Misophonia Trigger Tamer 4

Tom Dozier, M.S.

About this app

This is the second generation of Misophonia Trigger Tamer. You can now work with up to four trigger recordings in one session, and triggers play at more varied, less predictable times.

How it works

Trigger Tamer pairs something you enjoy, such as music or another engaging activity, with brief, quiet snippets of a trigger sound. A trigger can be so short and soft that it doesn't trigger you at all. As you gradually raise the volume or length, you may notice a small physical sensation, but little or no emotional reaction. This very mild trigger with an engaging activity allows your brain to change through neuroplasticity.

This process is called counterconditioning. It's a way to weaken an acquired reflex – the reflex that drives your misophonia. Your attention stays on the positive activity, so you don't react to the tiny trigger. With repetition, your brain can stop reacting and your misophonic response can fade. As your response declines, you slowly raise the trigger's volume and length, always keeping the reaction tiny. Each session should feel pleasant. The app calls it Happy Time.

Choosing a positive activity

Most people don't use music. They simply do something enjoyable and engaging, like watching videos, playing video games, playing with their kids, taking a walk, or practicing a sport. Any activity works as long as it's positive and holds your attention.

To use music, email audio files (such as MP3s) from your computer to your phone, then load them into the app. You need the actual audio files. Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music can't be used.

Triggers

Use the built-in triggers, or record and edit your own in the app. If you already have an audio file of a trigger sound, email it to your phone, download it, and add it to the app.

If you're triggered by one specific person, such as a family member's chewing but not a stranger's, you'll probably need only a few recordings. If you're triggered by a sound no matter who makes it or where, the app can still improve how you react in real life, but you may need a wider variety of recordings.

Practice relaxing

People report that relaxing their muscles before and through a trigger reduces their misophonic response. Relaxing is a skill you build with practice, and Trigger Tamer gives you a place to practice it.

Go gently

Don't use Trigger Tamer if it feels unpleasant, and don't try to tough it out with a strong trigger. Start with a quiet, short trigger that causes no more than an eye-blink-sized reaction, and let your response change slowly. Once it shrinks, you can increase the trigger's length and volume, always keeping your response small and brief. **If your response is growing, stop.** You need a milder trigger, a more engaging activity, or a more relaxed, positive state of mind and body.

What's new in this version

1. Use up to four different trigger recordings in a single session.
2. Get an alert a few seconds before each trigger, so you can relax or breathe.
3. Set more flexible, varied timing between triggers.
4. Bring in music and trigger recordings from other devices by email, and send your recordings out as email attachments.

Working with a therapist

Trained therapists at Misophonia Treatment Centers of America (MisophoniaCenters.com) often use this app with their clients. Most people benefit greatly from working with a trained therapist who makes counterconditioning a central part of treatment.