Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Habit Reversal Training (HRT) will help you recognise the urge to tic & replace it with a competing response.
- Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) reduces the anxiety associated with tics by gradually exposing tic-inducing situations.
- Comprehensive Behavioural Intervention for Tics (CBIT) combines HRT and ERP as well as awareness training, relaxation techniques and functional interventions.
Support Counselling
- Living with TS can be challenging, and having a safe space to express feelings and concerns can be very comforting. Our support counselling provides a non-judgmental environment where you can share your experiences and emotions and develop coping strategies.
- Family Therapy, involves family members in the treatment process to improve understanding and support which will also improve your quality of life.
- TS can sometimes affect social interactions and relationships. We are here to work with you to improve your social skills and build stronger, more supportive relationships.
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Meditation Techniques
- Practising mindfulness meditation techniques such as body scans, mindful breathing, & observing ones thoughts, reduces stress & increases tic awareness.
- Compassion meditation for example, fosters a sense of inner peace, by focusing on cultivating compassion towards oneself & others which reduces self-criticism and negative self-judgment.
- Regular meditation practice can improve focus and concentration, as well as develop better emotional regulation skills. In addition, daily meditation promotes overall well-being by improving mood, increasing feelings of happiness, and enhancing quality of life.
Sensory Development
- Many individuals with TS experience sensory processing issues, which can affect how they perceive and respond to sensory stimuli like light, sound, touch, taste, and smell. They might be hypersensitive or hyposensitive to these stimuli. Sensory integration therapy focuses on helping you process and respond to sensory information in a more adaptive way.
- Calming sensory activities such as listening to calming music, using weighted blankets, using noise-cancelling headphones, wearing sunglasses, using fidget tools, or engaging in art therapy can help reduce the impact of sensory triggers on tics and overall wellbeing.
- Addressing sensory issues can also improve focus and attention. Improving sensory processing and integration, will help you navigate your day to day which in turn may improve your social interactions, academic performance, and overall quality of life
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Breathwork
- Breathwork techniques can help calm the nervous system and reduce stress and anxiety, which are often triggers for tics. By focusing on controlled breathing, you can activate the body's relaxation response. For example, deep breathing exercise techniques such as diaphragmatic breathing and alternate nostril breathing reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Guided imagery, combined with deep breathing helps create a sense of calm and control. However, there are many other breathwork techniques, such as box breathing, alternate nostril breathing, and 4-7-8 breathing, that you might find beneficial as well.
- Practicing breathwork promotes mindfulness, increasing awareness of the present moment. This heightened awareness can help you recognise the early signs of tics and implement coping strategies more effectively.
Forest Bathing (Shinrin-Yoku)
- Spending time in nature has been shown to reduce levels of cortisol, the stress hormone. Lower stress levels can help decrease the frequency and severity of tics associated with TS. Ultimately this can improve mood, and enhance overall wellbeing.
- Sensory awareness during nature walks engages your senses and brings them into the foreground as you concentrate on your senses, you leave tics in the background.
- Additionally exposure to natural environments, particularly forests, has been linked to increased activity of natural killer cells, which play a role in fighting viruses and cancer. A stronger immune system can contribute to overall health.
- Engaging in forest bathing often involves walking or gentle movement through natural settings. Physical activity can help reduce stress and improve overall physical health, which can positively impact TS symptoms.