Misophonia: More Than Just a Dislike of Sounds

Misophonia is a recognized multi-sensory aversion disorder, not simply an extreme dislike of certain noises. People with misophonia experience specific sounds, called triggers, as highly unpleasant or distressing, leading to strong negative emotional, physical, and behavioral reactions.

Living with misophonia can be challenging and impact all areas of life, including school, work, and relationships, often leading to social isolation. It can even be considered a disability, with growing evidence suggesting that visual triggers (misokinesia) can also be involved.

While there's currently no known treatment or cure, awareness and research are increasing. Misophonia sufferers, or misophones, don't have to endure it alone; effective communication, peer support, and self-care can help them thrive. The consensus definition of misophonia is a work in progress and will continue to evolve with new research. Misophonia measures are also subject to change as understanding of the condition evolves.

Benefits of Misophonia Therapy

Participants in Misophonia Therapy with Evan can expect to:

• Receive support from multidisciplinary teamwork, including assessments and treatment from primary care, audiologists, mental health clinicians, and occupational therapists. Occupational therapists are crucial team members for children and can also be considered for adolescents and adults.

• Feel heard from being listen to. The lived experiences of those with misophonia and their families are processed in Misophonia Therapy. Non-judgment, support and understanding are part of the healing process.

Evan’s approach may utilize a combination of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) and integrative therapy techniques grounded in the latest mind-body neuroscience and mindfulness practices. Research on EMDR for misophonia is limited, early findings suggest it can be helpful in reducing misophonia symptoms. A pilot study indicated that EMDR therapy, when focused on emotionally disturbing memories related to misophonia, may lead to symptom reduction.

While EMDR shows promise, other therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) are also used by Evan to manage misophonia. DBT provides a well-rounded approach for individuals grappling with emotional dysregulation which misophonia may triggers. By merging cognitive-behavioral methods with mindfulness techniques, DBT aids in fortifying emotional regulation and distress tolerance. This empowers those experiencing misophonia to pinpoint and transform harmful thoughts, handle strong emotions, create coping strategies, and foster improved connections.