Therapy for Tic Disorders & Tourette Syndrome (CBIT)

Evidence-based therapy for children, teens, and adults with tic disorders and Tourette syndrome

Tic disorders and Tourette syndrome can be confusing, frustrating, and often misunderstood. Tics may come and go, change over time, or worsen during periods of stress, excitement, or fatigue. For many children, teens, and adults, tics can interfere with daily life, concentration, sleep, and confidence.

I provide evidence-based therapy for tic disorders using Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), the gold-standard behavioral treatment for tics.

Schedule an Initial Session

Therapy office setting for tic disorder and Tourette syndrome treatment in Columbus, Ohio

You might be here because:

You or your child has developed motor or vocal tics and you’re unsure what to do
Tics seem to worsen with stress, anxiety, or tiredness
You’ve been told to "just ignore it", but it’s not that simple
Tics are affecting everyday life - school, sleep, social confidence, or daily functioning
You’re looking for treatment that doesn’t rely on medication alone

Tics are not a sign of something "wrong." They are patterns the nervous system learns - and those patterns can be worked with.

What to expect

CBIT is a structured, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals become more aware of their tics and learn alternative responses that reduce tic severity over time.

Therapy typically focuses on:

understanding how tics function in the body
identifying patterns that increase or decrease tic expression
learning competing responses that interrupt tic cycles
reducing stressors that can unintentionally reinforce tics

For children and teens, parent involvement is often an important part of the process. The goal is not mere suppression or control, but building skills that lead to greater comfort and confidence.

About CBIT

Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a well-researched, non-medication treatment recommended by major medical organizations, including the American Academy of Neurology.

CBIT does not aim to eliminate tics completely. Instead, it helps reduce their intensity and impact, while supporting long-term coping and self-regulation.

CBIT can be effective for children, adolescents, and adults, and can be adapted to each person’s developmental level and needs.

Experience

I spent seven years at Nationwide Children’s Hospital working with children, teens, and families around tic disorders, Tourette syndrome, sleep, anxiety, OCD, and related conditions. My work has included outpatient therapy and collaboration within neurology clinics.

This experience informs a calm, practical approach that respects both the science and the lived experience working with tics.

In-person and telehealth options

I’m based in Columbus, Ohio and offer in-person sessions locally. I also provide CBIT therapy via secure telehealth to clients anywhere in Ohio. Many people find that CBIT works very well online.

Ready to get started?

If you’re considering support for tic disorders or Tourette syndrome, scheduling an initial session is a simple way to explore whether this approach feels like a good fit.