Misophonia — Assessment & Treatment

Does This Sound Familiar?

A family member chews at dinner, and you feel an overwhelming surge of rage, disgust, or panic. A coworker sniffles repeatedly, and you have to leave the room. You feel guilty about your reactions — but you simply cannot control them.

If this resonates with you, you may be experiencing misophonia. You are not overreacting. You are not alone. And it is treatable.

What Is Misophonia?

Misophonia — sometimes called Selective Sound Sensitivity Syndrome — is a condition in which specific sounds trigger intense emotional and physiological reactions. Common triggers include chewing, breathing, sniffling, pen clicking, and repetitive or muffled sounds. When triggered, individuals typically experience intense anger, rage, disgust, anxiety, or an overwhelming urge to escape.

Misophonia is not yet formally classified in the DSM-5, but research clearly demonstrates it is a real, valid condition that can significantly disrupt daily functioning, relationships, work, and quality of life. It is frequently misunderstood, dismissed, or misdiagnosed — which means many people with misophonia have spent years being told they are simply "too sensitive."

My Expertise in Misophonia

I am one of the few clinicians in Texas — and among a small group worldwide — who combines active peer-reviewed research in misophonia with specialized clinical experience treating it.

I contributed foundational neuropsychological research on misophonia, including the first comprehensive neuropsychological study examining the cognitive mechanisms associated with this condition. This means I approach misophonia not only as a clinician but as a neuroscientist who understands its underlying mechanisms in depth.

I also have specific expertise in identifying conditions that frequently co-occur with misophonia, including OCD, anxiety disorders, and ADHD — all of which require different treatment approaches and can significantly affect how misophonia presents and how it is best treated.

Assessment

Many individuals with misophonia have been previously dismissed or misdiagnosed. A thorough, accurate assessment is the essential first step toward effective treatment.

My evaluation includes:

A comprehensive clinical interview examining the history, specific triggers, emotional and physical reactions, and the functional impact of misophonia on your daily life and relationships.
Assessment of co-occurring symptoms and conditions, including OCD, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and depression, which frequently co-occur with misophonia and affect the overall clinical picture.
Neuropsychological evaluation, when indicated, to assess cognitive functioning and clarify diagnostic questions.
A clear diagnostic formulation and personalized, evidence-based treatment recommendations.

Treatment

With the right approach, many individuals experience a meaningful and lasting reduction in misophonia symptoms — and for some, full remission is achievable. I use Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) guided by evidence-based intervention. Treatment is collaborative, paced according to your readiness and comfort, and focused on real-world improvement.

Treatment focuses on:

Understanding the mechanisms that maintain and worsen misophonia over time.
Increasing flexibility in how you interpret and respond to triggering sounds.
Identifying and challenging rigid beliefs and other thinking patterns associated with triggers.
Gradually building tolerance to triggers while reducing emotional reactivity.
Reducing avoidance and safety behaviors that maintain distress.
Improving daily functioning and restoring quality in your relationships.

The goal is not to eliminate all emotional response — but to give you back a meaningful sense of control, reduce the intensity of reactions, and allow you to engage fully in your life according to your goals and values.

Who Is This Treatment For?

This service is appropriate for adults and older teens (16+) who:

Experience strong emotional or physical reactions to specific sounds.
Find that their reactions are affecting their overall well-being, relationships, work, or daily functioning.
Have previously been dismissed, misdiagnosed, or told "It's not a real condition."
Want an effective, research-informed, evidence-based approach to treatment.

In-Person & Telehealth Services

I offer misophonia assessment and treatment in person in Austin, TX, as well as via secure telehealth throughout Texas and Florida. Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth-delivered CBT, making high-quality, specialized misophonia treatment accessible regardless of your location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is misophonia treatable? Yes. While misophonia can feel relentless and isolating, and may feel that "it's in my brain, and I can't do anything about it" — especially when your triggers come from the people closest to you — it is treatable. With the right evidence-based support, meaningful improvement is achievable.

How is misophonia different from general sound sensitivity? General sound sensitivity (hyperacusis) involves discomfort with loud sounds across the board. Misophonia is specific to pattern-based sounds typically made by people, and involves intense emotional reactions rather than pain or discomfort from volume alone.

Does misophonia co-occur with OCD or ADHD? Yes — misophonia frequently co-occurs with OCD, ADHD, clinical perfectionism, and anxiety disorders. I have specific expertise in diagnosing and treating these overlapping conditions, which is essential for developing an accurate and effective treatment plan.

Do you accept insurance? I do not accept insurance at this time. As an out-of-network provider, I can provide a detailed statement you can submit for potential partial or full reimbursement depending on your plan.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If you are struggling with misophonia and are looking for specialized, research-informed assessment and treatment in Austin, TX — or via telehealth anywhere in Texas or Florida — I would be glad to hear from you.