SHAWN EWBANK, PSY.D.
Licensed Psychologist
Tics Disorders / Tourette Syndrome
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) for tic disorders/Tourette Syndrome is called Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and is also known as Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT). CBIT works by helping individuals to use a competing response that replaces a selected tic. As a person becomes good at using a competing response consistently, the urge to tic tends to decrease, making the tic less frequent. Research has established that CBIT can decrease tics in children, teens and adults. It can be used as an alternative or in conjunction with medications for tics. For more extensive information about this treatment, please see the Behavioral Treatments section of my self-help Guide to Tourette Syndrome.