Therapy for Tourette’s & Tic Disorders in Pasadena, Maryland
Empowering Change with CBIT: A Proven, Non-Medication
Approach to Managing Tics
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Tourettes and Tics Disorder Therapy
Break Free from the Disruption of Tics
If you or a loved one lives with Tourette’s Syndrome or a chronic tic disorder, you know how challenging it can be to manage the unpredictable movements and sounds that interfere with daily life.
But there’s good news: you don’t have to face it alone—and you don’t need medication to find relief.
We specialize in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT)—a leading behavioral therapy proven to reduce the severity and frequency of tics. Backed by research and endorsed by the Tourette Association of America, CBIT is an empowering, structured, and practical approach that helps individuals take control of their symptoms and their lives.
What is CBIT?
CBIT is a behavioral therapy designed to help individuals recognize, manage, and reduce tics.
It involves:
Awareness Training: Learning to identify the early warning signs—called premonitory urges—that happen just before a tic.
Competing Response Training: Developing and practicing alternative movements that make the tic harder or impossible to do.
Functional Interventions: Identifying and changing situations or stressors that trigger or worsen tics.CBIT is personalized, practical, and empowering.
Unlike medication, CBIT has no side effects, and its tools stay with you long after therapy ends.
Who Can Benefit?
CBIT is effective for children, teens, and adults with Tourette Syndrome or persistent motor/vocal tic disorders. Whether you’re newly diagnosed or have been living with tics for years, CBIT offers hope and tangible progress.
Understanding Tourette’s and Tic Disorders: What They Are,
Why They Happen, and How to Treat Them
Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders are often misunderstood, yet they affect thousands of children, teens, and adults around the world. While tics may appear unusual or disruptive, these conditions are neurological—not behavioral—and they can be managed effectively with the right support and treatment.
What are Tics?
Tics are sudden, involuntary movements or sounds that a person does repeatedly. They are categorized into two main types:
- Motor tics, such as eye blinking, head jerking, or shoulder shrugging.
- Vocal tics, like throat clearing, sniffing, or repeating certain words.
For a diagnosis of Tourette Syndrome, a person must have both motor and vocal tics for at least one year, beginning before the age of 18. If someone has only motor or only vocal tics, and they last for a year or more, the diagnosis is usually a Persistent (Chronic) Tic Disorder.
Why do people develop Tics?
The exact cause of tic disorders is not fully understood, but research suggests a combination of genetic and neurological factors.
Tourette Syndrome tends to run in families, and it’s believed to involve differences in brain areas responsible for movement and behavior regulation. Stress, excitement, fatigue, or illness can make tics more noticeable, but they don’t cause the condition.
Tics often begin in early childhood—typically between ages 5 and 7—and can change over time. For many, symptoms improve in adolescence or adulthood, though tics can persist lifelong for others.
How Do Tics Affect Daily Life?
Tic disorders affect each person differently. Some people experience mild symptoms that don’t interfere much with daily life. Others may have more severe tics that can cause physical discomfort, social challenges, or emotional distress.
Children and teens with tics may be misunderstood by peers, teachers, or even family, leading to frustration, embarrassment, or isolation. Tics can also make it harder to focus in school or participate in activities.
Importantly, many individuals with tic disorders also have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, OCD, anxiety, or learning differences, which can further impact functioning.
You Don't Have to Navigate Tic Disorders Alone
Find Relief Today!
Living with Tourette Syndrome or a tic disorder can feel exhausting. You may find yourself constantly monitoring your body, worrying about when a tic might happen, or feeling frustrated when others don't understand what you're experiencing.
For children and teens, tics can impact friendships, confidence, and participation at school. For adults, they can affect work, relationships, and day-to-day functioning.
Many people spend years trying to suppress their tics, only to find that the effort leaves them feeling drained and overwhelmed. You may have heard messages that you should "just stop" or "try harder," when in reality, tics are not a choice.
The good news is that effective treatment exists.
Through Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), you can learn practical skills to better understand your tics, reduce their impact, and build confidence in your ability to navigate everyday life. Our goal isn't to change who you are—it's to help you feel more in control, less distressed, and more able to engage in the things that matter most to you.
