Therapy for Tics & Tourette's
Specialist psychotherapy for children and young people with tics or Tourette's. Available online in the UK, without the wait.
What are Tics and Tourette's Syndrome
Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that are difficult to control. They can be motor tics, such as eye blinking, head jerking or shoulder shrugging, or vocal tics, such as throat clearing, sniffing or repeating words or phrases. Most children who develop tics do so between the ages of five and ten, and in many cases tics are mild and temporary.
Tourette Syndrome is a neurological condition characterised by the presence of both motor and vocal tics, lasting for more than a year. It sits within a broader spectrum of tic disorders, which range from a single transient tic to more complex and persistent presentations. Tourette Syndrome is more common than many people realise, affecting around one in every hundred children.
Tic disorders vary significantly in their severity and impact. For some young people, tics are a minor inconvenience. For others, they are a source of significant distress, affecting self-esteem, social relationships and the ability to concentrate and participate fully in school and daily life.
Common Misconceptions about Tourette's
Tourette's Syndrome is one of the most misunderstood neurological conditions, largely due to its portrayal in the media. The most persistent myth is that Tourette's always involves uncontrollable swearing or offensive outbursts. In reality, this specific symptom, known as coprolalia, affects only a small minority of people with Tourette's. The vast majority of young people with the condition will never experience it.
Another common misconception is that tics can simply be suppressed or stopped through willpower. While some young people are able to temporarily hold back a tic, doing so requires significant mental effort and the tic will typically emerge more forcefully afterwards. Asking a young person to just stop or to try harder is not helpful, and can add to the distress and self-consciousness they already feel.
It is also worth noting that tics naturally fluctuate in frequency and severity, often worsening during periods of stress, excitement or fatigue. This can make them difficult to predict and adds to the challenge of managing them in school and social settings.
How Tics Affect Daily Life
For many young people, the social and emotional impact of tics is more significant than the tics themselves. The self-consciousness of having an involuntary movement or sound noticed by peers can be deeply affecting, and many young people expend considerable energy trying to suppress their tics in public, leaving them exhausted by the end of the school day.
Tics can affect concentration and participation in class, and young people with more visible or audible tics may be subject to bullying or unwanted attention. Over time this can erode confidence and self-esteem, and lead to avoidance of social situations.
With the right support, many young people are able to significantly reduce their tics and develop strategies to manage their impact, allowing them to engage more freely and confidently in everyday life.
Hi, I'm Christina
I am trained in Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT), a highly effective therapy specifically developed for tic disorders. I have worked with young people with tics and Tourette's throughout my career and understand the impact they can have on a young person's confidence and daily life.
Hi, I'm Christina
I am trained in Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT), a highly effective therapy specifically developed for tic disorders. I have worked with young people with tics and Tourette's throughout my career and understand the impact they can have on a young person's confidence and daily life.
How We Treat Tics & Tourette's
At Sulis Therapies, we help to reduce the severity of tics and Tourette's using Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), including Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT), the leading evidence-based treatments for tic disorders. Following a comprehensive assessment, and in conjunction with discussion with the young person and their parent or carer, we will put together a treatment plan tailored to their individual needs.
Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a specialised form of behavioural therapy and the most well-evidenced treatment available for tic disorders. It works by helping young people develop an increased awareness of their tics and the urges that precede them, and then learn competing responses that make the tic more difficult to perform. Over time this reduces the frequency and severity of tics significantly for many young people.
Quick Answers
How do I know if my child needs therapy for tics or Tourette's?
If your child's tics are causing them distress, affecting their confidence, their relationships or their ability to participate fully in school and daily life, therapy is likely to help. You do not need to wait to see if they grow out of it. Early support can make a significant difference to how a young person experiences and manages their tics.
What ages do you treat?
We work with children and young people up to the age of 26.
How many sessions will my child need?
This depends entirely on your child and the nature of their difficulties. The initial sessions focus on understanding what your child is experiencing and putting together a clear plan for therapy. At that stage we will be able to give you a much clearer idea of how many sessions we feel would be beneficial.
How often will my child need to attend sessions?
We recommend sessions at least once a week for the best results, though we can discuss a more intensive programme if that suits your child's needs. We offer flexible appointments including evenings and weekends to fit around your family's schedule.
How much do sessions cost?
CBT sessions last 60 minutes and cost £85. EMDR sessions last 90 minutes and cost £100. A free initial consultation is available so we can discuss your child's needs before committing to a programme of therapy.
If your child is struggling with tics or Tourette's, we're here to help. Get in touch today to arrange a free initial consultation and find out how we can support your family.
