Testimonials
" Learning CBIT from Suzy was a game changer for my son! It gave him a sense of agency over his tics which he could use anytime he needed. Suzy was engaging, compassionate, and personable while teaching this new skill-set. Further having sessions in the comfort of our home, over Zoom, made it very accessible with a busy family schedule. I highly recommend working with Suzy!"
Ray Cabots
"I was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome when I was a child, and at the time had vocal and simple motor tics. The tics mostly subsided as I grew into adulthood, but as I neared 30 they came back as a few vocal and multiple complex motor tics. Trying to handle it myself by suppressing them, I failed and for a few years the tics got worse and more complex to the point where I was pulling muscles in my neck and lived with pain and soreness in my neck, shoulders, and right hip every day.
I should have brought it up with my doctor years ago when my tics came back for round two, but the stigma of Tourette Syndrome, and the embarrassment that I had it as an adult, caused me to hide the fact that I have Tourette’s and to keep trying to suppress my tics. The truth is, Tourette’s can be very lonely and isolating.
When I finally brought it up with my neurologist while discussing an unrelated issue, she said we could try medications but not to go that route unless absolutely necessary which was great for me because I didn’t want the risk of side effects that come with those drugs. She recommended I see Suzy at Online OTs to try CBIT, a structured behavioral therapy. Online OTs is the only CBIT therapy that my neurologist knew of in the area and therapy is provided in an online video setting. That was great because we were in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic and my tics were at their worst since I had to start working from home.
After putting myself in a vulnerable place, I was super relieved at how easy it was to talk with Suzy. Not long after our first session started, I was comfortably discussing all of my Tourette’s related frustrations and learning what CBIT is and the path to relief.
Over the next few sessions that we scheduled, which we tailored to my particular case, I learned the tools and techniques in CBIT to gain control of my situation, and all of this was done online. After a few weeks I started living with less and eventually no pulled muscles or pain in my neck. Tics I have that involve my right arm and leg have drastically decreased in frequency. Learning CBIT is work and your tics won’t magically disappear, but it’s time and effort well spent. The control and relief that I now have is worth every minute of effort that I spend working on it. Although I’ve finished my sessions with Suzy, I know she’s simply an email away and available to help if something comes up and I’m in need of some guidance. Even if the pandemic is over, the ability to do this online means I can schedule something while I’m at home or grab a quiet room at the office. I am so grateful for the work Suzy does and for Online OTs!"
Steve Robinson
" We are so relieved, and so grateful for all of your help throughout this process. The documentation you provided was really invaluable in making our case to the school. Jack has been doing really well in school and practicing his CBIT. We’re very encouraged. Thank you so much!!"
Laura Thomas
"I had not heard of CBIT prior to my child being diagnosed with a Tic Disorder. Our neurologist recommended that we try this form of therapy. I feel that we were so fortunate to find Suzy and to have her work with us! She is extremely knowledgeable and was able to work with my child to find strategies to use with her specific tics. Suzy’s experience is evident in the way she has been able to adapt strategies to fit my child’s needs. She was able to educate us about tic disorders as well as CBIT throughout each session. Suzy has a way of putting her clients at ease and quickly developing a trusting relationship. I have learned so much about Tic Disorders and how to help my child through her treatment sessions."
Joy Anders
" I have a medical condition called Tourette Syndrome. Last November, Suzy became my new specialist. As Suzy is certified in CBIT (Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics), I went to her to get instruction on this technique. Suzy demonstrated what a good mentor looks like. Suzy is professional and patient. She repeatedly worked with me on reducing my tics. When I told her that I am very nervous when I am in public, she accompanied me to the crowded student center. We talked and laughed. That was very relieving and relaxing. On my own I had tried every therapy in the world for Tourette's, I then felt that she was fighting those tics with me. Suzy really cares about helping others succeed."
Yaohong Lei