Ep 82: Intrusive Thoughts and Growing Up in Motherhood with Caroline Boyd

In episode 82 Cath was joined by Dr Caroline Boyd to discuss her experience of motherhood and intrusive thoughts in the postpartum period. Caroline shares some of her own experience of intrusive thoughts and she highlighted how these thoughts are driven by anxiety and our stress response being dialled up in early parenthood. Caroline shares her own research into intrusive thoughts, the different types of thoughts and what our own emotional response to these thoughts indicates (based on research) and lots more.

Chartered clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd has over 10 years experience working in the NHS and mental health settings, and she supports parents from

pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. Caroline is the author of Mindful New Mum, and her published research explores mothers experiences of intrusive

thoughts about their babies. Her work has been featured in You magazine, Grazia, BBC Radio Scotland and Womans Hour on BBC Radio 4.

Caroline specialises in supporting parents around anger and anxiety in her independent psychology practice, Parent Therapy Hub. She shares psychology ideas on Instagram and in the media to help parents feel more connected - to themselves and their children - and less alone.

You can find Caroline here:

www.drcarolineboyd.com or via Instagram @_drboyd

Caroline’s next maternal anger course starts on January 12th

https://drcarolineboyd.com/course-mum-rage

Caroline’s book, Mindful New Mum: A Mind-Body Approach to the Highs and Lows of Motherhood, is available to buy online at Amazon, Waterstones or Bookshop.

**Trigger warning – talk of intrusive thoughts of harm. Please take care when listening.

Note – Fathers also report experiencing these thoughts, but to a slightly lesser degree than mothers.

If this episode raises any concerns for you please talk to a trusted health professional such as your GP.

You can also reach out to the services below:

UK: PANDAS - 0808 1961 776

Samaritans – 116 123

For emergency help - call 999 or visit your local A&;E department

US: Postpartum Support International - 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)

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To sign up for the journal prompts and Nurture.Heal.Grow (on Substack) please head to www.cathcounihan.com or @cathcounihan on Instagram.

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Instagram: @cathcounihan

Substack: Nurture.Heal.Grow

Facebook: Cath Counihan

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