Q&A: What should I do if my child has intrusive thoughts?

Beyond the Sessions is answering YOUR parenting questions! In this episode, Dr. Rebecca Hershberg, Dr. Emily Upshur, and I talk about...

• What intrusive thoughts actually are.
• How to recognize when a repetitive question or worry is more than ordinary curiosity, and the subtle clues that can help you tell the difference.
• The types of topics (like private parts, germs, or order) that are most common in intrusive thinking.
• The simple shift that can help your child stop identifying with the thought and begin seeing it as something separate from who he or she is.
• Why reassurance often brings only temporary relief, and what tends to work better in the long run.
• Practical, child-friendly strategies that can help kids feel more in control when their brains get "stuck" on a thought.
• How to respond in ways that reduce shame, build confidence, and help your child develop the skills to cope with intrusive thoughts over time.

Whether your child is experiencing intrusive thoughts because of anxiety, OCD, PANS/PANDAS, or you're simply wondering if what you're seeing is developmentally typical, this episode will help you better understand what's happening inside your child's mind and give you practical tools to respond with confidence and compassion.

REFERENCES AND RELATED RESOURCES:

👉 Looking for support for a child struggling with anxiety, OCD, or intrusive thoughts? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers evidence-based treatment for children and families, including SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and a combination of approaches tailored to your child's unique needs. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation with our care team. We'll listen carefully, answer your questions, and help you determine the best next step for your family.

📚 What to Do When Your Brain Gets Stuck: A Kid's Guide to Overcoming OCD by Dawn Huebner

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about PANS and PANDAS and why some children develop sudden OCD, anxiety, or tics after illness with Dr. Nancy O'Hara

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) with Dr. Eli Lebowitz

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about how to know when your child's anxiety requires a mental health intervention

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU:

Go to https://drsarahbren.com/question to send us a question or a topic you want to hear us answer on Securely Attached - Beyond the Sessions!