Perinatal OCD Therapist in Portland, OR
Telehealth for all Oregon Residents
Perinatal OCD Therapy in Portland, OR
Telehealth Services for all Oregon Residents
You are exhausted, but you can’t sleep. You can’t stop worrying about things. What if something bad happens? with the baby?
Are these kinds of thoughts popping into your mind constantly? putting you on edge, unable to relax, to leave the house, to trust other with your baby or even yourself?
If so, you might be experiencing Perinatal OCD. A very common, but misunderstood and under diagnosed condition that leave mother suffering in isolation and wondering “what’s wrong with me?”
Perinatal OCD is more common than many realize, and with the right treatment, these thoughts and compulsions can be managed effectively. In therapy, we’ll create a safe space to talk openly, learn coping strategies, and reduce anxiety so you can focus on what matters most — bonding with your baby and your family.
Get Started with a 15-Minute Consultation
If you are ready to take the 1st step towards a healthier and happier life, I invite you to contact me at geraldine@kuphalMFT.com to book a 15-minute consultation.
With help, you can get well.
How Therapy Can Help Overcome O.C.D.
Maternal O.C.D. (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is the type of O.C.D. that appears during Pregnancy and Postpartum. It involves Intrusive Thoughts about potential risks or harm that can come to baby and that can consume moms with anxiety and fear. It can manifest in constantly monitoring baby’s breathing, excessive cleaning and sanitizing, avoiding leaving the house, or avoiding leaving baby with a loved one, etc…
Moms may start having a hard time sleeping because of fears of baby’s well-being; may start avoiding baby because of fears of hurting the baby; may avoid leaving the house; clean and sanitize bottles/countertops excessively, etc.
Maternal OCD is often misunderstood and under-diagnosed and can leave mothers suffering in silence and alone.
The good news is that OCD symptoms can rapidly improve with therapy and with the right support.
How Therapy Can Help:
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. Just being able to talk about them freely without feeling judged, to come to understand them and to know what to do with them can be healing in itself and feel like a huge relief.
Find healthy alternative ways to cope with stress and deal with “worry thoughts” such as Cognitive-Behavioral Exercises, Cognitive Reframes, Controlled Breathing, Thought Awareness, etc.
Emotional Support: have a safe place where to talk about these major life transition you are going through. A place were to talk about you Intrusive Thoughts and your worries and feel heard, cared and understood in your concerns as a mother. You are not alone and you are not to blame.
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.
Connect with your baby and better enjoy motherhood.
Connect with your partner, improve communication and support
Prioritize sleep and in self-care. Is not selfish, is necessary to take care of yourself.
Around 3-5 % of Mothers Experience O.C.D. Symptoms
Maternal O.C.D. (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is the type of O.C.D. that appears during Pregnancy and Postpartum. It involves Intrusive Thoughts about potential risks or harm that can come to baby and that can consume moms with anxiety and fear. It can manifest in constantly monitoring baby’s breathing, excessive cleaning and sanitizing, avoiding leaving the house, or avoiding leaving baby with a loved one, etc…
Moms may start having a hard time sleeping because of fears of baby’s well-being; may start avoiding baby because of fears of hurting baby; may avoid leaving the house; clean and sanitize bottles/countertops excessively, etc.
Maternal OCD is often misunderstood and under-diagnosed and can leave mothers suffering in silence and alone.
Symptoms of Postpartum O.C.D.:
Intrusive Thoughts:
Thoughts, Disturbing Images related to the safety or wellbeing of baby, such as hurting the baby, dropping the baby, suffocation, etc.
Obsessive worries about cleanliness or 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.
Continuing to Support Oregonians with OHP/Care Oregon
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Continuing to Support Oregonians with OHP/Care Oregon -
Services & Insurances
Private Pay
Out-Of-Network
OHP - Care Oregon/Health Share
Trillium OHP
Moda Health
Providence Health Plan
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Initial Phone calls are quick 15-20 minutes calls to make sure we are a good fit, answer some questions you might have and schedule an Intake Appointment.
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Diagnostic Evaluations are when you 1st come in and are usually 60-minutes long. They are longer and more pricey as they involve a lot more data gathering and documentation. Together, we will discuss your presenting problem, your current situation and create a treatment plan and goals that fits your needs.
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Follow-up appointments are 50-minutes regular appointments. Client can choose to schedule them weekly or bi-weekly. Clients can choose a flexible schedule or a regular day and time.
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Sliding scale spots available. I always do my best to accommodate clients with no insurance or limited insurance benefits. Don’t hesitate to ask!
I reserve several OHP Insurance Spots for accessibility. And also several Private Pay Spots for clients who prefer flexible personalized therapy without insurance restrictions.
