Can CBT help treat Tics?

Dr. Debra Kissen, Ph.D., M.H.S.A · June 21, 2018

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Habit reversal training can be quite effective for diminishing tics. The down and dirty of this is:

1. Awareness training: help clients increase awareness of the premonitions that come before the tic

2. Decide on a competing behavior that client can engage in for at least a minute to ride out the urge to do the tick (four example for your client who clenches her job a competing behavior might be a mouth stretch or Yawn)

3. Repeat throughout the day

Feel free to contact Light on Anxiety to learn more about empirically supported, non-medication, CBT and ACT based treatment for Tics.

Dr. Debra Kissen, Ph.D., M.H.S.A

Dr. Debra Kissen is CEO of Light On Anxiety Treatment Center CBT Treatment Center. Dr. Kissen specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Kissen is the author of the Panic Workbook for Teens and Rewire YourAnxious Brains for Teens: Using CBT, Neuroscience, and Mindfulness to Help You End Anxiety, Panic, and Worry (The Instant Help Solutions Series) and shares information on empirically supported treatment for anxiety and related disorders. Dr. Kissen also has a special interest in the principles of mindfulness and their application for anxiety disorders. Dr. Kissen has presented her research on CBT and mindfulness-based treatments for anxiety and related disorders at regional and national conferences.

Dr. Kissen Co-Chair of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Public Education Committee. Dr. Kissen was the recipient of the 2020 Gratitude for Giving Spirit Award and the 2018 Anxiety Depression Association of America Member of Distinction Award.

Dr. Kissen often serves as a media psychologist and is available for press inquiries and strives to further the dissemination of empirically supported treatment (EST) information by offering user friendly quotes and simple to understand, practical tips and solutions to help mental health consumers move past stress and anxiety.

Learn more about Dr. Kissen and her own journey past anxiety & panic disorder.

Dr Kissen discusses increase in anxiety in children & adolescents and how CBT is effective in treating anxiety and related disorders.

What Light on Anxiety Clients Have To Say About Their Experience Working With Dr. Kissen:

“I have had a wonderful experience with Light on Anxiety so far and am very appreciative of all the excellent work being done by Dr. Kissen and her team. My first intake meeting with Dr Kissen was already helpful, even before formal therapy began!”

“I always feel better after I talk with you, and I always have fun. It felt good to smile and laugh. Thank you.”

“After struggling with different therapies for my son, one solution was brought up that saved many months if not years and tons of money going to useless therapies. Speaking with Dr. Kissen was heartening, normalizing and a great experience.”

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