Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy
Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy
Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy, as featured on the MTV True Life episode: “I Have Misophonia” premiering Friday, December 16th, 7:00 PM EST. See Clip >
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Moderate to severe anxiety triggered by chewing sounds, including: | ||
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You may also be affected by visual stimuli, such as repetitive foot or body movements, fidgeting or movement you observe out of the corners of their eyes. Intense anxiety, rage and avoidant behavior may develop as a result of misophonia.
* Do you feel your family and friends don’t understand how much you suffer?
* Do you often feel you can just suffer through a social event where there is eating present only to find that you must “escape” before you have a panic attack?
* Do you find that some people are at first understanding and make some efforts not to make the triggering sounds in front of you, but soon forget and constantly have to be reminded, causing you to feel angry, anxious and depressed?
* Are you avoiding social activities that you enjoy because of the misophonia?
* Are you fearful of losing your job and/or is the misophonia effecting your job performance?
You may be a candidate for Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy, or MCRT.
Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW-R, with over 20 years of clinical experience, a New York University graduate, developed Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy and founded Misophonia Cognitive Center™ in response to the growing number of people with Misophonia coming to his private practice from audiologists and ENTs. He discovered that by helping people to retrain and reinterpret the thoughts around their Misophonia, anxiety and depression symptoms began to improve. But even more important so did the Misophonic trigger response.
Misophonia, characterized by intense emotional reactions to specific sounds, can significantly impact relationships with loved ones. The challenge lies not only in managing one’s own emotional responses but also in effectively communicating with family members and partners about this condition. In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of misophonia on relationships and provide strategies for open and constructive communication with your loved ones.
Misophonia can strain even the most loving relationships due to the distress caused by trigger sounds. Common scenarios include:
Repeated exposure to trigger sounds can lead to tension and frustration between individuals with misophonia and their loved ones. This tension can erode the quality of the relationship over time.
To avoid trigger sounds, individuals with misophonia may isolate themselves or limit social interactions, which can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation for both parties.
Loved ones may not fully grasp the intensity of emotional responses triggered by misophonia, leading to misunderstandings and conflicts.
Open and empathetic communication is crucial for maintaining healthy relationships when misophonia is involved. Here are some strategies for effectively communicating with loved ones:
Take the time to educate your family members or partner about misophonia. Share information about the condition, its triggers, and the emotional responses it elicits. Knowledge can lead to understanding.
Communicate your feelings and experiences openly but calmly. Use “I” statements to express how specific trigger sounds affect you emotionally without placing blame.
Discuss coping strategies that you find helpful when dealing with misophonia triggers. Encourage your loved ones to be supportive and understanding of your needs.
Work together to establish boundaries that respect your need for a trigger-free environment when necessary. Find compromises that allow both parties to feel comfortable.
Consider involving a misophonia specialist or therapist in your communication process. They can facilitate discussions and provide guidance on managing misophonia-related challenges.
For loved ones of individuals with misophonia, practicing empathy and understanding is essential. Here are some ways to support someone with misophonia:
Recognize that misophonia is a real and challenging condition. Be patient when your loved one is struggling with trigger sounds.
Whenever possible, avoid making trigger sounds around your loved one. This small gesture can go a long way in reducing their distress.
Encourage your loved one to seek treatment or therapy for misophonia. Treatment options, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, can be highly effective.
Misophonia can pose challenges in relationships, but with open communication, education, and empathy, it is possible to maintain strong and supportive connections with your loved ones. Seeking the guidance of a misophonia specialist can provide valuable support and strategies for managing misophonia-related issues in relationships.
To explore misophonia treatment options and receive expert guidance on managing your condition within the context of your relationships, contact Stephen Geller Katz at the Misophonia Cognitive Center™. Dr. Katz offers online sessions and speaks five languages, ensuring accessibility to effective treatment.
MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
19 West 34th Street
Penthouse Floor
New York, NY 10001
646-585-2251
Convenient Online Sessions
Multi-lingual