Understanding POCD & intrusive thoughts
Am I a monster?
Imagine walking past a playground, glancing over, and suddenly being struck by an intrusive thought: Did I just look at those kids in a creepy way? Instantly, a flood of fear and doubt overtakes you. Why would I think that? Does this mean something terrible about me? You begin analysing, replaying the moment, searching for certainty—but no answer feels reassuring enough. The distress is overwhelming, and the more you try to push the thoughts away, the stronger they seem to become.
For those struggling with Paedophilia OCD (POCD), this scenario is all too familiar.
POCD is a form of obsessive-compulsive disorder that causes individuals to have distressing, intrusive thoughts about harming children that they neither want nor act upon. It sits under the umbrella of Purely Obsessional OCD (Pure O), a type of OCD in which compulsions are largely internal rather than outwardly visible (such as checking doors, or compulsions with order and symmetry). People with Pure O may suffer from distressing thoughts about various taboo or catastrophic scenarios—like harming a loved one or acting impulsively in dangerous ways.
You are not alone
POCD can be paralysing. Yet, because of the intense shame and stigma surrounding the topic, many people suffer in silence, afraid to seek help. It’s important to understand that people with POCD experience intrusive thoughts that are deeply upsetting, precisely because they contradict their true values.
If you’re struggling with POCD, I want you to know: POCD is not a reflection of your character or desires. It is an anxiety disorder, and, like all forms of OCD, it is treatable. There is hope, and you deserve relief.
What’s happening in your brain
Intrusive thoughts are a universal human experience: 4 out of 5 people have them. Most people can dismiss these thoughts as meaningless and let them pass. But for those prone to OCD, these thoughts become “sticky,” triggering intense distress and starting the cycle of obsession, doubt, and mental compulsions.
OCD thrives on uncertainty, convincing sufferers that they must find absolute proof that they are not a danger. The cruel paradox is that the more you try to reason with the intrusive thoughts or push them away, the more they persist. This happens because the brain mistakenly perceives these thoughts as threats, triggering a hyper-vigilant response. In an effort to “solve” or neutralise the fear, sufferers engage in compulsions, such as:
- Mentally reviewing past interactions for “evidence”.
- Avoiding being around children, even family members.
- Seeking reassurance (from oneself or others).
- Repeating phrases or prayers to “cancel out” thoughts.
- Checking emotional or physical reactions to thoughts.
These compulsions only reinforce the brain’s belief that the thoughts are important. Over time, this cycle strengthens the grip of OCD, making the thoughts seem even more intrusive and distressing. True relief comes not from fighting the thoughts, but from learning to disengage from them and reduce their emotional power.
It’s important to emphasise: having these thoughts does not mean you are a danger. In fact, the very fact that they cause you so much distress proves the opposite.
Why POCD feels so distressing
Because thoughts are automatic, trying to suppress or control them often makes them worse. The more someone fights the thoughts, the stronger they seem to become.
One of the most painful aspects of POCD is the cycle of shame it creates. Many sufferers believe they are alone in their experience and fear being judged, leading to silence and isolation. But POCD is more common than people realise, and there is nothing to be ashamed of.
These thoughts are symptoms of anxiety, not evidence of who you are.
The role of Solution Focused Hypnotherapy in POCD recovery
While traditional OCD treatments focus on exposure and response prevention (ERP) or cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Solution Focused Hypnotherapy (SFH) offers a unique, gentle approach. Instead of revisiting distressing thoughts, SFH helps you shift focus towards solutions, reducing anxiety and allowing the mind to find peace.
Solution Focused Hypnotherapy works by:
- Calming the nervous system to reduce anxiety levels and lower the intensity of intrusive thoughts.
- Breaking the cycle of over-analysis by shifting the brain into a more relaxed, solution-focused state.
- Building resilience against intrusive thoughts, helping individuals see them for what they are—meaningless noise, not reflections of identity.
- Strengthening emotional regulation, so thoughts no longer trigger overwhelming fear and self-doubt.
Rather than reinforcing the cycle of analysing and resisting thoughts, hypnotherapy helps the mind move past them naturally. By working with the subconscious, SFH allows for real, lasting change without the need for exposure.
Practical steps for managing POCD
While professional support is invaluable, there are also steps you can take to help ease your anxiety and reduce the power of intrusive thoughts:
1. Understand that thoughts are just thoughts
Intrusive thoughts don’t mean anything about you. They are automatic, and the more you try to control them, the more they persist. Instead of engaging with them, try to acknowledge them without judgment and allow them to pass.
2. Reduce overall anxiety
Since POCD is driven by heightened anxiety, anything that lowers stress levels can help. Improving your sleep, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques can all reduce the intensity of intrusive thoughts over time.
3. Break the reassurance cycle
Seeking reassurance—whether by mentally checking, asking others, or researching online—provides temporary relief but reinforces the fear. The more you resist the urge to seek reassurance, the less hold the thoughts will have over you.
4. Shift focus to the future
Rather than analysing past fears, focus on what you want life to look like moving forward. What small steps can you take towards a more peaceful, fulfilling life? Solution Focused Hypnotherapy encourages this forward-looking perspective, helping to break free from fear-based thinking.
Finding hope: you can heal from POCD
It may feel impossible right now, but recovery is absolutely possible. You are not alone in this, and you do not have to suffer in silence.
I know first-hand how overwhelming and isolating intrusive thoughts can feel. My approach is completely judgment-free, focused on helping you reduce anxiety and regain peace of mind. If you’re ready to take the first step or simply have questions, I invite you to reach out for a confidential chat.
You are not your thoughts. You deserve relief, and I’m here to help.
