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