Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
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 >
Are you Suffering from any of these symptoms as a result of Misophonia? Call today for a Consultation.
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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?
If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions or symptoms, then we can help.
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.
Call us at 646-585-2251 for a consultation.
Category Archives: Cognitive Retraining Therapy
How Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy Can Help
Can cognitive retraining therapy help to relieve misophonia symptoms? Misophonia, defined by extreme emotional reactions to specific sounds, can significantly affect daily life—impacting relationships, work, education, and mental health. While many coping strategies offer temporary relief, long-term improvement often requires a targeted therapeutic approach. One of the most promising and structured treatment methods is Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy (MCRT), a specialized form of therapy developed to help individuals retrain their brain’s response to trigger sounds.
In this blog, we’ll explore how Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy works, why it’s effective, and how it can help you regain control over your life.
What Is Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy (MCRT)?
Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy is a structured, multi-faceted therapeutic program that combines elements of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, and emotional regulation training. MCRT is designed specifically for misophonia and targets the neurological and emotional pathways that fuel the distressing responses to certain sounds.
Rather than simply teaching patients to avoid triggers, MCRT aims to desensitize emotional reactions and reprogram how the brain associates and interprets sound stimuli.
Key Components of MCRT
- Sound Exposure and Desensitization: Gradual, controlled exposure to trigger sounds helps the brain reduce its overactive emotional response, similar to how exposure therapy works for phobias or anxiety disorders.
- Cognitive Restructuring: Patients learn to identify and challenge negative thoughts or beliefs surrounding their misophonia triggers, replacing them with more balanced, rational thoughts.
- Emotional Regulation Training: MCRT teaches mindfulness, relaxation, and stress-reduction techniques to help manage intense emotional responses when triggers are encountered.
- Behavioral Shaping: Practical exercises and homework assignments help patients gradually change avoidance behaviors and improve real-life functioning.
How MCRT Helps Rewire the Brain
Scientific research suggests that individuals with misophonia experience hyperactivation in the anterior insular cortex, a part of the brain associated with emotional salience and autonomic response. MCRT leverages the brain’s natural neuroplasticity—its ability to form new neural connections—to retrain how it reacts to certain sounds.
By consistently practicing the therapeutic exercises in MCRT, patients begin to form new emotional associations, reduce anticipatory anxiety, and diminish the intensity of sound-triggered responses over time.
Benefits of Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy
MCRT offers several unique benefits that make it one of the most effective misophonia treatments currently available:
- Reduction in Trigger Sensitivity: Patients report fewer emotional outbursts and less discomfort in previously distressing situations.
- Improved Social and Work Functioning: MCRT can help reduce avoidance behavior, allowing individuals to re-engage with relationships and responsibilities.
- Greater Emotional Control: With emotional regulation tools, patients gain confidence in managing reactions to unexpected triggers.
- Customizable and Structured: The program is tailored to each patient’s unique triggers, sensitivities, and lifestyle needs.
Who Can Benefit from MCRT?
MCRT is suitable for children, teens, and adults struggling with misophonia. Whether your symptoms are mild or severe, this therapy is designed to be adaptable to your needs. It’s particularly helpful for individuals who feel their condition has led to social isolation, work impairment, or chronic anxiety and frustration.
Why Choose the Misophonia Cognitive Center™?
Stephen Geller Katz, LCSW-R, at the Misophonia Cognitive Center™, is a pioneer in misophonia treatment and has successfully helped patients worldwide using MCRT. With decades of experience and a compassionate, client-centered approach, Dr. Katz understands the unique challenges misophonia presents—and how to overcome them.
He offers fully online therapy sessions, allowing you to access expert treatment no matter where you live. Dr. Katz also speaks five languages, ensuring a supportive and personalized experience for clients from diverse backgrounds.
Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy: Take Control of Your Misophonia Today
Misophonia doesn’t have to define your life. With the right tools and guidance, you can reduce your sensitivity to triggers, reclaim peace of mind, and improve your relationships and daily functioning. Misophonia Cognitive Retraining Therapy is a scientifically informed, results-oriented approach that’s helping people around the world live better.
Ready to begin your journey toward relief?
Contact Information
MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
19 West 34th Street
New York, NY 10001
646-585-2251
All sessions are online
Cognitive Retraining Therapy: An Effective Treatment for Misophonia
What is cognitive retraining therapy, and is it an effective treatment for misophonia? Misophonia is a condition that causes a strong emotional response to certain sounds, commonly known as trigger sounds. This response can lead to feelings of anger, disgust, and anxiety, which can significantly impact daily life. While there is no cure for misophonia, Cognitive Retraining Therapy (CRT) is an effective treatment that can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. In this blog post, we will explore CRT and how it can help those struggling with misophonia.
What is Cognitive Retraining Therapy?
CRT is a form of talk therapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors. In the context of misophonia, CRT can help individuals change their emotional responses to trigger sounds. This therapy works by identifying negative thoughts and emotions related to trigger sounds and challenging them.
During CRT sessions, individuals learn how to retrain their emotional response to trigger sounds through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques. CRT is a highly effective treatment for misophonia, and studies have shown that it can lead to significant improvement in misophonic symptoms.
The Benefits of Cognitive Retraining Therapy for Misophonia
The benefits of CRT for misophonia are numerous, and include:
- Improved Emotional Responses: CRT can help individuals learn how to retrain their emotional response to trigger sounds, reducing feelings of anger, disgust, and anxiety.
- Improved Quality of Life: Misophonia can significantly impact an individual’s daily life, but CRT can help individuals manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life.
- Effective Treatment: Studies have shown that CRT is a highly effective treatment for misophonia, with individuals experiencing significant improvement in their symptoms.
What to Expect During CRT Sessions
During CRT sessions, individuals will work with a licensed therapist who specializes in treating misophonia. The therapist will guide the individual through various techniques, such as cognitive restructuring, exposure therapy, and relaxation techniques.
The length of CRT sessions can vary, but typically sessions last between 45-60 minutes. The number of sessions required will depend on the individual’s specific needs and the severity of their misophonia symptoms.
Cognitive Retraining Therapy for Misophonia: Conclusion
Misophonia can be a challenging condition to live with, impacting various areas of daily life. However, with the right treatment and support, individuals can learn to manage their symptoms effectively. At the MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™, Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R offers online CRT sessions for individuals struggling with misophonia.
If you or a loved one is struggling with misophonia, don’t hesitate to reach out to MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER™ for support. Contact us today to learn more about our services and schedule an appointment with Dr. Katz.
MISOPHONIA COGNITIVE CENTER ™
Stephen Geller Katz LCSW-R
19 West 34th Street Penthouse Floor
New York, NY 10001
646-585-2251