Obsessive-Compulsive Symptoms, Tic Disorders & Intrusive Thoughts

Obsessive-compulsive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and tic disorders can feel overwhelming and difficult to control. Whether symptoms show up as mental loops, compulsive behaviors, or motor and vocal tics, the common thread is a nervous system stuck in overdrive.

These patterns are not intentional—and they are treatable with evidence-based, nervous-system-informed care.

Common Symptoms We Treat

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts or mental images
Compulsive behaviors or mental rituals
Excessive checking, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance
Difficulty tolerating uncertainty
Motor tics (eye blinking, facial movements, shoulder shrugging)
Vocal tics (throat clearing, sounds, words)
Tourette Syndrome and other tic disorders

EMDR Therapy for OCD, Intrusive Thoughts & Tic-Related Distress

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) can help reduce the emotional and physiological distress that often worsens obsessive-compulsive symptoms and tic expression.

EMDR may help by:

Calming the brain’s threat and stress response
Reducing fear conditioning linked to symptoms
Addressing trauma or chronic stress that exacerbates tics
Supporting greater nervous system regulation

EMDR is used alongside behavioral and skills-based approaches, not as a stand-alone treatment for tics.

CBIT-Informed Treatment for Tics & Compulsions

CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics) is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for Tourette Syndrome and chronic motor or vocal tic disorders.

CBIT focuses on:

Increasing awareness of premonitory urges
Teaching competing responses to interrupt tics
Reducing reinforcement cycles
Improving long-term self-regulation and control

CBIT can also be helpful when tic-like behaviors overlap with obsessive-compulsive patterns.

A Supportive, Non-Judgmental Therapy Space

Many clients worry their symptoms will be misunderstood or minimized. This is a space where obsessive thoughts, urges, and tics are met with clinical understanding—not shame, fear, or pressure to “just stop.”

Get Support

Obsessive-compulsive behaviors, intrusive thoughts, and tic disorders do not define you. With the right treatment, symptoms can become more manageable and less disruptive.

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