Regain Confidence
Living with motor tics or Tourette Syndrome (TS) can affect more than just movement—it can impact confidence, social interaction, focus, and overall quality of life. While tics often fluctuate over time, many individuals experience physical discomfort, stigma, and difficulty managing everyday tasks. UAMS Health can help you regain your confidence and quality of life through our specialized therapy.
Common Symptoms We Treat
- Motor tics (blinking, head jerks, facial grimacing)
- Vocal tics (grunting, throat clearing, word repetition)
- Functional challenges related to tics
- Emotional distress or anxiety linked to tic expression
- Social avoidance or embarrassment
- Academic and work disruptions
- Sleep and routine disturbances
- Co-occurring ADHD or sensory sensitivities
How We Can Help
- Habit Reversal Training: The core of CBIT, this technique helps individuals become more aware of the urge to tic and teaches them to use a competing response—an alternative, less noticeable movement or behavior that makes the tic harder to perform. Over time, this can lead to reduced tic frequency and intensity.
- Awareness Training: Tics often feel involuntary, but individuals can learn to recognize early warning signs. We work on building body awareness and identifying “pre-monitory urges” that occur just before a tic, empowering individuals to intervene before the tic occurs.
- Functional Intervention: Tics can interfere with handwriting, typing, self-care, and participation in school or work. We provide task-specific training, environmental adaptations, and assistive tools to support function and reduce frustration.
Targeting Emotional & Sensory Regulation
- Stress and Anxiety Management: Stress and anxiety often increase tic severity. Our therapists integrate calming strategies, sensory regulation, and cognitive-behavioral approaches to help individuals build resilience and regulate emotions.
- Sensory Processing Support: Many individuals with tics or Tourette Syndrome experience sensory sensitivities. We tailor interventions to reduce sensory overload, improve body awareness, and create calm, supportive environments.
