Misophonia: Why Chewing Sounds Feel Unbearable & How to Cope With Dr. Tom Phelan

Do chewing, crunching, or slurping sounds make you feel anxious, overwhelmed, disgusted, or desperate to leave? In this episode of Dr. Marianne-Land, Dr. Marianne welcomes clinical psychologist and author Dr. Tom to explore misophonia, sound triggers, and their impact on eating, relationships, and everyday life.

Drawing on his personal experience with misophonia and his book, Stop That Chewing, Dr. Tom shares coping approaches and discusses how families can respond with understanding and compassion.

What Is Misophonia?

Misophonia involves strong emotional and physical reactions to specific sounds. Chewing sounds and other mouth noises are common triggers, but reactions vary. Some people experience anxiety or disgust, while others feel anger, overwhelm, or an urgent need to escape.

Dr. Marianne and Dr. Tom discuss how recognizing these experiences can help people explain their needs and reduce shame.

Misophonia, ARFID, & Sensory Sensitivities

When eating sounds feel unbearable, sharing a meal can become overwhelming. Dr. Marianne and Dr. Tom explore how misophonia can complicate mealtimes for some people with ARFID—avoidant restrictive food intake disorder.

The conversation also touches on autism, ADHD, and sensory sensitivities, including the distinction between specific misophonia triggers and broader sensitivity to sound.

Misophonia in Kids & Teens: Supporting Families Without Blame

A child or teen who avoids family dinner may be struggling with sound triggers they cannot easily explain. Parents may feel rejected, while their child feels misunderstood. These experiences can create tension and disconnection around meals.

Dr. Marianne and Dr. Tom discuss a collaborative, blame-free approach that includes family education, flexible meal arrangements, background sound, and communication. The goal is to support sensory needs while strengthening family relationships.

Misophonia Coping Strategies & Treatment Approaches

Dr. Tom introduces his ABCD approach and “five-second plan” for responding to misophonia triggers. He describes environmental adjustments, breathing, muscle relaxation, and ways to address self-critical thoughts or assumptions that others are making sounds intentionally.

The conversation also explores cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), carefully paced exposure, and possible medication as topics to discuss with qualified providers. Dr. Marianne emphasizes the value of choice, including knowing you can pause or leave an overwhelming situation.

Self-Compassion When Chewing Sounds Feel Overwhelming

A strong reaction to eating sounds does not make you a bad person. Understanding your triggers and responding to yourself with compassion can help reduce the shame that often accompanies misophonia.

Dr. Marianne and Dr. Tom explore how families can acknowledge distress without blaming either the person experiencing misophonia or the person making the sound.

About Dr. Tom Phelan & Stop That Chewing

Dr. Tom Phelan is a clinical psychologist with more than 40 years of experience working with children, families, and adults. He is the author of a widely read parenting book called 1-2-3 Magic. Stop That Chewing is his recent book, which explores misophonia and approaches to support individuals and families.

Learn more at StopThatChewing.com.

Contact Dr. Marianne for Misophonia Support

Are sound triggers affecting your meals, relationships, or daily life? Contact Dr. Marianne to discuss misophonia support and explore your needs, sensory experiences, and options for care.

You deserve space to talk about what feels overwhelming and support that takes your experience seriously.

Explore Dr. Marianne’s ARFID & Selective Eating Course

If you or someone you support struggles with ARFID or selective eating, explore Dr. Marianne’s ARFID and Selective Eating Course. The course offers deeper education about ARFID, sensory experiences, and neurodivergent perspectives on eating.

Visit Dr. Marianne’s website to learn more about the course and contact her for support.