines this expert training with lived experience, helping clients and their families successfully manage tics and learn that they can lead a life unencumbered by their condition.

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

CBIT is a specialized, non-medication therapy approach that empowers individuals—children, adolescents, and adults—to manage their motor and vocal tics. This is not about learning now to suppress tics, but is rather a structured training process, grounded in research, that gives you the tools to manage your tics for life.

How it works:

  • Understanding the Basics (Psychoeducation): I provide essential education to both the client and parents on Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders, helping everyone understand the condition and the science behind the treatment.

  • Catching the Urge (Awareness Training): Learn to identify the specific sensations or "urges" that happen just before a tic occurs.

  • Competing Response for Tic (Habit Reversal Training): Clients learn to use a Competing Response—a subtle, voluntary action that is incompatible with the tic. This response is held until the premonitory urge fades, teaching the brain to bypass the tic reflex and successfully manage the urge.

  • Finding Your Triggers (Function-Based Intervention): Identify and address environmental factors, like specific stressors or settings, that may be worsening tics.

  • Managing Stress (Relaxation Training): Clients learn simple, effective techniques to manage stress and anxiety, which often contribute to tic severity and frequency

Recommended by Leading Experts

CBIT is recognized as the first-line behavioral treatment for chronic tics and Tourette Syndrome by the Tourette Association of America (TAA) and the American Academy of Neurology (AAN). Research demonstrates that CBIT is as effective as medication for tic reduction, but without the risk of unwanted side effects, making it a preferred long-term solution.

Effective Treatment, Accessible to All of Texas

My practice is focused on providing highly effective CBIT treatment where it is most convenient for you.

  • Virtual Sessions: I offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions to all residents located anywhere in Texas. Research indicates that virtual delivery of CBIT is as effective as in-person treatment, providing flexibility without compromising results.

  • In-Person Sessions: For those who prefer a dedicated setting, I offer sessions at my office in Boerne, Texas.

  • Hybrid Model: For optimal convenience, some clients choose a hybrid approach, often meeting for the initial assessment session in person and then completing the majority of follow-up sessions virtually. We will design a plan that perfectly fits your family's needs and schedule.