Misophonia Treatment

Misophonia: When Everyday Sounds Feel Overwhelming

If certain sounds—like chewing, tapping, breathing, or repetitive noises—trigger intense irritation, anxiety, or even anger, you’re not alone.

Misophonia is a condition where specific sounds create a strong emotional and physical reaction, often far beyond what others experience.

At Dear Therapy, we help individuals reduce sensitivity to trigger sounds and regain a sense of control using evidence-based approaches grounded in CBT, exposure-based therapy, and nervous system regulation.

We offer therapy in Atlanta and virtually, making support accessible wherever you are.

What Is Misophonia?

Misophonia literally means “hatred of sound,” but it’s more accurately described as a heightened emotional response to specific trigger sounds.

Common triggers include:

  • Chewing or eating noises

  • Pen clicking or tapping

  • Breathing or sniffing

  • Keyboard typing

  • Repetitive environmental sounds

Reactions can include:

  • Intense irritation or anger

  • Anxiety or panic

  • Urge to escape the situation

  • Difficulty focusing

  • Physical tension or distress

These reactions are not a choice—they are automatic and deeply felt.

Why Does Misophonia Happen?

Misophonia is believed to involve a heightened connection between sound processing and emotional response systems in the brain.

This means:
Certain sounds are processed as threatening or intolerable

Over time, the brain learns:

  • “This sound = danger or distress”

Which leads to:

  • Increased sensitivity

  • Faster reactions

  • Stronger emotional responses

The Cycle of Misophonia

Misophonia often follows a predictable cycle:

  1. Trigger sound occurs

  2. Immediate emotional reaction (irritation, anger, anxiety)

  3. Urge to escape or react

  4. Avoidance or coping behavior

  5. Temporary relief

  6. Increased sensitivity over time

Avoidance can unintentionally make reactions stronger

How Therapy Helps with Misophonia

At Dear Therapy, we use exposure-based and cognitive approaches to help reduce reactivity.

Therapy helps you:

  • Gradually reduce sensitivity to trigger sounds

  • Increase tolerance for discomfort

  • Change your response to triggers

  • Reduce avoidance behaviors

  • Regain a sense of control in daily environments

The goal is not to “love” the sounds—
It’s to reduce the intensity of your reaction to them

What Misophonia Therapy Looks Like

Our approach is structured, gradual, and tailored to you.

You can expect:

  • Identification of specific triggers and patterns

  • Gradual exposure to sounds in a controlled way

  • Tools to manage emotional and physical reactions

  • Practice staying present instead of escaping

  • Real-life application in everyday environments

We move at a pace that feels manageable while still creating progress.

Common Challenges We Address

We help individuals who:

  • Avoid eating with others due to sound triggers

  • Feel overwhelmed in quiet environments (where sounds stand out)

  • Experience anger or guilt about their reactions

  • Struggle in work, school, or family settings

  • Feel misunderstood by others

Misophonia can feel isolating—but effective strategies exist.

Who This Is For

We work with:

  • Adults struggling with sound sensitivity

  • Teens experiencing distress around specific noises

  • Individuals whose daily functioning is impacted by triggers

  • People who feel stuck in cycles of avoidance or reactivity

If certain sounds feel impossible to tolerate, therapy can help.

Start Misophonia Therapy

You don’t have to keep structuring your life around avoiding sounds.

With the right support, it’s possible to:
Reduce reactivity, increase tolerance, and feel more at ease in everyday situations