Perinatal OCD & Intrusive Thoughts Therapy in Colorado, Florida, Illinois, Ohio and Texas

Becoming a mom can bring joy — but it can also bring thoughts that feel terrifying. If you’re in Austin, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, or Denver and searching for a postpartum OCD therapist near me or wondering if anyone else has intrusive thoughts after birth, you’re not alone. With specialized support, these thoughts can lose their power.

Perinatal OCD often shows up in pregnancy or postpartum, even if you’ve never had OCD before. These thoughts can feel so disturbing that many moms keep them secret, worried others won’t understand or might judge them. But you are not alone — and with the right support, intrusive thoughts can lose their power.

What Is Perinatal OCD?

Perinatal OCD is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that begins during pregnancy or the postpartum period. It involves:

• Obsessions: unwanted, repetitive thoughts or images (often about the baby’s safety).

• Compulsions: mental or physical rituals to reduce anxiety (like constant checking, avoiding certain activities, or seeking reassurance).

Many moms with perinatal OCD fear they’re “going crazy” or that the thoughts mean something about them as a mother. But here’s the truth: intrusive thoughts do not mean you’ll act on them. They are a symptom of anxiety, not a reflection of who you are.

Common Signs of Perinatal OCD

If you’re experiencing any of the following, you may be dealing with perinatal or postpartum OCD:

• Disturbing or scary thoughts about your baby (like imagining harm coming to them)

• Mental images you can’t control or “erase”

• Repeating actions or rituals to feel safe (checking, counting, avoiding, or praying compulsively)

• Extreme fear of being left alone with your baby

• Avoiding situations that might “trigger” thoughts (like bathing the baby or driving)

• Feeling ashamed, terrified, or like a “bad mom” because of your thoughts

If these symptoms resonate, you’re not broken. You’re experiencing a well-documented, treatable condition — and specialized therapy can help.

Many moms with OCD also experience high levels of general anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum.

Learn more about Perinatal Anxiety Therapy.

How Therapy for Perinatal OCD Helps

In therapy, we’ll create a safe space to talk openly about the thoughts you’ve been too afraid to share. With specialized approaches, you can:

• Learn why intrusive thoughts happen (and what they do not mean about you)

• Reduce the fear and shame surrounding your thoughts

• Break the cycle of compulsions and checking behaviors

• Develop healthier ways to cope with triggers

• Reclaim peace of mind and confidence in your role as a mom

I use evidence-based approaches like CBT, ACT, and exposure/response prevention strategies when appropriate, always tailored to your comfort level. You’ll never be judged or dismissed — only supported.

Why Specialized Support Matters

Many therapists are trained in general anxiety and depression, but perinatal OCD is different. Without the right knowledge, it can be misunderstood or minimized. Moms are often told, “All new parents worry” or “Just relax,” which only increases shame.

As a PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certified) therapist with advanced training through Postpartum Support International in perinatal OCD and mood disorders, I specialize in this exact struggle. You deserve care that truly understands the unique challenges of intrusive thoughts and perinatal anxiety.

📍 Postpartum OCD Therapy in Texas, Colorado, Florida, Ohio and Illinois📍

I provide therapy for perinatal OCD, intrusive thoughts, and postpartum anxiety across Texas, Colorado, and Illinois. Many moms look up ‘intrusive thoughts after birth therapy’ or ‘OCD counseling near me’ late at night, feeling too ashamed to tell anyone what’s happening. Whether you’re in Austin, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, or Denver, online sessions give you confidential, compassionate support wherever you are.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perinatal OCD

Is it normal to have scary thoughts after having a baby?
Yes — occasional intrusive thoughts are common for new parents. But if the thoughts are frequent, distressing, or causing you to avoid things you want to do, that may be perinatal OCD, and therapy can help.

Does having intrusive thoughts mean I’ll act on them?
No. Intrusive thoughts are unwanted and go against your values — that’s why they cause so much distress. They are a symptom of anxiety, not a sign that you’ll harm your baby.

What if I’ve never had OCD before?
Perinatal OCD can appear for the first time during pregnancy or postpartum, even if you’ve never struggled with OCD before. It doesn’t mean you’ll always have it — treatment is effective and many moms find relief.

Can virtual therapy really help with OCD?
Yes. Clients across Texas, Colorado, and Illinois — including Austin, Houston, Dallas, Chicago, and Denver — have found relief through virtual therapy for intrusive thoughts and postpartum OCD.

Research shows that virtual therapy for OCD and anxiety is as effective as in-person care. Many moms prefer online sessions because it eliminates the stress of travel and childcare.

How long will therapy take?
Every mom is different. Some notice improvement within a few months, while others choose to continue longer. My goal is to help you build tools and confidence so you don’t feel like you need therapy forever.

You don’t have to live in fear of your thoughts.

Some parents develop intrusive thoughts after a miscarriage or baby loss. If you’re navigating grief as well, read more about Pregnancy & Infant Loss Therapy.
Specialized therapy for perinatal OCD can help you find relief, reduce shame, and reconnect with yourself and your baby.

Schedule a Free 15-Minute Consultation

Virtual therapy available in Colorado, Illinois, Florida, Ohio and Texas

For an overview of all my services, visit the Services Page.

I help women who are struggling during the transition to motherhood. I listen as women talk about the loss of their sense of self and their bodies after childbirth. My clients are able to talk about their feelings of guilt and shame without fear that they will be judged. I utilize Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as well as Cognitive Processing therapy which allows my clients to work with their thoughts, feelings and behaviors. My therapy style is very fluid and I aim to meet my clients where they are at that moment. Clients often feel a sense of relief after their first session just knowing that they have found someone to talk to openly about this experience.