Living with tics or Tourette’s can be exhausting. For some people, tics are mild and barely noticeable. For others, they can interfere with school, work, relationships, and self-confidence. The good news is that effective, evidence-based therapy can make a real difference.

At Still Minds Psychology in Ft. Lauderdale, we specialize in helping people with anxiety, OCD, and related conditions—and many of the same tools we use can also reduce tic symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about therapy for tics and Tourette’s.

What Are Tics and Tourette’s?

Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that a person feels driven to make. Examples include:

• Motor tics: eye blinking, head jerking, shoulder shrugging

• Vocal tics: throat clearing, sniffing, or repeating words

When someone has both motor and vocal tics that last for more than a year, they may be diagnosed with Tourette’s Disorder.

Tics can worsen with stress, fatigue, or excitement. Many people also experience other conditions alongside tics, such as OCD, ADHD, or anxiety—so treatment often needs to address more than just the tics themselves.

The Gold Standard: Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)

The most researched and effective therapy for tics is Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). This approach includes:

• Habit Reversal Training (HRT): Learning to recognize the urge before a tic and practicing a “competing response”—a movement or action that makes the tic harder to perform.

• Awareness Training: Building mindfulness around when and where tics happen.

• Relaxation Strategies: Managing stress, which often triggers tic severity.

• Environmental Support: Identifying triggers (like fatigue or certain settings) and developing coping strategies.

Studies show CBIT can reduce tic severity by 30–40% in many patients, making it a first-line treatment before considering medication.

CBT for Co-Occurring Conditions

Because tics often occur with OCD, ADHD, or anxiety, therapy may also include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) tools such as:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): For intrusive thoughts or compulsions that make tics worse.

• Cognitive Restructuring: Challenging unhelpful beliefs about tics (“Everyone is judging me,” “I’ll never fit in”).

• Behavioral Skills Training: Improving focus, organization, and emotional regulation.

Addressing these co-occurring issues often leads to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

Family Support and Education

Families play a big role in managing tics. Therapy often includes family education to:

• Reduce stigma and blame

• Teach supportive responses (ignoring tics instead of punishing or drawing attention)

• Collaborate with schools or workplaces to provide fair accommodations

Why Therapy Matters

Tics and Tourette’s don’t define who you are. With the right therapy, many people see a significant reduction in symptoms and learn practical ways to live with more confidence and ease.

At Still Minds Psychology, we provide personalized therapy plans that may include CBIT, CBT, ERP, and family support—always tailored to your unique needs.

Ready to Get Started?

If you or your loved one are struggling with tics or Tourette’s, we can help. Contact Still Minds Psychology today to schedule a consultation and learn how therapy can make a difference.