Beyond the Clinic: Making CBIT Work in Everyday Life

Completing CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics) sessions is a big step forward, but the real challenge-and opportunity-comes when you take those strategies beyond the clinic. The magic of CBIT lies in using the tools you’ve learned in the moments that matter most: at home, school, work, and in the community. Here’s how to make CBIT skills part of everyday life so they stick and truly work for you.

Keep Practicing, Even Without Tics

It’s tempting to only use competing responses when tics appear, but daily practice-especially during calm moments-builds automaticity. A few minutes each day of practicing your competing responses can make them more effective when tics do show up.

Identify and Plan for Triggers

One of CBIT’s core elements is functional intervention-understanding what situations or feelings make tics more likely. Keep a log of when tics appear and what’s happening around you. Once you spot patterns, you can proactively use strategies before tics escalate.

Involve Your Support Network

The people around you can be powerful allies. Share your CBIT strategies with family, friends, teachers, or coworkers so they know how to support you. Sometimes that means giving you space to use a competing response; other times it means helping reduce environmental triggers.

Make Adjustments for Real-Life Settings

The version of a competing response that works in a therapy room might not feel as natural in a classroom, office, or crowded place. Work with your therapist to develop subtle or modified versions that fit the setting, so you feel confident using them anywhere.

Handle Plateaus and Setbacks

It’s normal for progress to level off or for tics to flare during stress, illness, or big life changes. This doesn’t mean CBIT has stopped working-it’s a sign to revisit strategies, fine-tune competing responses, or add stress-management tools.

Celebrate Small Wins

Tic management is a journey, and progress isn’t always measured in tic counts alone. Maybe you used a competing response faster, felt less anxious in a trigger situation, or remembered to practice every day for a week. Recognizing these victories keeps motivation high.

Final Thoughts

CBIT isn’t just a therapy-it’s a set of life skills. By weaving them into your daily routines, you give yourself the best chance for lasting results. With practice, planning, and the right support, CBIT can become second nature, helping you manage tics with confidence wherever life takes you.