CBIT is a highly structured treatment that is administered at least once a week by a specialist. The protocol requires at least eight sessions over ten weeks; however, treatment is adapted based on the client's needs. First, the client learns to familiarize themselves with their tics and the urges themselves. The client is then taught a competing response (Step two) to use when they notice an urge or doing the tic. The competing response makes it more challenging to complete the tic behavior. If someone struggles with frequent throat clearing, for example, their competing response may include slow rhythmic breathing. Someone with a head-shaking tic may tense their neck muscles instead. Over repeated practice, the competing response prevents the tic from being reinforced in the brain and the urges to tic eventually reduce and sometimes stop altogether. Step three, a functional intervention is implemented. During this stage, the individual identifies the daily situations that increase or decrease their tics. Times, where there is an increase in tics, may include during homework or during work presentations. The client then learns effective new strategies for managing their distress and environment. The goal is to help TS sufferers to become more self-aware of their tic urges and utilize a competing response which in turn allows them to feel more in control, confident, and empowered.