Welcome to Tics Talk

CBiT Therapy is the UK’s front line, evidence based treatment for tics. Research has shown that it is as effective as medication, but without the side effects. It is not a cure, it is a specific tic therapy to teach you about your tics and to empower you to take control.

What are tics?

Tics are involuntary movements and/or sounds affecting 1% of the UK’s population.  A diagnosis of Tourette’s Syndrome, a complex neurological neurodiverse condition, is given when age of onset is in childhood and when both motor and vocal tics are present. The typical age of onset is between 8/9 years old and tics can come and go “wax and wane”.  Tics are genetic and affect boys more than girls.
 
Can I have one type of tic and not both?

Yes.  When either motor or vocal tics are present the diagnosis is Tic Disorder, Complex Tics or Chronic/Acute Tics.
 
I don’t want to take medication so what help is there?

CBiT Therapy supports you to learn about your tics and how to control tics without medication. CBiT Therapy is most effective for children from 8 years upwards and adults. Iti s not a cure, but it can be effective in helping you to take control of your tics, thus improving your self-esteem and your quality of life. Tics impact you psychologically, emotionally and physically.

Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) is a type of behavioural therapy and is evidenced to be effective when offered alongside CBiT Therapy and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).  A course of CBiT Therapy comprises of a consultation appointment including formal tic and psychological assessments and weekly sessions.  The number of sessions is entirely dependent on age, tic severity, tic type and comorbidities.
 
How can we work together to address my tics?

I have been working successfully online for years with tic clients. Online therapy enables me to work both nationally and internationally, avoiding the need for clients to live locally.

I work in a triad with younger primary school children and their parent/guardian providing greater support. Both the child and the adult are psycho-educated and the positive change during the course of CBiT Therapy becomes a shared experience.  Teenagers and adult clients work independently.
 
If I have tics, will I develop a swearing tic?

No.  The swearing tic, Coprolalia, is rare amongst the ticcing community effecting only 1% of people with tics.  The UK media has created stigma around tics and Tourette’s Syndrome by focusing on Coprolalia and portraying it as the most common type of tic, which is untrue.
 
What type of consultant do I need to see to get a formal diagnosis?

Children - Paediatric Neurologist or Paediatrician

Adults - Neurologist
 
Can onset of tics occur in adulthood?

Yes, trauma can trigger tics in adults with a predisposition to ticcing. Tics in adulthood are more likely to remain, although the severity and number of tics can decrease with CBiT Therapy dependent upon each client’s personal history and presentation.
 
Can breathwork help me control my tics?

I am a Breathwork Coach and breathwork is a powerful tool to help regulate your tics and change your emotional state.  Tics are impacted by anxiety and excitement and these emotional states changes your breathing pattern affecting your tics.  I offer breathwork as an optional tool to work along side CBiT.  Breathwork is the only way we can override our Autonomic Nervous System
 

Adult Testimonial  CBiT Therapy

“Kerrie I just wanted to thank you again for the life changing therapy I have had with you.

When I met you I felt completely alone and helpless and suffered from anxiety and stress because of my tics.  I didn’t know how to improve my situation and the more I worried the worse it got.  Having had therapy with you, I now understand my tics, what makes them worse/better and I feel able to take control and help lessen my anxiety and stress with the tools you have given me.

I am so grateful that I found you and even more so that you put me at ease and gave me a brighter outlook from the start.

Thank you again.”

Teenager’s Testimonial CBiT Therapy

"I was feeling trapped with my tics and thought there was no way to escape. Years later, it became clear that I could not cope any longer so my parents decided that it was time to get some help from a professional therapist. They found a very good therapist Kerrie Hipgrave.

I didn't like the idea because I didn't like people knowing about and talking about my tics but then I thought "It's better just solving this problem of mine rather than waiting to see if it goes”, so I started my therapy.

I am so glad and happy that I chose to attend CBiT Therapy with Kerrie.  My tics successfully ended in 1-2 months. I never knew or thought my tics were going to disappear in such a short time!

Now I feel much more free, happy, and mentally-physically relaxed. My relationship with others, even myself, has improved and there are no longer any questions or problems spinning in my head. Now I know that tics don’t necessarily stay 'forever', they are temporary movements which are nothing to worry about.

I am so grateful that me and my parents found Kerrie. Her fun and interesting methods made every session remarkable. Her informative explanations and her generous and relaxing attitude helped me greatly, I felt safe. I am so glad that I am myself again."

Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania

"Trichotillomania (hair pulling) and dermatillomania (skin picking) are body-focussed repetitive behaviours.  These behaviours cause physical harm or damage, negatively affecting your appearance and psychologically distressing you.

I can support you through Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) incorporating Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) and Exposure Response Pervention (ERP).  I will support you to change your relationship with yourself to a positive one, understanding your thoughts and behaviours, identifying your vulnerability and triggers, changing shame and guilt into empowerment and self-acceptance.

Following the consultation appointment, therapy sessions are weekly and will be challenging, requiring commitment and inner force and energy towards behavioural change and a positive self-concept."

Trichotillomania & Dermatillomania - Anonymous Testimonial

"I am an adult who had been hair pulling for many years since my teens.  This habit became worse over time leaving me feeling embarrassed, guilty and ashamed of my bald eyebrows and eyelashes.  I used false eyelashes and makeup to cover the damage I caused to myself  and I dreaded the thought of others noticing and drawing attention to me with their negative comments.

I met Kerrie and felt sceptical that she might be able to help me to stop pulling.  If I hadn’t been able to stop myself, then how could she possibly help me?   She listened and she offered me kindness and compassion without judgement.  Her knowledge and professional support helped me to understand myself and my pulling behaviours.  She gave me tools to challenge this behaviour and after several months of exploration and perseverance, I have stopped pulling.  My eyelashes and brows are growing back and I no longer need makeup or false lashes.

I have changed through this process which was very difficult at times.  I learnt so much about me and my relationship with myself is now a positive one.  I know and accept who I am and Kerrie empowered me to help myself to make changes.  This experience was life changing and I want to thank Kerrie for supporting me every step of the way."

Sessions and Fees for CBiT Therapy (Tics), Trichotillomania & Dermatillomania

The initial consultation appointment will be 1.5 hours.
Personal information will be gathered and discussed based on the completed documentation, a formal tic assessment is administered and a psychological assessment for children/teenagers.

Consultation Fee (1.5 hours) : £125
 
Weekly therapy sessions are 50 minutes.

1 x Sessional Fee (50 mins): £95

For more information please or to book please contact me at: ticstalk@outlook.com or call 07970 319 076