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Motherhood—at any stage—can bring profound joy, as well as uncertainty, fear, and distressing thoughts. Becoming responsible for another human life can significantly increase anxiety, leaving many mothers feeling constantly on edge or convinced that something terrible is about to happen. You may notice that you no longer feel like yourself, as worry and intrusive thoughts become persistent and overwhelming.
In an effort to manage this anxiety, many mothers develop coping strategies such as repeated checking, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance. While these behaviors may provide temporary relief, they often reinforce anxiety over time and contribute to further distress.
Despite how common these experiences are, perinatal anxiety and perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or inadequately treated. As a result, many mothers suffer in silence—consumed by guilt, shame, and self-doubt—often believing they are alone or that something is “wrong” with them. The emotional toll can be significant, but it does not have to remain this way.
Effective, evidence-based treatment can help you feel understood, validated, and supported while creating meaningful and lasting change. Together, we can take an important first step toward helping you respond differently to anxiety and intrusive thoughts, regain a sense of confidence, and move closer to the kind of motherhood you want and deserve.
In an effort to manage this anxiety, many mothers develop coping strategies such as repeated checking, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance. While these behaviors may provide temporary relief, they often reinforce anxiety over time and contribute to further distress.
Despite how common these experiences are, perinatal anxiety and perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) are frequently misunderstood, misdiagnosed, or inadequately treated. As a result, many mothers suffer in silence—consumed by guilt, shame, and self-doubt—often believing they are alone or that something is “wrong” with them. The emotional toll can be significant, but it does not have to remain this way.
Effective, evidence-based treatment can help you feel understood, validated, and supported while creating meaningful and lasting change. Together, we can take an important first step toward helping you respond differently to anxiety and intrusive thoughts, regain a sense of confidence, and move closer to the kind of motherhood you want and deserve.
A LITTLE MORE ON PERINATAL OCD
Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a treatable mental health condition that affects an estimated 2–3% of parents, with emerging research suggesting the prevalence may be even higher. Perinatal OCD is characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges—often centered on the baby—followed by compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety or preventing feared outcomes.
These obsessions and compulsions can cause significant distress and may begin to interfere with parenting, relationships, sleep, and daily functioning. Many parents feel frightened by the content of their thoughts and worry about what they “mean,” which can increase shame, self-doubt, and isolation.
Common obsessions may include intrusive thoughts related to harm, contamination, or unwanted sexual thoughts. Common compulsions may involve reassurance-seeking, repeated checking, excessive cleaning, mental review, or avoidance of certain situations or caregiving tasks. While these behaviors may offer brief relief, they often strengthen anxiety over time.
The most effective, evidence-based treatment for Perinatal OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. ERP helps individuals gradually and safely face intrusive thoughts, images, and triggers while learning to respond differently—without engaging in compulsions that maintain the OCD cycle. Through this process, anxiety decreases, confidence increases, and parents are able to reconnect with their values and experience greater ease in their role as a parent.
With appropriate treatment, recovery from Perinatal OCD is not only possible—it is expected. You do not have to navigate this alone, and help is available.
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Tara Farmer, LPC specializes in working with women who are pregnant, postpartum, or navigating motherhood at any stage and struggling with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). She provides evidence-based care using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and principles from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients respond differently to anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and fear.
Tara works collaboratively with you to develop practical, effective strategies that reduce anxiety and increase confidence—both during pregnancy and throughout motherhood—so you can feel more present, capable, and aligned with the kind of parent you want to be. If anxiety or OCD is interfering with your ability to enjoy this season of life, help is available. Schedule a consultation online or reach out today to get started. |
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