Tics and Tourette’s: What They Are, Why They Happen, and How Therapy Can Help

Tics can be confusing—for both the person experiencing them and the people around them. They often show up suddenly, change over time, and feel difficult (or impossible) to control.

For many families, the biggest questions are:

• Why is this happening?

• Will it go away?

• Should we be doing something about it?

If you or your child is dealing with tics or Tourette’s, you’re not alone—and there are effective ways to understand and manage them.

What Are Tics?

Tics are sudden, repetitive movements or sounds that a person feels an urge to do.

They are not just habits, and they’re not something someone can simply “stop” with willpower.

Common Types of Tics

Motor tics (movement-based):

• Blinking

• Facial grimacing

• Shoulder shrugging

• Head jerking

Vocal tics (sound-based):

• Throat clearing

• Sniffing

• Grunting

• Repeating words or sounds

Tics can be:

• Mild or more noticeable

• Temporary or longer-lasting

• Constant or changing over time

One important thing to know: tics often wax and wane, meaning they can get better and worse at different times.

What Is Tourette’s Syndrome?

Tourette’s syndrome is a neurological condition that involves:

• Multiple motor tics

• At least one vocal tic

• Symptoms present for over a year

Tourette’s usually begins in childhood, often between ages 5–10.

Despite common stereotypes, most people with Tourette’s do not have severe or extreme symptoms. Many experience mild to moderate tics that fluctuate over time.

Why Do Tics Happen?

Tics are believed to be related to differences in how the brain regulates movement and urges.

Most people with tics experience something called a premonitory urge—a buildup of tension or sensation that is temporarily relieved by doing the tic.

It can feel like:

• Pressure

• Itchiness

• A “need” to move or make a sound

What Makes Tics Worse?

Tics tend to increase during:

• Stress or anxiety

• Excitement

• Fatigue

• Transitions or pressure (like school or social situations)

This is why many parents notice that tics:

• Are worse at home after school

• Show up more during challenging periods

• Increase when attention is drawn to them

Tics vs. Habits vs. OCD

This is one of the most confusing areas.

Tics can look similar to:

• Habits

• Compulsions (OCD)

But they are different.

Tics:

• Driven by a physical urge

• Relieved by doing the movement or sound

OCD compulsions:

• Driven by anxiety or fear

• Done to prevent something bad from happening

That said, tics and OCD often overlap, and many individuals experience both.

Should You Be Concerned About Tics?

Not all tics require treatment.

However, it may be helpful to seek support if tics are:

• Causing embarrassment or distress

• Interfering with school or focus

• Leading to teasing or avoidance

• Creating tension at home

• Getting more intense over time

Even when tics are mild, therapy can help reduce stress around them and improve confidence.

How Therapy Helps with Tics and Tourette’s

One of the most effective treatments for tic disorders is:

CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics)

CBIT is considered the gold-standard behavioral treatment for tics.

It does not focus on forcing tics to stop.
Instead, it helps people understand and manage them more effectively.

CBIT Helps You:

• Recognize early signs that a tic is coming

• Understand triggers and patterns

• Learn “competing responses” that reduce tic intensity

• Lower stress that makes tics worse

CBIT is structured, practical, and highly effective—especially when combined with support around anxiety and environment.

What Parents Often Get Wrong (and What Helps Instead)

When a child has tics, it’s completely natural to want to help—but some common reactions can unintentionally make things harder.

What doesn’t help:

• Constantly pointing out the tic

• Asking the child to “just stop”

• Drawing attention to it in front of others

What helps:

• Staying neutral and calm

• Reducing pressure around the tic

• Focusing on the child’s overall wellbeing

• Getting guidance from a therapist trained in tic disorders

Often, reducing stress around the tic can reduce the tic itself.

Tics, Anxiety, and Confidence

One of the biggest challenges with tics isn’t just the tic—it’s how it impacts confidence and self-image.

Kids and teens may:

• Feel embarrassed

• Try to hide their symptoms

• Avoid social situations

• Worry about what others think

Therapy helps shift this by:

• Reducing shame

• Building confidence

• Creating a sense of control

• Helping them navigate real-life situations

Do Tics Go Away?

For many children, tics improve over time—especially into adolescence.

For others, they may continue but become:

• Less intense

• More manageable

• Less distressing

The goal of therapy isn’t perfection.
It’s helping someone feel:

• More in control

• Less overwhelmed

• More confident in daily life

When to Reach Out for Support

If tics are starting to impact daily life—or if you’re just unsure what to do—it can be helpful to talk to someone who specializes in this area.

The right support can make a big difference in how tics are experienced and managed.