Therapy for Tics
For what ages do you treat tics at the Center for CBT?
Ages 5 - 22
What are tics?
Tics are sudden, rapid movements or sounds that are done over and over, like eye blinking, throat clearing, shoulder shrugging, or repeating words. They are not done on purpose; most people describe them as something they have to do, almost like a sneeze. Tics can come and go, change over time, and often get stronger when someone is tired, stressed, or excited. While tics are usually not harmful, they can feel uncomfortable, be distracting, or make people feel self-conscious.
Do tics mean Tourette's?
No. Many people have tics at some point, and most of them do not go on to develop Tourette’s. Tourette’s disorder is diagnosed only when both motor tics (like blinking or shrugging) and vocal tics (like grunting or repeating words) have been present for more than a year. Many people with tics have a much milder condition, and often their tics fade or become less noticeable over time. Our tic specialist will help you understand what’s going on and whether treatment is needed.
What makes tics better or worse?
Tics often get stronger when someone is tired, stressed, anxious, or very excited. They may also become more noticeable if the person is paying a lot of attention to them or if others are pointing them out. On the other hand, tics often decrease when people are deeply focused on an activity they enjoy, like playing sports, video games, or drawing. Every person is different, but learning what triggers or calms tics is an important step in the treatment.
When should I be concerned about tics?
Sometimes, tics are harmless and may come and go without needing treatment. You should reach out if the tics are getting more frequent or intense, are happening alongside other behavioral health challenges like ADHD, anxiety, or obsessive behaviors, or if the tics have lasted longer than one year. It's definitely important to seek help if the tics are causing pain, making it hard to participate in school or activities, or affecting confidence and/or friendships. An evaluation can give you peace of mind and help you decide if treatment would be useful.
Are tics treatable?
Yes! Tics are highly treatable when you're working with a true expert in tics. At The Center for CBT, we use evidence-based approaches like Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), the gold standard treatment. Our tic specialist is specially trained to teach kids, teens, and young adults practical tools for recognizing and managing tics in a supportive, non-judgmental way. For kids and teens, we always involve parents, so you’ll know how to reduce stress around tics at home and support your child’s progress. Because we understand that tics often occur alongside anxiety or ADHD, we look at the whole picture (not just the tics) so you're getting the most effective care. Most importantly, our approach makes our patients feel empowered, confident, and able to thrive without tics getting in the way of their daily lives.