Is Your Life Being Disrupted By Involuntary Tics?

Does your child struggle with frequent, uncontrollable movements or sounds that seem to come out of nowhere?

Do you or your child feel anxious, embarrassed, or frustrated by physical or vocal tics-especially in social settings?

Are you looking for a proven, non-medication approach to reducing the impact of tics or Tourette’s?

If you or your loved one is living with a Tic Disorder-such as Tourette Syndrome-you may feel isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure how to find relief. These involuntary symptoms can make it difficult to fully participate in school, work, and everyday social life, especially when others don’t understand what’s happening. Many individuals describe feeling constantly “on edge,” worried about when the next tic might happen or how others will react.

While medications were once considered the only viable treatment, today we know that there are highly effective, behavioral therapies that can significantly reduce tics-without the side effects or dependency that medications can bring.

At CBT SoCal, we provide services to help children, teens, and adults with Tic Disorders regain a sense of control and confidence through a structured, research-backed treatment known as Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).

Understanding Tic Disorders and Tourette Syndrome

Tics are sudden, rapid, and recurrent movements or vocalizations that occur outside of a person’s conscious control. They often begin in childhood and may come and go over time, varying in intensity and frequency. Tics can be simple (like eye blinking) or complex (involving multiple movements or phrases).

Common Motor Tics Include:

• Eye blinking or rolling
• Neck or shoulder jerking
• Facial grimacing
• Shrugging
• Head twitching or rapid limb movement

Common Vocal Tics Include:

• Throat clearing or coughing
• Grunting or sniffing
• Snorting
• Repeating certain words, phrases, or sounds

For some, tics are mild and only occasionally noticeable. For others, they can be more persistent and distressing-leading to self-consciousness, bullying, academic challenges, or strained relationships. It’s also common for tics to worsen under stress, fatigue, or anxiety.

Many people with Tic Disorders also experience co-occurring conditions, such as ADHD, OCD, generalized anxiety, or depression. These overlapping symptoms can amplify distress and make day-to-day functioning more difficult, underscoring the importance of early, targeted intervention.

Medication Is Not Your Only Option

For years, medications were the most common approach to treating Tourette’s or chronic tics. While they can be helpful for some, medications do not always address the behavioral patterns or environmental triggers that keep tics going. They may also cause unwanted side effects such as fatigue, mood changes, or cognitive dulling.

Thankfully, research has led to a more empowering, non-medication treatment: Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT).
CBIT is recognized by the American Academy of Neurology as a first-line treatment for tic disorders, and many individuals experience lasting improvement through this structured, skills-based approach.

What Is CBIT Therapy for Tics and Tourette Syndrome?

CBIT is a highly practical and evidence-based therapy designed to reduce both the frequency and intensity of tics. It can be used effectively with children, adolescents, and adults, and focuses on helping individuals better understand and manage the internal sensations that precede a tic.

CBIT is based on three key principles:

1. Tics are often preceded by an internal urge or tension.
   This “premonitory urge” is an uncomfortable sensation or pressure that builds until the tic occurs.
2. People can learn to recognize and briefly suppress a tic once they’re aware of the urge.
3. With practice, a competing behavior can be used to override the tic response.

Using these principles, CBIT helps you retrain your brain-body connection and build new, more adaptive responses.

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Key Components of CBIT

• Awareness Training: Learning to detect early warning signs or sensations that precede a tic.
• Competing Response Training: Practicing an alternative movement that makes it difficult or impossible to perform the tic.
• Trigger Management: Identifying internal or external factors (like stress, fatigue, or sensory stimulation) that may worsen tics.
• Skill-Building and Coping Strategies: Strengthening emotional regulation, self-confidence, and resilience in social or school settings.

Over time, these tools can greatly reduce the frequency of tics and help you feel more in control-without relying solely on medication.

What To Expect in Therapy for Tics and Tourette’s

Your therapy begins with a thorough assessment to understand your unique symptom patterns, triggers, and any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, OCD, or ADHD. Your therapist will then collaborate with you (and, if applicable, your child’s family or teachers) to create a personalized CBIT plan.

Sessions may include:

• Psychoeducation about tic disorders and how brain-body connections contribute to symptoms
• Awareness and habit reversal exercises customized to your tics
• Relaxation and stress management skills
• Support for academic or social challenges
• Coaching for parents or caregivers to reinforce progress at home

Therapy typically lasts several months, depending on your goals and progress. The aim isn’t just to suppress tics temporarily-it’s to equip you with lifelong tools for managing stress and maintaining self-control even after therapy ends.

Common Questions About Tourette’s and CBIT

“Is CBIT difficult to learn?”
Not at all. CBIT is designed to be practical and easy to follow-even for younger children. Your therapist will break down each step, ensuring the pace feels manageable and supportive.

“Can CBIT replace medication?”
In many cases, yes. Studies show CBIT can be as effective-or even more effective-than medications for mild to moderate tics. For those already on medication, CBIT can complement medical treatment and may even reduce the need for higher doses.

“My child is embarrassed about their tics. Will therapy make things worse?”
Quite the opposite. Our sessions provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to talk about symptoms openly. Children and teens often find that learning how to manage their tics boosts their confidence and helps them feel more accepted and in control.

Why Choose CBT SoCal for Tic and Tourette’s Treatment

Our therapists are not only experienced with CBIT, but also experienced in related evidence-based treatments for OCD, anxiety, and ADHD, which often overlap with Tic Disorders. This means you’ll receive an integrated, compassionate approach that considers the full picture-not just the tics themselves.

We believe in empowering clients, not pathologizing them. Our work focuses on helping you or your child build self-awareness, resilience, and independence-skills that last far beyond the therapy room.

Find Relief and Confidence Again

Living with tics or Tourette’s can feel frustrating and isolating, but effective help is available. With the right tools and guidance, it’s possible to regain control, rebuild confidence, and live more comfortably-without letting tics define you.

Contact us today at (818) 547-2623  or visit our Contact Page to schedule a free phone consultation.

We offer in-person therapy in Glendale and Torrance, as well as online sessions throughout California.