Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) is a behavioral intervention that helps children use "competing responses" to reduce the frequency and severeity of problematic tics. It uses components of both habit reversal therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy.

The best candidates are motivated children aged 9 or older who have a "premonitory urge" prior to their tics and have the ability to focus during sessions. Typically, the training is done over 8 sessions. The first session is around 2 hours and follow-up sessions are around 45-60 minutes in length. The sessions are initially close together, but space out over time.

CBIT should be approached as learning a new skill, similar to learning a new sport or a new instrument. It takes practice. Parent support is important. At times it can be hard work, but the pay-off is rewarding.  The goal of CBIT is not to get rid of all tics. A different "competing response" must be developed for each individual tic. For this reason, therapists typically focus on the most problematic tics. That said, the same principles can be used to address other tics over time.

The Tourette's Syndrome Association of America has excellent information on CBIT. www.tourette.org/research-medical/cbit-for-patients/

CBIT can be accessed here:

Monroe Carell, Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt
Lisa Gelfand, OTR/L and KellyAnn Prim,m MS OTR/L
719 Thompson Lane, Suite 21000
Nashville, TN 37204
Phone: 615-936-7604

Ashely L Annestedt, LCSW is a clinical social worker licensed in Tennessee, but based out of Colorado. She provides CBIT through telehealth. She also does treatment for OCD and anxiety (cognitive behavioral therapy).
Website: www.ashleyannestadtlcsw.com
Phone number: 303-517-3800

Shannon Floyd, OTR/L
Floyd Pediatric Therapy and Intervention for Tic Disorders.  She does tele-CBIT also. 
Mt. Juliet, TN
Phone Number: 615-669-1721
Fax: 615-467-0453