I'm emily
Hey there,
I am a trained occupational therapist who first encountered Tics and Tourette Syndrome during my graduate studies. People often ask if I chose to work with individuals experiencing tics and anxiety because I have them myself. For years, my answer was “no,” followed by my story of discovering tics and Tourette Syndrome at the University of Florida. However, over time, I began noticing small movements, twitches, and patterns of anxiety in myself. One of the core principles I teach is that these experiences are completely normal—everyone has a tic at some point, and everyone experiences anxiety. The challenge arises when these issues start interfering with daily life. My goal is to help you overcome those obstacles so you can live life fully and freely.
I work with children and families across the country—and even internationally—to help them effectively manage and gain control over their tic symptoms and anxiety. As a Tic expert trained in Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) and a Child Anxiety specialist, I bring a unique perspective shaped by my background in Occupational Therapy. This allows me to view each client as a whole person, considering how various aspects of their daily life—such as sleep, diet, school, work, family dynamics, sensory processing, learning and developmental abilities, cognition, executive function, and hobbies—impact their symptoms.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses, and my role is to identify those strengths while transforming weaknesses into practical skills and strategies that reduce symptoms and build confidence. Therapy is a long-term investment, designed to equip you with tools that you can use independently throughout your life, regardless of age. My ultimate goal? To work myself out of a job—helping you become the expert in managing tics and anxiety on your own!
the journey
While studying Occupational Therapy in graduate school at the University of Florida (go Gators!), I was introduced to Tic Disorders and Tourette Syndrome. I was shocked by the lack of awareness within the medical community and immediately became fascinated by the neurological processes, treatment options, and effectiveness of CBIT therapy.
In 2018, I became certified in the Comprehensive Behavior Intervention for Tics program and had the privilege of being mentored by incredible psychologists and occupational therapists in the field. After moving back to my somewhat small hometown of Stuart, FL, I quickly realized how limited access to this treatment was for both children and adults.
Through working with numerous clients with tics and Tourette Syndrome, I began to notice a strong connection between these conditions and anxiety and OCD. This led me to become a Child Anxiety Specialist in 2020, allowing me to support even more families through therapeutic interventions.
In 2019, I founded Three23 Therapy, LLC with the mission of transforming the lives of children, families, and adults through virtual therapy. This platform has become an invaluable resource for clients across the country—and even internationally. Limited access to effective therapy remains a challenge, and I am committed to closing that gap, ensuring families can live and travel freely while still receiving high-quality care.
my treatment approach
about me
THE NAME "THREE23" CAME FROM ONE OF MY FAVORITE SCRIPTURES IN THE BIBLE – “WHATEVER YOU DO, WORK AT IT WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AS WORKING FOR THE LORD…” COLOSSIANS 3:23
I LIVE IN STUART, FLORIDA WITH MY HUSBAND, 2 SONS, AND DOG. WE SPEND MOST DAYS OUTSIDE BOATING OR BY THE WATER.
cbit for Tics
child anxiety
parent coaching
services
Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT) consists of weekly one-on-one video sessions designed to help children and adults significantly reduce their tics and associated symptoms in a short period of time.
Family-centered program helps children understand how anxiety affects their brain and body while equipping them with effective strategies to regain control and reduce its impact on their daily lives.
Designed for parents and loved ones seeking effective strategies to reduce tic symptoms or manage anxiety at home. It also includes the development of personalized 504 plans for tic disorders, featuring tailored accommodations to support individual needs.
