Intrusive Thoughts

What Are Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted thoughts, images or ideas that pop into your head without warning, sometimes leaving you feeling worried, confused or wondering why you thought of them at all. They can be particularly upsetting when they go against your values, making it difficult to simply brush them aside and get on with your day.

Having these thoughts does not mean that you want them to happen, and you are certainly not alone in experiencing them! At The Oak Tree Practice, our experienced psychologists offer support for overcoming unwanted intrusive thoughts, giving you the tools to understand them, manage the anxiety they cause and feel more in control of your thoughts.

What Are Some Intrusive Thoughts Examples?

Examples of intrusive thoughts can vary from person to person, but the most common intrusive thoughts often involve fears, unwanted images or upsetting ideas that feel difficult to shake off, such as:

Fear of accidentally hurting someone

Worrying that you might lose control

Unwanted thoughts about harming yourself

Fears about germs, dirt or contamination

Doubting whether you have locked the door or switched off an appliance

Repeated fears that something terrible will happen

How To Deal With Intrusive Thoughts

Step 1: Recognise & Acknowledge The Intrusive Thought

When an unwanted thought pops into your head, try to remind yourself that thoughts are not facts and do not define who you are. Rather than judging yourself for having the thought, acknowledge it and allow yourself a moment to move on without giving it too much attention.

Step 2: Try Not To Fight The Thought Or Push It Away

It is natural to want to push upsetting thoughts away, but trying to force them out of your mind can sometimes make them feel even more persistent. Instead, practise letting the thought pass without analysing it or searching for reassurance every time it appears.

Step 3: Learn How To Stop Intrusive Thoughts

Although you may not be able to prevent every intrusive thought, you can learn to change how you respond to them so that they have less impact on your everyday life. The Oak Tree Practice offers strategies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for intrusive thoughts that can help you understand the unhelpful thinking patterns, manage the anxiety they cause and gradually change how you respond to unwanted thoughts.

Do You Offer Support For Intrusive Thoughts Near Me?

Yes, The Oak Tree Practice offers support for intrusive thoughts at our clinics in Finchley (N3 1QB), Angel (EC1V 1LR), Brixton/Clapham (SW2 5UL) and Stratford (E15 1NT) in London, as well as Chapel Allerton in Leeds (LS7 4NY). Home visits may also be available on request.

If you live further afield, our psychologists can offer appointments online via Zoom or over the phone, making support accessible to people across the UK. This includes locations such as Aberdeen, Bath, Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Manchester, Nottingham, Oxford, Swansea and York.

Can You Have Intrusive Thoughts With ADHD?

Yes, people with ADHD can experience intrusive thoughts as they may find it harder to regulate their attention, quiet a busy mind or let go of thoughts that keep popping up. This does not mean everyone with ADHD will experience intrusive thoughts and having them does not automatically mean you have ADHD, as they can also be linked to anxiety, stress and other difficulties.

If unwanted thoughts are affecting your everyday life, get in touch with The Oak Tree Practice to find out how our expert psychologists can help! Enquire via our contact form, Whatsapp us on 07926 713 198 or call us on 020 8936 7666 today.

Check Out Our 5* Client Testimonials Below!

“

Amy you were simply wonderful, unlike the experiences I received with different psychologists a few years ago which simply added to the pain I was already suffering. Thank you for everything.

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My sessions with Ilan have been the vital component in my road to recovery from mental health problems. The conversations we had and the tasks he set really aided me in recovering my confidence remarkably quickly. I would highly recommend Ilan to anyone suffering similar mental health problems as his work undoubtedly has made a profound impact on my health.

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If I could give more stars, I would!
The Oak Tree Practice are professional, efficient and always respond within minutes with any questions I have or if I need to move a session. As for my psychologist, Dr Avery, I couldn't thank her more. She is so warm and approachable, I trust her more than any other therapist I have ever had. I really appreciate the tools we use in our sessions and how flexible she is with me and what I'd like to talk about. Outside of sessions, I always try to think about what Dr Avery would say to me, she is my guiding light. Thanks so much!

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From our very first session, I immediately felt comfortable with Bina, which was a big relief. Through our sessions, I was able to better understand and make sense of my anxious thoughts, feelings and experiences because of the empathetic, supportive and educated therapist Bina is. She gave me the skills to be able to recognise and reframe unhelpful thoughts and feelings, which has made my day-to-day functioning much more manageable.

“

The Oak Tree practice has been a dream to work with, and I've found Dr Jamila wonderful to collaborate with. She's professional, warm, and friendly, and has truly supported me in my therapy journey. The entire team is very helpful.

Frequently Asked Questions About Intrusive Thoughts

Do Intrusive Thoughts Mean Anything?

Not necessarily. Intrusive thoughts can feel upsetting or completely out of character, but having a thought does not mean you agree with it, want it to happen or that it reflects who you are.

What Causes Intrusive Thoughts?

Intrusive thoughts can happen for all sorts of reasons, including stress, anxiety, lack of sleep or periods of change in your life. Sometimes they appear without any obvious trigger, which can make them feel even more confusing.

Is It Common With Postnatal Depression To Have Intrusive Thoughts?

Yes, some people experience unwanted or frightening thoughts after having a baby, which can be particularly distressing when they are already feeling overwhelmed or low. If these thoughts are upsetting you, speaking to a healthcare professional can help you to understand what is happening and find the right support.

Are Intrusive Thoughts Connected To OCD?

They can be as intrusive thoughts are a common feature of obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). When these thoughts lead to repeated checking, seeking reassurance or feeling the need to carry out certain rituals, it may be worth speaking to a psychologist to explore what you are experiencing.

Are There Different Types Of Intrusive Thoughts?

Yes, intrusive thoughts can involve fears about harming someone, worries about contamination or concerns that something terrible might happen. Even if a thought feels disturbing or goes against your values, it does not mean that you want it to happen or that it reflects the kind of person that you are.

How Many Therapy Sessions Will I Need To Stop Intrusive Thoughts?

There is no set number of sessions as it depends on how often you experience intrusive thoughts, how much they affect your life and the type of support you need. At The Oak Tree Practice, one of our expert psychologists can help you work out a suitable approach and review your progress as you go along.