Tics, Tourettes, hair pulling, and skin picking

Tics are sudden movements or vocalizations that one often experiences as uncontrollable. They can range from simple behaviors, such as exaggerated eye blinking, shoulder shrugging, or throat clearing, to complex movements involving several parts of the body or blurting entire words or phrases. They typically first appear in early childhood and many “outgrow” them as they pass through adolescence. However, for some they either persist or become significantly distressing, painful, and interfering. In these cases, behavior therapy can be a helpful tool in gaining both awareness and control over the tics and their triggers. At Open Spectrum, we offer an evidence-based treatment package called Comprehensive Behavioral Interventions for Tics (CBIT).

We all have grooming habits, but for some hair pulling, skin picking and similar behaviors get out of control and become time-consuming, physically damaging, and socially impairing. In these cases, there are effective behavioral interventions for bringing these behaviors under control. At Open Spectrum, we draw from several treatment packages such as Habit Reversal Training (HRT), Comprehensive Model for Behavioral Treatment (CoMB), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to treat BFRBs.

If you or someone you love struggles with tics or BFRBs, call or email today to see if Open Spectrum can help.