Specialized Tic & Tourette Syndrome Treatment in Madison, MS and Statewide via Telehealth - CBIT Therapy

Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition, not "bad habits" or "nervous twitches." It involves a complex interplay in the brain's "filter" system.

In a typically functioning brain, the basal ganglia acts like a brake, filtering out unwanted movements and sounds. For those with Tourette’s, that filter is a bit "leaky," allowing involuntary motor movements and vocalizations to slip through. While this is a biological process, we now know that we can use specific behavioral tools to help the brain strengthen that filter.

What is the best non-medication treatment for Tourette's?

Many people are surprised to learn that the first-line treatment for tics isn't always medication. Behavioral therapy for tics is often the most effective starting point. Specifically, I utilize Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT). CBIT is a highly structured therapy that teaches individuals to recognize the "premonitory urge" that comes before a tic occurs. This is an uncomfortable sensation or "itch" that builds up right before a tic happens. By learning to identify this urge early, children and adults can learn to interrupt the cycle.

Managing Symptoms with Habit Reversal Training in Mississippi

A core component of our work involves habit reversal training for tics. Since there are so few providers in the state trained in this specific protocol, I focus on making this evidence-based tool accessible to our local families.

During habit reversal training, I work with the patient to:

1. Develop Awareness: I help the child describe exactly where they feel the tension and what the tic looks like, turning an "out of control" movement into something they can notice in real-time.

2. Create a Competing Response: I collaborate to find a "competing movement,” which is a subtle, physically incompatible action that makes the tic very difficult to perform. For example, if a child has a vocal tic, I might teach them a specific rhythmic breathing technique that keeps the vocal cords steady until the urge passes.

Addressing Common Parent Hesitations

It is completely normal to have reservations about starting therapy for tics. Many parents worry that by "focusing" on the tics, they might make them worse. Based on decades of clinical research, I can confidently address these common concerns:

• "Will this cause new tics to start?" Some parents worry about "symptom substitution,” which is the idea that if you stop one tic, another will pop up to take its place. Research shows this is a myth; CBIT does not cause new tics to emerge. New tics might emerge, but research has shown that those new tics emerge whether the client is in CBIT therapy or not.

• "Is my child just holding them in?" You might notice your child has very few tics at school but "explodes" with them the moment they get in the car. This isn't a "rebound" from suppression; it’s usually because they finally feel safe and relaxed after a long day of high focus. Our goal isn't to force "suppression," but to teach a skill that reduces the urge itself.

• "Does it work as well as medicine?" Large-scale studies show that CBIT is as effective as many common medications for tics, but without the side effects like drowsiness or weight gain.

Finding a CBIT Therapist in Mississippi

Because our state has a shortage of specialized providers, our practice is proud to offer these services both in our office and through secure telehealth. If you have been looking for a CBIT therapist in Jackson, Gulfport, or anywhere in Mississippi, I provide the same high-level care via video that you would receive in person. If you are in the Jackson metro area, I provide in-person therapy at my office at 212 Key Dr. Madison, MS 39110 (Located in The Center for Hope and Healing at Broadmoor).

I am here to help your child navigate the challenges of Tourette's with confidence, giving them the tools to manage their symptoms so they can focus on just being a kid. If you are an adult struggling with tics, I want to help you reduce your symptoms as well.

What are Tics?

Tics are involuntary, repetitive movements or sounds. They are generally categorized into two groups:

• Motor Tics: Movements like eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, facial grimacing, or jerking the head.

• Vocal Tics: Sounds like throat clearing, sniffing, grunting, or repeating words or phrases.

Tics are very common, especially in children. In fact, many kids develop a "provisional" tic (one that lasts a few weeks or months) and then it disappears forever.

What is Tourette Syndrome?

Tourette’s is a specific type of Tic Disorder. To meet the official diagnostic criteria for Tourette Syndrome, a person must meet three specific requirements:

• The "Both" Rule: You must have at least two motor tics and at least one vocal tic (though they don't have to happen at the same time).

• The "One Year" Rule: The tics must have been present for at least one year.

• The "Onset" Rule: The tics must have started before the age of 18.

Other Tic Disorders

If someone doesn't meet all the criteria for Tourette’s, they might be diagnosed with a different tic disorder:

• Persistent (Chronic) Motor or Vocal Tic Disorder: This is when someone has had either motor tics or vocal tics for more than a year, but not both.

• Provisional Tic Disorder: This is the diagnosis when tics have been present for less than a year.

Whether a child is diagnosed with "Chronic Motor Tic Disorder" or "Tourette Syndrome," the treatment is often exactly the same. Both conditions respond exceptionally well to CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics). I don't wait for a "Tourette’s" label to start helping a child manage the tics that are causing them distress or social anxiety.

How Many People Actually Have Tourette’s Syndrome?

According to conservative data from the CDC and peer-reviewed research, approximately 0.3% to 0.6% of children live with Tourette Syndrome, while roughly 1.4% struggle with some form of persistent tic disorder. In Mississippi, this translates to an estimated 12,500 people of all ages navigating symptoms significant enough to interfere with school, work, or social life. Despite these numbers, specialized behavioral treatment remains difficult to find locally. I am dedicated to providing evidence-based CBIT therapy to bridge this gap for the thousands of Mississippians who need expert support to manage their symptoms and regain their confidence.

Are You Ready To Get Started?

I will be happy to talk with you about treatment, availability, and any reservations you may have. Call me at 601-790-0250 or fill out the form below. I’ll call you back as soon as possible.