There is emerging evidence for talking therapies in the treatment of tic disorders. This study explored experiences of young people who self-identified as having had a successful or helpful talking therapy, in order to understand the phenomenology, value and meaning of outcomes. The experiences of seven participants aged 10-17 years were described in semi-structured interviews and analysed using Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Themes included the challenging battle with tics and process of re-defining self-identity, making sense of and managing experiences, the value of control, and spectrum of positive change. The results highlighted valued outcomes that could be incorporated into clinical practice and future evaluation.
Keywords: Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis; Tourette syndrome; psychological therapy; qualitative methods; tic disorder.
© The Author(s) 2015.