Rivky didn’t have a moment of peace. She was seven years old when she started suffering from anxiety and tics. Sometimes, it was head, eye, or mouth twitches. Other times, it was hand clapping, feet folding, or coughing sounds. She was uptight all the time.

Complaints from teachers started pouring in. “Rivky can’t sit still,” and “Rivky has endless questions. She raises her hand every two minutes.”

Rivky aggravated her siblings. She didn’t have the patience to complete tasks. Sundays and other no-school days were disastrous for me.

Rivky took changes hard. When we traveled or I gave birth, her anxiety and tics spiraled out of control.

When she grew older, she began complaining. She felt consumed by her tics. They were stealing her peace of mind.

One therapist claimed it was due to a vision problem — but the eye doctor said nothing was wrong. Another therapist tried helping Rivky work through her anxiety, but she was too restless to grasp and follow the steps. We thought it was PANDAS, but the PANDAS treatment didn’t help. Then we tried a neurologist who told us it was a hopeless cause. I contemplated taking Rivky to a psychiatrist and getting medication for her.

The turning point was this past summer, before Rivky started 7th grade. We took a family vacation but didn’t enjoy it one bit. Rivky’s anxiety and tics didn’t stop for a minute.

Rather than a psychiatrist, I decided to try Yitzchok Weiss, who was recommended to me by Mrs. Austerlitz of Results Services. The treatment was expensive, but if that would be Rivky’s yeshuah, it would be worth it.

Rivky went to Yitzchok Weiss for a session. First, he relaxed her with various head positions and stretches. Then he worked his methods on her nervous system. Apparently, she suffered from Tourette’s syndrome — a nervous system disorder involving unwanted movements and sounds.

After two hours, Yitzchok Weiss told us we were good to go. I thought to myself, “Really now!” But then I observed Rivky. She was calm! Relaxed! Did not make a single twitch.

For the next three days, she remained that way. I had a new daughter! I finally allowed myself to feel relief.

After a few days, though, she regressed a bit. We went back two weeks later for a second session. As the days passed, I watched her improve. Now, her issue is 99% gone.

Yitzchok Weiss doesn’t just do his job and forget about you. Rivky speaks to him on the phone every night for two minutes. We can always call him and she feels comfortable doing so herself. He’s kind, devoted, and patient.

I went to PTA this week. For the first time in years, I heard a raving report on my daughter. “Rivky is a top student,” the teacher said. “You can’t compare the beginning of the year to now. She’s not restless or disruptive anymore.”

Rivky can come home from school and just relax. She can read a book on the couch. She’s not jumping out of her skin. She’s not riling up her siblings.

Rivky has a newfound maturity and contentment. “I feel like a different person,” she shared. We’re incredibly grateful.

*Names and identifying details have been changed.