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

In this episode Clemmie chats to chartered clinical psychologist Dr Caroline Boyd about intrusive thoughts. Caroline has over 10 years' experience working in the NHS and mental health settings, and specialises in supporting parents from pregnancy to childbirth and beyond. She is also 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 Woman's Hour on BBC Radio 4.

Caroline specialises in supporting parents around difficulties related to anger and anxiety. In her independent psychology practice, Parent Therapy Hub, she works integratively and draws on Compassion Focused Therapy, Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Systemic, Narrative and attachment models. Caroline is fully trained in Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), an effective approach for working with difficult memories and traumatic events.

Caroline 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 reach Caroline at drcarolineboyd.com or via Instagram @_drboyd

In her independent psychology practice, Parent Therapy Hub, Caroline offers workshops and courses supporting mums around maternal anger:

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 Amazon, Waterstones or Bookshop

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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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