A pioneering guide for the management of tics and habit disorders Managing Tic and Habit Disorders: A Cognitive Psychophysiological Approach with Acceptance Strategies is a complete client and therapist program for dealing with tics and habit disorders. Groundbreaking and evidence-based, it considers tics and habit disorders as part of the same spectrum and focuses on the personal processes that are activated prior to a tic and habit rather than the tic or habit itself. By drawing on acceptance and mindfulness strategies to achieve mental and physical flexibility in preparing action, individuals can release unnecessary tension, expend less effort and ultimately establish control over their tic or habit. The authors explain how to identify the contexts of thoughts, feelings and activities that precede tic or habit onset, understand how self-talk and language can trigger tic onset, and move beyond unhelpful ways of dealing with emotions - particularly in taking thoughts about emotions literally. They also explore how individuals can plan action more smoothly by drawing on existing skills and strengths, and overcome shame by becoming less self-critical and more self-compassionate. They conclude with material on maintaining gains, developing new goals, and creating a more confident and controlled lifestyle. Managing Tic and Habit Disorders is a thoughtful and timely guide for those suffering from this sometimes all-consuming disorder, and the professionals who set out to help them.

A pioneering guide for the management of tics and habit disordersManaging Tic and Habit Disorders: A Cognitive Psychophysiological Approach with Acceptance Strategies is a complete client and therapist program for dealing with tics and habit disorders. Groundbreaking and evidence-based, it considers tics and habit disorders as part of the same spectrum and focuses on the personal processes that are activated prior to a tic and habit rather than the tic or habit itself. By drawing on acceptance and mindfulness strategies to achieve mental and physical flexibility in preparing action, individuals can release unnecessary tension, expend less effort and ultimately establish control over their tic or habit.The authors explain how to identify the contexts of thoughts, feelings and activities that precede tic or habit onset, understand how self-talk and language can trigger tic onset, and move beyond unhelpful ways of dealing with emotions - particularly in taking thoughts about emotions literally. They also explore how individuals can plan action more smoothly by drawing on existing skills and strengths, and overcome shame by becoming less self-critical and more self-compassionate. They conclude with material on maintaining gains, developing new goals, and creating a more confident and controlled lifestyle.Managing Tic and Habit Disorders is a thoughtful and timely guide for those suffering from this sometimes all-consuming disorder, and the professionals who set out to help them.

List of Tables and Figures ixAbout the Authors xiiiAcknowledgments xvAbout the Companion Website xviiIntroduction 11 The Nature of Tics and Habits 9Overview of the Nature of Tics and Habits 9Idea of a Tourette or Tic and Habit Spectrum 10Current Diagnostic Criteria of Tics and Habits 10Current Multidimensional Etiology of Tics and Habits 13Social Impact and Consequences 17Current Treatment Options 182 Evaluation and Assessment 21Evaluation and Assessment: What are Tics and Habits? 21Evaluating the Severity of Tics and Habits and Their Impact on the Client's Life 22Assessing Style of Planning and Thinking and Beliefs about Tics or Habits 323 Motivation and Preparation for Change 43Motivation: Ready to Change the Habit 43The Pros and Cons of Tics and Habits; and Setting Goals and How to Attain Them 50Client's Perception of the Tic or Habit 52Dealing with Stigma and Self-stigma 53Control: Micro- and Macro-control 55The Contextual Nature of Tic or Habit Onset 574 Developing Awareness 61Choosing and Describing the Tic or Habit 61Awareness of the Tic or Habit 63Discovery of Seeing the Habit Differently 63Discovery Exercises 64Making a Video: Replaying and Watching the Video 64Premonitory Signs 67Daily Diary 68Tic or Habit Variations 73Tics or Habits in Context 745 Identifying At-Risk Contexts 77Identifying Variations in the Context of the Tics or Habits 77Discovering High and Low Risk Situations or Activities 78Evaluating the Situation or Activity 79Linking High Risk Activities and Evaluations to Feelings and Thoughts and Assumptions 836 Reducing Tension 87Tension Before Ticking: How to Use Your Muscles 87Conflicting Preparation Versus Coherent Preparation 92Unhelpful Attempts at Self-management of Tics or Habits 95Mindful Engagement 96Mindfulness Exercises 977 Increasing Flexibility 101Discriminating Muscle Contractions 101Rationale and Procedure for Discrimination Exercises 102Whole Body Muscle Control 105Muscle Relaxation 105Check the Breathing, Posture, and Flow During Movement 106Breathe Better 106Relaxation Exercises 107Refocusing Sensations 1118 Addressing Styles of Planning Action 115Style of Planning: Pulling Together Sensory, Emotional, and Motor Aspects of Ticking 115Styles of Action 116Behavioral Cost 118Thoughts associated with Styles of Action: Perfectionism in Personal Standards and Personal Organization 1209 Experiential Avoidance, Cognitive Fusion, and the Matrix 127Experiential Avoidance and Cognitive Fusion 127Improving Flow and Goal Directed Action Using the ACT Matrix 131Discriminating Thoughts, Actions, and Experiences 134Using the ACT Matrix to Work with Styles of Action 13710 Emotional Regulation and Overcoming the Habit-Shame Loop 141The Habit-Shame Loop 145Adaptive and Maladaptive Coping 146Validating Emotion 147Working with Self-talk 148Relational Frame Theory 149An RFT-inspired Link between Dysfunctional Thoughts and Tension 15211 Achieving Goals and Maintaining Gains 155Maintaining the New Behavior 155New Situations 158Reward and Self-compassion 159Relapse Prevention 160Achieving Non-tic Goals 160Finally 161References 163Author Index 171Subject Index 175