Perinatal OCD therapy, in pregnancy and after birth
Years of
Experience
12+
Perinatal OCD is more common than most people realise, but it often goes unnoticed because parents feel too ashamed or frightened to talk about what’s really going on in their minds. You might look like you’re coping on the outside while feeling constantly on edge inside, replaying ‘what if’ scenarios and scanning for danger.
Therapy gives you a safe, non-judgemental space to share these thoughts, understand why they’re happening, and learn practical tools to reduce their power so you can feel more present with your baby and yourself.
I'm Charlotte, a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist. Perinatal care has been a special interest of mine since I specialised in it around 8 years ago, while working in my local NHS Talking Therapies service.
Perinatal care is inclusive of the pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and postpartum period; for all parents; not just the birthing person.
If you've recently had a baby and suddenly feel very unwell or not like yourself, please contact your GP, midwife or health visitor today. If you feel unsafe right now, call 999 or go to A&E, call NHS 111 and choose the mental health option, or call Samaritans free, any time, on 116 123.
What perinatal OCD can look like
Intrusive thoughts
Thoughts, images, sensations and feelings you never asked for
Sudden, unwanted thoughts or images of harm coming to your baby that clash with your true values. These distressing mental intrusions can feel incredibly frightening, yet they are a common symptom of OCD rather than a reflection of your character or your love for your child. In therapy, we work together to recognise these as 'brain noise' so they no longer hold power over your life as a parent.
Rituals
Checking, replaying, monitoring again and again
You may find yourself repeatedly checking your baby’s breathing, sterilising bottles excessively, or replaying past interactions to ensure no harm was caused. These rituals often involve seeking constant reassurance from others to quiet the intense anxiety, though the relief they provide is only temporary. In therapy, we work to break this cycle so you can reclaim your time and focus on your connection with your child.
Avoiding
Pulling back from everyday care
You might find yourself withdrawing from bath time, avoiding being alone with your infant, or skipping nappy changes because the intrusive thoughts feel unbearably loud and threatening. This retreat is a natural attempt to protect your baby from perceived danger, yet it often leads to deep isolation and emotional exhaustion. In our sessions, we gently work toward helping you re-engage with these precious moments, providing the support you need to quiet the noise and regain your confidence as a parent.
You deserve to experience parenthood without the weight of constant fear. By using evidence-based tools like CBT, ERP, and EMDR tailored for new parents, we can transform your relationship with intrusive thoughts. Together, we will move toward a life where you feel anchored, capable, and free to truly connect with your baby from the comfort of your own home.
Coming 2027: a perinatal OCD course
For parents with unwanted, frightening thoughts in pregnancy or after birth, often called postpartum OCD. My perinatal OCD course is coming in 2027: join the waitlist to hear first, with a founding price just for the waitlist.
Hopeful stories from OCD therapy clients
These are real experiences from adults who came to OCD therapy feeling stuck, and found things could change.
OCD therapy client, 2026
"Charlotte is kind, compassionate and really good at her job. Don’t let the OCD win anymore, just take the leap. There’s a life away from these thoughts and compulsions."
OCD therapy client, 2026
"I didn’t think anything could cure me, but now I feel like I control the OCD, it doesn’t control me. Charlotte has given me such a gift. She is so incredibly talented, patient and knowledgeable."
OCD therapy client, 2026
"It was so hard for me to find an OCD therapist and I’m so glad I found Charlotte, she helped me to understand my thoughts in a way I was never able to before."