Therapy for Postpartum OCD

Supporting postpartum parents virtually and in person throughout Massachusetts

You’re Not Alone. And You’re Not a Bad Parent.

If you're feeling overwhelmed by disturbing, intrusive thoughts since becoming a parent, you're not broken—you're human.
Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD) affects many new mothers and birthing parents, though it’s often misunderstood, overlooked, or confused with general postpartum anxiety.

You might be terrified of the thoughts that race through your mind. You may find yourself avoiding certain situations, over-checking, or struggling to bond with your baby because of fear.

Therapy can help you untangle the fear from the facts—and begin to feel like yourself again.

What is Postpartum OCD?

Postpartum OCD is a subtype of OCD that occurs after childbirth. It involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts—often centered around harm coming to the baby—and compulsive behaviors meant to neutralize those thoughts.

Common symptoms include:

  • Intrusive thoughts of accidentally or intentionally harming your baby

  • Avoiding knives, stairs, baths, or other perceived “danger zones”

  • Excessively checking on your baby or seeking reassurance

  • Mental rituals like counting or repeating phrases to "undo" a thought

  • Feeling ashamed, anxious, or disconnected from your baby

These thoughts are ego-dystonic—meaning they’re completely opposite from your values. They’re symptoms of anxiety, not reflections of who you are.

How Therapy Helps with Postpartum OCD

Understand what’s happening: Learn why your brain is producing intrusive thoughts and how OCD works.

Break the cycle: Use evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to reduce compulsions and regain control.

Build emotional resilience: Learn how to tolerate discomfort without spiraling, and strengthen your sense of self and safety.

Reconnect with your role as a parent: Reduce shame and restore trust in yourself and your ability to care for your baby.

You Deserve Relief. Not Shame.

If you’re struggling with disturbing thoughts, hypervigilance, or compulsive behaviors since giving birth, you are not dangerous. You’re in pain—and you deserve help that understands this unique postpartum experience.

Schedule a Consultation

Whether you're newly postpartum or months in and still struggling, it's not too late to feel better.
Reach out today for a free consultation. Therapy for postpartum OCD can give you your life back—so you can fully show up in your role as a parent and as yourself.

Let’s work together.

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