Therapy for Tics, Tourette’s, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs)
Evidence-Based Treatment Available in Nanaimo, Parksville, Port Alberni, & Virtually Across BC
Tics, Tourette’s Disorder, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs) can significantly impact daily life—but effective, evidence-based treatments are available. At Island Clinical Counselling, we specialize in therapy for both children and adults experiencing these conditions. We offer individual therapy, caregiver support, and group-based programs to help clients understand their symptoms and develop effective tools to manage them.
Treatment for Tics and Tourette’s: CBIT
The gold standard treatment for tic disorders is CBIT: Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics. CBIT combines Habit Reversal Training (HRT) with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to help reduce the impact of tics and empower individuals with strategies to manage them.
CBIT treatment includes:
- Psychoeducation about tics and their function
- Habit Reversal Training (HRT), including the use of Competing Responses (CRs)
- Stress reduction and emotional regulation tools
- Social support and communication strategies
- Cognitive techniques for managing tic-related distress
CBIT is backed by strong clinical research and is effective for children, teens, and adults with Tics or Tourette’s Disorder. Read our blog post about CBIT in Nanaimo and BC here.
What Are Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRBs)?
BFRBs are repetitive self-grooming behaviours that result in physical damage to the body. They include, but are not limited to:
- Trichotillomania – Hair-pulling
- Dermatillomania – Skin-picking
- Onychophagia/Onychotillomania – Nail-biting or nail-picking
- Lip-chewing, cheek-biting, or other similar behaviours
These behaviours are not habits or fidgets—they are compulsive actions often connected to underlying emotional, cognitive, or sensory factors.
Treatment for BFRBs: HRT + SCAMP Model
At ICC, we use a comprehensive treatment approach that combines Habit Reversal Therapy (HRT) with CBT and the SCAMP model—a holistic method that examines five domains:
- Sensory: What body sensations precede or follow the behaviour?
- Cognitive: What thoughts are connected to the behaviour?
- Affective: What emotions arise before or after the urge?
- Motor: What movements are involved in the behaviour?
- Place: Where and when do the behaviours happen most?
This in-depth approach allows us to go beyond generic advice like “just wear gloves,” and instead create personalized strategies that support real, sustainable behaviour change.
Read our blog post on the SCAMP model for BFRBs here.
And check out one of our BFRB clinicians featured in this New York Times article!
Our Services for Tics, Tourette’s, and BFRBs
We offer both in-person sessions (Nanaimo, Duncan, Parksville/Qualicum, and Port Alberni) and virtual therapy across BC. Services include:
- Individual therapy for children, teens, and adults
- Parent and caregiver sessions to support families
- Group therapy and workshops for education and peer support
All therapy is adapted to your needs and paced according to your goals.
BFRB Support Group
Body Focused Repetitive Behaviours (BFRB) can cover behaviours such as compulsive hair-pulling, skin-picking, or nail-biting. This free virtual group is a space for people to connect with others with similar lived experiences and navigate the challenges of BFRBs. It is hosted by Jason Yu.
Click here to be added to the mailing list.
Ready to Book?
Not sure who’s the right fit?
Call: 778-762-3750
Text: (778) 484-0597
Or send us an email
We’ll help match you with the right clinician to support you or your family on your healing journey.