2025 Misophonia Treatment Research Underway

Thanks to funding from the Misophonia Institute, a groundbreaking research study has launched at the University of North Texas (UNT) Denton Campus. Led by Dr. Samuel Spencer, assistant professor of clinical psychology at UNT, “Examining the Effects of a Novel Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment (CBT) for Misophonia” is based on the idea that people can unlearn reflexive reactions to sounds, thereby reducing the emotional distress that follows triggers. “Most research around misophonia has focused on the intense negative emotions that follow triggers,” said Tom Dozier, founder of the Misophonia Institute. “This is the first study designed to identify and reduce misophonia reflex responses through brain retraining, which could provide meaningful relief for those affected."

Study at a Glance

Dr. Nate Mitchell

Misophonia Institute

Sam Spencer

Dr. Sam Spencer

University of North Texas

Tom Dozier

Tom Dozier

Misophonia Institute

Focus: Evaluating misophonia as an acquired reflex response and the effectiveness of reflex-based treatment

Lead Researcher: Sam Spencer, PhD

Treatment Process Co-Developers: Dr. Nate Mitchell and Tom Dozier

Research Location: University of North Texas, Denton Campus, Texas Intervention Development and Behavioral Science Lab

Funder: Misophonia Institute

Learn About the Study

The Misophonia Institute continues to raise funds to ensure that future projects can move forward without delay. The next goal is to expand the research pool to include a larger and more diverse group of participants—a critical step toward stronger, more generalizable results. This phase is expected to require $100,000. Every donation gets us one step closer to finding answers to help those with misophonia!

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Featured Topic

Before understanding what misophonia is, a person might feel they are overreacting-- or be judged as such. They also may feel a wide range of emotions, including guilt, for their reactions. This week's featured resources highlight this aspect of the condition.

The Misophonia Institute offers a range of resources to help families understand this condition. Start with the links below, and continue exploring the site for additional information and guidance. 

Misophonia Emotions
Misophonia Guilt
Educating Others About Misophonia

Research and Treatment Since 2012

The directors of Misophonia Institute individually and collaboratively worked to understand misophonia and develop treatments from 2012 to 2015. In 2015, the Misophonia Institute was founded as a non-profit company to support  research, awareness, and treatment.

Learn About Misophonia

Largest Learning Portal About Misophonia
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About Misophonia

Misophonia is a severe sensitivity to specific soft sounds and visual images. Click here to read more...
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Treatment Options

There are many treatments available for misophonia, Click here to learn more about what is available ...

Videos

After years of research on misophonia Tom Dozier has recorded informative videos ...
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Articles & Books

Want a comprehensive explanation of misophonia? Want to read the top-rated book on misophonia? Here is a book for you....
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Need Help!

If you are suffering with misophonia and don't know what to do? Contact us!
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Donate & Support Research

Please donate a few dollars to this cause. Together we can make a difference in research. We donate our time and only ask for your help to cover our research expenses....

About Us

The Misophonia Institute, founded in 2015, provides accurate information on misophonia, supports safe and effective treatments, and fosters collaboration among professionals and researchers to advance understanding and care. Incorporated as a nonprofit public benefit corporation in California in 2016, it received 501(c)(3) status that same year (EIN: 81-3985434).

A virtual organization run entirely by volunteers, the Institute focuses on three main goals:

  1. Increase awareness of misophonia among individuals and clinicians

  2. Facilitate collaboration and training for clinicians on misophonia treatment

  3. Promote and support research to improve and develop effective treatments

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Tom Dozier

President, Misophonia Institute

Tom Dozier, M.S., identified misophonia as a conditioned reflex to trigger sounds and developed Relaxation and Counterconditioning Therapy (RCT) to address it. He uses this method to help individuals reduce the misophonic reflex. Based in California, he provides treatment via video chat.
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Nate Mitchell

Treasurer, Misophonia Institute

As a licensed psychologist, Nate Mitchell developed CBT-M, combining RCT principles with cognitive behavioral therapy, and uses it to treat misophonia and related conditions such as OCD, PTSD, anxiety, and depression. He also provides psychological testing services. Dr. Mitchell practices in Kentucky. For more information, visit drnatemitchell.com.
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Penny Baskin

Secretary, Misophonia Institute

Penny Baskin works to educate professionals across fields about misophonia. Drawing on her personal experience with misophonia, as well as her background as a paralegal, mother, and foster parent, she advocates for stronger support and understanding within the community. She lives in Arkansas.

A Foundational Guide To Understanding Misophonia

Understanding and Overcoming Misophonia, 2nd edition. This extensively updated book draws on recent brain imaging research, real-life experiences, and practical management approaches to explain misophonia as a neurological condition. Tom Dozier describes how misophonia develops, why triggers cause intense distress, and how many people are able to reduce its impact over time.

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Videos explaining misophonia

Watch Now!