Tics and Tourette’s Syndrome can feel like a mystery—one moment everything is calm, and the next, there’s an urge you just can’t ignore. Whether it’s a blink, a sound, or a sudden movement, these repetitive actions can be confusing and sometimes overwhelming. For many, the search for answers and relief leads down a winding road of theories, genetics, and brain science. One fascinating area is epigenetics, which simply means the way life experiences and environment can influence how your genes work—like a dimmer switch turning genes up or down without changing the DNA itself.

Tics are more than just habits—they’re rooted in the complex interplay between our genes, our environment, and even the way our bodies respond to stress. Imagine your genes as a set of light bulbs: some are brighter, some are dimmer, and factors like stress or illness can turn the dial up or down. This is the world of epigenetics, where your life experiences can subtly shift how your body expresses those genetic instructions. Add to this the role of the brain’s movement control centre—the basal ganglia—and it becomes clear why tics are so tricky to manage.

But here’s the good news: while hypnotherapy doesn’t always work for everyone and there are no guarantees, it can offer a practical, compassionate way to help manage tics and Tourette’s. Through guided relaxation and focused attention, hypnotherapy creates a calm, safe space where you can tune into your body’s signals. Many people find that regular sessions help reduce overall stress, which is known to make tics less frequent and intense. By learning to recognise the early sensations that come before a tic—the premonitory urges—you can gain more awareness and, over time, more choice in how you respond.

A typical session is tailored to you. It starts with a relaxed conversation about your experiences and what you hope to achieve. Then, as you settle into a comfortable state, gentle suggestions are introduced—these might focus on relaxation, building confidence, or practising alternative responses to urges. You’ll finish the session feeling refreshed, often with new tools to use in daily life.

It’s important to remember that hypnotherapy works best as part of a broader support plan. Many people combine it with behavioural therapies like Habit Reversal Training, medication (if prescribed), and the encouragement of family or support groups.

While hypnotherapy isn’t a cure, it can be a valuable ally on your journey—helping you find moments of calm, build self-awareness, and develop strategies that make living with tics or Tourette’s a little easier.

If you’re curious about how hypnotherapy could fit into your life, reach out to Tamara.

Together, we can explore gentle, effective ways to support your well-being.