Tom Dozier

Thank you Tom Dozier for joining me on the Born To Talk Radio Show Podcast. Tom Dozier, MS, BCBA, is a behaviorist who has researched and provided treatment for misophonia as a reflex behavior condition since 2012 and is a pioneer in misophonia research. Tom is the Founder and President of the non-profit Misophonia Institute, starting in 2016 to promote Misophonia. He is also the owner of the Misophonia Treatment Institute. This is a virtual institution, comprised of many misophonia treatment providers.   What is Misophonia? Misophonia is an intense negative emotional response with physical distress to specific sounds.  The physical response is quick! There are triggers that can be both auditory and visible. As an example, some triggers could include chewing, nasal sounds, repeating sights, and sounds.  Tom describes many of these in our conversation. Often these conditions start with children in the 7-12 age range but are also common in adults. The more intense the triggers, the more intense the stress.   Tom is the author of Understanding and Overcoming Misophonia, A Conditioned Aversive Reflex Disorder, and 9 journal articles.  His research indicates misophonia includes both physical and emotional reflexes.  Tom explains how misophonia develops and often progresses with time.  With this understanding of misophonia, Tom developed Relaxation and Counterconditioning Therapy as a behavioral treatment for misophonia.  He has provided this treatment to countless individuals in-person and by telehealth. Tom’s Takeaways. “There are good reasons for hope if you or a loved one has misophonia.” “We understand what causes misophonia.  It is accidentally acquired learned reflexes.” “You can’t just think away these reflexes.  You must relax, distract, and have positive activities to make it change.”   “There are 2 good treatments for misophonia that are used every day.  Relaxation and Counterconditioning Therapy that he provides via telehealth.  Dr. Nate Michell, with the treatment center,  provides a treatment called Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.  All of these treatment providers understand that misophonia is an acquired reflex condition.  Most treatment providers can help by video-chat.” Lastly, “Misophonia is not caused by some defect in your brain. Your neurons are not misfiring or cross-wired.  You don’t have a chemical imbalance, and there is not some defect in your upper brain telling you that these sounds are going to hurt you. And, oh yes, you are not being possessed by aliens, even though it may seem that way.  It is the same brain neurology that caused you as a baby to relax when you heard your mother’s voice.  It is accidental reflex learning of your properly functioning brain.”  According to Tom, “Our brain is the most complex system in the world.” In Closing. In summary, if you have misophonia or know someone that does, Tom wants you to know there’s help available. “Use good management techniques.”  If you or someone you know is suffering from misophonia, now you have some resources to get help.  Tom is offering you an opportunity for a free PDF download to learn more about misophonia, with no strings attached. Continue to scroll down this link below to see the download where it says, “Get Help Today.” He is generously providing the first 13 chapters of his book. https://misophoniatreatment.com/borntotalk   Tom’s last words of encouragement are “relax and distract yourself.  And get help from someone that understands misophonia.” Thank you Tom for this informative podcast. I’m certain you have helped many people with your information! Conversations + Connections = Community Making the world a better place.  One Story at a time. What’s Your Story?  I want to share it. [email protected] Facebook    Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn