Therapy for Intrusive Thoughts
Compassionate, Expert Support for Postpartum OCD and Intrusive Thought
Scary thoughts don’t make you a bad parent.
You're not losing your mind. You're not dangerous. You're not alone.
If you’re having thoughts you wish you weren’t—violent images, sudden fears of harming your baby, or irrational worries that you’ll lose control—you’re not alone. These are called intrusive thoughts, and they are occasionally a symptom of Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
We know how terrifying it is to have these thoughts, let alone say them out loud. You might be scared someone will think you're a danger. You might feel ashamed, confused, or like you're unraveling. But here’s the truth: these thoughts do not mean you want to act on them. In fact, the very fact that they scare you is proof of how much you care.
Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts and OCD make you doubt your safety, your intentions, and your worth. But you are still the loving, careful parent you’ve always been.
With the right support, you can get relief from the fear, let go of the rituals, and reclaim your peace of mind.
What Are Intrusive Thoughts?
Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, distressing mental images, impulses, or ideas that pop into your mind—usually the opposite of what you’d ever want to happen. They can involve:
- Thoughts of hurting your baby (dropping, shaking, stabbing, suffocating)
- Disturbing sexual images or impulses
- Obsessive worries about contamination or germs
- Fear that you might lose control or “snap”
- Constant fear of being a bad parent
They often come with compulsive behaviors: checking, cleaning, avoiding certain activities, seeking reassurance, or mental rituals to “cancel out” the thoughts.
This isn’t your fault—and it’s more common than you think.
How Common Is Postpartum OCD?
- Around 3–5% of new parents experience clinical symptoms of postpartum OCD
- Intrusive thoughts affect up to 90% of all new parents at some level
- People with postpartum OCD are less likely—not more—to act on thoughts
- These symptoms often begin in the first weeks to months after birth
Despite how common it is, most people don’t talk about it—because the shame is so heavy. At Bloom, we’re here to help you break that silence and find relief.
Our Approach
What Therapy Looks Like
You won’t be judged. You won’t be reported. You’ll be met with calm, knowledgeable care from a therapist who understands intrusive thoughts, postpartum OCD and how they show up.
We help you:
- Understand what intrusive thoughts are—and why they feel so real
- Learn why you’re not dangerous, and how to stop being afraid of your mind
- Use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—a gold-standard approach for OCD
- Gently reduce compulsions and avoidances without feeling overwhelmed
- Reconnect with your baby and your life without fear ruling your day
- Explore underlying stress, trauma, or perfectionism that may be contributing
Why Bloom?
- Certified Perinatal Mental Health therapists with OCD-specific training
- Specialized experience in postpartum anxiety, OCD, and scary thoughts
- Therapy that is gentle, respectful, non-alarming, and tailored to your pace
- Online sessions available across Ontario
- A free 15-minute consultation to help you get started safely
Feel confident with your care and schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists here.
Not sure who is the right fit for your care? Connect with our client coordinator for support with the form below.
NEW CLIENT INQUIRY & BOOKING REQUESTS
Send us a message so we can find the best fit for your care or answer your questions about how we can support you.
Our team of perinatal therapists are parents themselves and understand how complex this journey can be. They understand fertility, postpartum, and how the rest of our lives can affect these times.
Connect with our Client Coordinator today to find the best fit for you.
CONTACT US
Bloom Psychotherapy
647-946-2229
Office Hours
9am-5pm ET
Monday-Friday
Services are provided through secure online video-conferencing or by telephone to anyone in Canada.
We are an LGBTQ affirmative practice and welcome all individuals or couples who seek support and guidance at any point in their lives.
We work to foster an inclusive environment that supports and does not discriminate, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, gender, religion, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, or disability. We recognize that families are built in many ways and welcome any and all families.
Babies are always welcome in session.
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