United States

Approach: I offer diagnostic, psychotherapy, supportive, and advocacy interventions for individuals and families coping with Misophonia. My therapy approaches for misophonia and related stress/anxiety management are informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I use a multidisciplinary approach with neurologists, audiologists, psychiatrists, occupational therapists, medical doctors, and other members of a client's treatment team. In terms of advocacy, I offer education to clients, families, and school personnel as needed and support individuals seeking accommodations in the school or work settings.

Primarily the clients with Misophonia who I have seen over the years report that it is most helpful and relieving to have someone validate that what they are experiencing is a "real thing" and that they are not crazy. Similarly, many clients report great value in educating family members and seeking school and workplace accommodations that offer some relief across settings.

We are a group psychotherapy practice who serves individuals across the lifespan with various psychological conditions. We have 5 office locations throughout Chicago and the west suburbs but not all providers work at all locations. We are a supportive group of professionals who pride ourselves on providing evidenced-based, caring, and compassionate services.

Certifications: Licensed Clinical Psychologist

APPROACH:  Dr. Fox-Thomas uses an audiological approach to managing misophonia that includes a combination of counseling (including tenets of cognitive behavioral therapy), sound therapy, and biofeedback. She embraces a person-centered, holistic approach to patient care that recognizes each individual's unique needs and preferences.

TESTIMONIALS:  Dr. Fox-Thomas has treated over 100 children and adults with misophonia since 2010. Anecdotal and survey results of her clinical work have been presented regionally and nationally and accepted for presentation at the 2nd International Misophonia Symposium. Although data collection is ongoing, preliminary findings of survey data indicate the majority of survey respondents (61%) reported their misophonia is “better.” They reported less awareness and disturbance of triggers.

Subjective comments included "emotional regulation has somewhat improved with regard to misophonia triggers” and “can take short sessions of triggers.” Scores on the Misophonia Assessment Questionnaire (MAQ) also improved for the majority of respondents. Nearly 80% of the patients who participated in the survey reported using sound therapy. Several patients reported the “breathing exercises” (biofeedback) were helpful. In response to the question, “What was most and/or least helpful about the services you received…?,” patients commonly referred to validation of their condition (e.g., "“Being able to talk to someone who validated what I was feeling was the most helpful thing. I no longer felt alone.”

CREDENTIALS:  State-licensed Audiologist (NC, VA, and SC); Certified by the American Speech-Language Hearing Association (CCC-A), Fellow of American Academy of Audiology (FAAA), Certified Healthcoach (CHC), Certified HeartMath Practitioner; Certified Integrated Listening Systems (iLs) practitioner including the Safe and Sound Protocol (SSP)

UNC Greensboro Speech and Hearing Center offers both online consultations and in-person evaluations as well as follow ups via telecare as needed. Telepractice laws usually require licensure in the state where the patient is located. At present, Dr. Fox-Thomas is licensed in North Carolina, Virginia, and South Carolina.