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Being a mother, at any stage, is full of uncertainty, fear and sometimes even scary thoughts. You are suddenly responsible for another tiny, human life and anxiety is at an all time high. You begin to believe that something terrible is about to happen at any given moment. You don't even recognize yourself anymore. The worry and the anxious thoughts never seem to stop. You begin to develop all kinds of ineffective safety behaviors such as checking behaviors or seeking reassurance from others. Perhaps avoidance is your primary way to cope.
Unfortunately, despite how common it is, perinatal anxiety and/or obsessive compulsive disorder is often misdiagnosed and mistreated. It is no wonder that mothers continue to suffer in silence, consumed by guilt, shame and self doubt and these effects can be devastating. It doesn't have to be this way.
Let's begin to take an important first step towards feeling better. Feeling understood. Feeling heard. Feeling validated. Let's get started with the right kind of treatment that will result in meaningful and lasting changes so that you can be the mother you want to be.
A LITTLE MORE ON PERINATAL OCD
Perinatal OCD is a mental health condition that affects about 2-3% of parents with recent research suggesting even higher rates. Parents will experience unwanted or intrusive thoughts and subsequent compulsions that generally center around the baby. The obsessions and compulsions cause significant distress and anxiety that can begin to interfere with parenting and other life events or tasks.
Common obsessions may include: unwanted sexual thoughts, harm, contamination. Common compulsions may include: seeking reassurance, checking, cleaning, avoidance.
To date, the most effective therapy treatment modality for treating Perinatal OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention Treatment. This treatment incorporates exposing the individual to their thoughts, images and triggers that result in anxiety and fear. The response prevention is working to not engage in compulsions that only work to provide temporary relief and reinforce the compulsion.
Tara Farmer, LPC, has a passion for working with soon to be, new, or seasoned mothers who struggle with anxiety and OCD. She utilizes Exposure and Response Prevention Treatment in addition to principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Tara will work with you to create effective strategies to lessen the anxiety and fears before and after pregnancy. Call or schedule online today!
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