Whether you've recently received a diagnosis or have been living with tics for years, support is available. Meaningful change is possible.
During your Therapy you will experience the following:
- A Better Understanding of Your Tics: Learn how tic disorders work, what contributes to tic severity, and why tics often fluctuate over time.
- Increased Awareness of Premonitory Urges: Develop the ability to recognize the physical sensations and urges that often occur before a tic, creating opportunities for intervention.
- Evidence-Based CBIT Strategies: Practice proven techniques that help reduce tic frequency and intensity while increasing your sense of control.
- Identification of Tic Triggers: Explore environmental, emotional, and situational factors that may contribute to increased tic activity.
- Support for Co-Occurring Challenges: Address common concerns that often accompany tic disorders, including anxiety, stress, ADHD, OCD, perfectionism, and self-esteem struggles.
- Compassionate, Neurodiversity-Affirming Support: Work with a therapist who understands that tic disorders are neurological conditions—not character flaws—and who will meet you with understanding, respect, and encouragement every step of the way.
Tourette's & Tic Disorder Therapists
Frequently Asked Questions about Tourette's & Tic Disorder Therapy
What is the difference between Tourette Syndrome and a tic disorder?
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition that involves both motor tics (movements) and vocal tics (sounds) that have been present for at least one year. Other tic disorders may involve only motor tics or only vocal tics.
While the diagnoses differ, all tic disorders can impact daily life and may benefit from specialized treatment such as Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).
What is CBIT therapy for Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders?
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is an evidence-based treatment designed to help individuals reduce the frequency and severity of tics. CBIT teaches awareness of pre-tic urges, strategies to manage those urges, and ways to identify environmental factors that may contribute to tic symptoms.
CBIT is considered a first-line treatment for Tourette Syndrome and chronic tic disorders.
Does CBIT work for children, teens, and adults?
Yes. CBIT has been shown to be effective for children, adolescents, and adults with Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders. Treatment is tailored to the individual's age, developmental needs, and specific tic symptoms. Many people experience meaningful improvements in tic management and overall quality of life.
There are varying success rates for older adults due to the length of time they have been managing the disorder; but studies do show a reduction in symptoms over time.
Can therapy help reduce tics without medication?
For many individuals, yes. CBIT is a non-medication treatment that helps people learn skills to better manage their tics. While some individuals may also benefit from medication, therapy can often reduce tic severity and improve functioning without the side effects that sometimes accompany medication treatment.
Why do tics get worse during stress or anxiety?
Stress, anxiety, excitement, fatigue, illness, and major life changes can increase nervous system activation, which may make tics more noticeable or frequent. Stress does not cause Tourette Syndrome or tic disorders, but it can influence how symptoms present. Therapy can help individuals understand these patterns and develop strategies to navigate them.
Can tic disorders occur alongside ADHD, OCD, or anxiety?
Yes. Many individuals with Tourette Syndrome or tic disorders also experience ADHD, OCD, anxiety disorders, sensory sensitivities, or learning differences. In many cases, these co-occurring concerns may create more daily challenges than the tics themselves. Comprehensive treatment often addresses both tics and any accompanying mental health concerns.
How long does CBIT therapy take?
CBIT is often delivered over approximately 8 to 12 sessions, though treatment length varies based on the severity of symptoms, individual goals, and the presence of co-occurring concerns. Some individuals benefit from additional support or periodic booster sessions to maintain progress.
Will my tics ever go away completely?
Every person's experience is different. Some individuals notice a significant reduction in tics as they get older, while others continue to experience tics throughout adulthood. The goal of treatment is not necessarily to eliminate every tic but to reduce their impact, increase confidence, improve daily functioning, and help you feel more in control of your life.
Blogs for Tourette's & Tic Disorders
The Complete Guide to Tourette Syndrome and Tic Disorders
Learn about Tourette Syndrome and tic disorders, including symptoms, causes, diagnosis, CBIT therapy, treatment options, and support for children and adults.
Our Office
Location
3100F Mountain Rd. Pasadena, MD 21122
Phone Number
410-841-9647
intake@turningstonecounseling.com