1. Habit Reversal Training can Keep the Tics Down
Behavior therapy is the best choice for treating Tourette's Syndrome naturally, and the most effective type of behavior therapy is Habit Reversal Training. This type of therapy makes people more aware of their old habits and allows them to develop counter-habits. The therapist performing the Habit Reversal Training helps her patient become aware of when a tic will occur, then helps him practice the counter-response to the tic signals his body gives. Most of the time, Habit Reversal Training is effective in naturally treating Tourette's Syndrome. Psychologists appreciate it because it has no side effects.
Other types of behavior therapy, such as meditation, deep breathing techniques and biofeedback have been shown to reduce stress, which increases how severe and how frequent the tics are. However, there is no clear proof that these techniques have been shown to reduce the occurrence of tics.
2. Cognitive Behavior Therapy Solves the Other Problems
While therapists work on treating the tics of Tourette's Syndrome with behavior therapy, their patients may also require Cognitive Behavior Therapy for their other disorders. Tourette's Syndrome frequently occurs with other disorders and may even have caused the other mental illnesses. The most common disorders seen with Tourette's are obsessive-compulsive disorder and depression. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder is also often seen in patients with Tourette's Syndrome, although Tourette's is not considered to be the cause.
3. Recognize and Avoid the Triggers of the Tics
Trying to figure out what triggers the Tourette's Syndrome tics is another way of treating the disorder without medication. By observing people with Tourette's, you may be able to find something that triggers their tics, such as a certain phrase, sight or situation. Once the trigger or triggers have been found, they can be avoided. This is a simple trick, but it can be difficult since the Tourette's symptoms may get better or worse on their own.
