Misophonia is a condition in which certain sounds—or sometimes repetitive movements associated with those sounds—trigger an intense emotional, physical, or physiological response. Common trigger sounds include chewing, breathing, sniffing, pen clicking, tapping, keyboard typing, and repetitive mouth sounds. The reaction is involuntary and often feels much stronger than ordinary annoyance.

Yes. Although research is still evolving, misophonia is increasingly recognized by researchers and healthcare professionals as a legitimate condition that can significantly affect daily functioning, relationships, work, and quality of life. It is not simply being "overly sensitive" or "easily annoyed."

Researchers believe misophonia involves differences in how the brain processes and responds to certain trigger sounds. Rather than simply hearing the sound, the brain may interpret it as highly significant or threatening, leading to rapid activation of the body's stress response. This reaction is automatic—it is not a choice.

Not necessarily. Some people with misophonia have experienced trauma, while many have not. Although stress and trauma may increase nervous system sensitivity for some individuals, current research does not support the idea that trauma is the cause of misophonia in most people.

Yes. While there is currently no single "cure" for misophonia, therapy can help reduce distress, improve emotional regulation, strengthen coping skills, decrease avoidance, and improve quality of life. Treatment focuses on changing your relationship to triggers rather than expecting you to simply tolerate them through willpower.

Treatment is individualized and may incorporate:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

• Somatic approaches

• Nervous system regulation

• Psychoeducation

• Attention training

• Emotional regulation skills

• Self-compassion practices

Treatment is tailored to your specific triggers, goals, and daily life.

Misophonia can make family meals, shared workspaces, classrooms, travel, and close relationships especially challenging. Many people worry about hurting others' feelings or avoiding situations they once enjoyed. Therapy can help you develop communication strategies, reduce shame, and navigate these situations more confidently.

Not exactly. While both involve sensory processing, misophonia is characterized by strong emotional and physiological reactions to specific trigger sounds rather than a general sensitivity to noise. Some individuals have both misophonia and broader sensory sensitivities, but they are not the same condition.

Misophonia can occur alongside ADHD, autism, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and other conditions, but it can also occur on its own. During our work together, we'll consider the whole picture to develop the most appropriate treatment plan.

Yes. Misophonia often begins during late childhood or adolescence, although the age of onset varies. Early recognition and support can help young people better understand their experiences and develop healthy coping strategies before patterns of avoidance become more entrenched.

Everyone's experience is different. While therapy cannot guarantee that trigger sounds will disappear, many people experience meaningful improvements in distress, emotional regulation, daily functioning, and their ability to participate in activities that were previously avoided. The goal is to help you regain freedom and improve your quality of life—not to eliminate every reaction.

Yes. I provide virtual therapy for misophonia for clients located in Maryland, Washington, DC, Virginia, and Colorado (North Carolina coming soon), as well as in-person appointments in Bethesda, Maryland.