Postpartum Anxiety & OCD Therapist in Portland, OR

Postpartum OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is the type of O.C.D. that can appear either during Pregnancy and/or Postpartum. It involves Intrusive Thoughts about potential risks or harm that can come to baby and that can consume moms in Portland, OR with anxiety and fear.

Many new moms in experience Intrusive Thoughts or worries about their baby’s safety, especially during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. If you notice these thoughts taking up a lot of your time or causing excessive anxiety, it doesn’t mean you’re a “bad mom”. Postpartum OCD is a common and treatable condition that can affect parents. Seeking support from a Perinatal Therapist in Portland can help you manage these thoughts safely, reduce your levels of anxiety, and regain a sense of calm and confidence about yourself.

You’re not alone, and these experiences are treatable. I help new moms throughout Portland and surrounding Oregon communities via secure online therapy. Schedule a Phone Call today.

• Intrusive Thoughts:

  • Thoughts or Disturbing Images related to the safety or wellbeing of baby, such as hurting the baby, dropping the baby, suffocation, etc.

  • Obsessive worries about cleanliness and safety (e.g., excessive cleaning of surfaces, bottles, floors, etc.)

  • Unwanted sexual thoughts or violent images involving the baby or family members

• Compulsive Behaviors:

  • Checking behaviors (e.g., repeatedly checking of baby, excessive internet searches and safety precautions)

  • Constantly washing hands or disinfecting items to avoid contamination

  • Repetitive rituals (e.g., arranging items in a specific way to feel "safe")

  • Avoidance behaviors (e.g., avoiding being alone at home with the baby, avoiding certain places)

  Sometimes, moms can experiences only Intrusive Thoughts without the Compulsions.

The good news is that OCD symptoms can rapidly improve with Therapy in Portland. 

Therapy Can Help:

1. Understand Intrusive Thoughts. What they are, where they come from and what they mean. More importantly, what they don’t mean and what to do with them.

   Being able to talk about them freely without feeling judged can be healing in itself and can feel like a huge relief. 

2. Find healthy alternative ways to cope with stress. We’ll help you find healthy spaces in your life to relax, recharge and reconnect with yourself and cope with life stressors.

3. Emotional Support: have a safe place where to talk about this major life transition you are going through. It’s important to feel heard, cared and understood in your concerns as a mother and as a woman.

   You are not alone and you are not to blame.

4. Build your self-confidence, feel empowered as a mom in this new role. Postpartum is a phase of a steep learning curve. You are having to learn quickly many many things about your little one, while also being sleep deprived. This can undermine your self esteem and self confidence. In therapy, I will help you recognize the good mom that you already are and find your identity as a new mom.

5. Connect with your baby and better enjoy motherhood.

6. Connect with your partner, improve communication and mutual support and understanding. 

7. Prioritize sleep and in self-care. Is not selfish, is necessary to take care of yourself.

If your Intrusive Thoughts are connected to past trauma, Trauma Therapy can help. Learn More about Trauma Therapy.

Together we will design a treatment plan that best fits your needs.