FAQ
The core elements of CBIT include psychoeducation, habit reversal, function-based assessment and intervention, and a collection of supplemental techniques.
Psychoeducation involves providing information about the diagnosis, symptoms, and clinical course of tic disorders. It also provides an opportunity to deliver an overview of- and rationale for- treatment, and for therapists to “debunk” myths about tics and misconceptions surrounding treatment.
The rationale for habit reversal is based on the idea that tics are involuntary behaviors that function to reduce an aversive premonitory urge and are automatic, meaning they often occur outside the individual’s awareness. Habit reversal is a set of procedures that includes awareness training, competing response training, and social support. Awareness training teaches the patient to recognize when a specific tic is about to occur. Competing response training teaches the patient to prevent or interrupt the tic in order to disrupt the urge-tic cycle. Finally, social support involves identifying and involving someone in the patients’ life to support them with treatment compliance and success.
Function-based assessment and intervention involves systematically identifying external antecedents and consequences that exacerbate tics and then- based on this information- developing strategies for eliminating or reducing the impact of these factors.
In addition to the core elements, CBIT contains several supplemental techniques. Relaxation strategies are used to reduce stress, given that stress can exacerbate tics. Motivational strategies are used to increase treatment engagement. Relapse prevention strategies ensure that patients have mastered CBIT skills prior to terminating treatment so they can apply CBIT skills to new tics as they emerge in the future. Finally, a variety of tic-healthy lifestyle recommendations are provided.
Although tics are neurologically based, they can be influenced by individual and environmental factors. At its core, CBIT is a collection of individually tailored therapeutic procedures designed to identify and modify internal and external factors that worsen tics. Research supports CBIT as the first line intervention for Tic Disorders and Tourette Disorder.
CBIT Trainer is a full-service training for all things CBIT. Written and developed by the leading experts in the world of Tic Disorders and Tourette Syndrome, Drs Douglas Woods and Mike Himle. These psychologists are lead developers of CBIT and faculty of the Tourette Association of America's Behavioral Training Institute (BTI). The charge for the training is $699. This includes access to the CBIT Trainer site and all of the benefits therein or 1 year. After one year, if you choose to remain a member, you will only have to pay a yearly fee of $60. Ready to get started? Click here to purchase CBIT Trainer.
CBIT Trainer is a comprehensive, on-line training that includes 12 hours of didactic instruction (12 hours of CEU credit is available for certain licensees), video examples of skills, downloadable forms, instruments, and session syllabi. Feel stuck? Part of the CBIT Trainer program is access to CBIT experts for consultations. For a fee, you may schedule private or group consultations to consult on difficult cases. In addition to the training, CBIT Trainer offers continuing education opportunities (webinars), the opportunity to be on the CBIT Trainer referral network to receive and give referrals, and a Social Connection platform where you will be able to interact with other CBIT trained professionals to ask questions and connect about all things CBIT. After registering for CBIT Trainer, you will have access to this entire suite of interactive content for one year. After this year, if you would like to continue to have access to the CBIT Trainer platform, you may do so for a nominal fee.
Once you have completed the CBIT Trainer program, you will be eligible to be listed on the Referral section of the CBIT Trainer platform. Most importantly, you will have the knowledge, tools, and confidence to treat people successfully with Tic Disorders.
CBIT Trainer is a didactic, pre-recorded training. Throughout the training you will see hundreds of videos that explain how to correctly utilize the skills being taught. Also included are examples of different types of tics, examples of different interventions for the varying types of tics, and video clips from mock therapy sessions that illustrate how the skills should be taught, how to troubleshoot, and how to successfully treat Tic Disorders.
12 hours of CEU credit is available through Amedco for no extra charge. If you would like to receive CEU credit, please click the button on the Continuing Education page that will tell you how to obtain your credit. CEU credit is only available for Licensed Psychologists, Licensed Professional Counselors, and other Master's level clinicians, depending on your licensure.
We want to provide as much support as possible to people learning to treat Tic Disorders. If you feel that you are needing some expert consultation, please register for an individual or group consultation session. Consultations are 1/2 hour and cost $200 for an individual session and $100 for a group session. You may select the consultant and the time that works best for your schedule.