Our Clinical Approach: Science-Based, Compassionate, Individualized
How we treat postpartum OCD, rage, anxiety, and maternal mental health—with proven methods that work.
At Bloom Psychology, our approach is simple:
We use treatment methods with proven effectiveness. We adapt them to YOUR specific needs. We treat you with compassion and respect.
✓ Works - Based on rigorous research, not guesswork
✓ Fits - Tailored to your symptoms, not one-size-fits-all
✓ Respects - Honors your experience, fears, and goals
Our Core Philosophy
1. Evidence-Based Treatment First
We use therapeutic modalities with proven effectiveness for perinatal mental health conditions.
- →Rigorously tested in clinical trials
- →Established protocols (ERP for OCD, CBT for depression)
- →Progress tracked with standardized measures
2. Specialized Perinatal Expertise
Postpartum mental health is NOT the same as general mental health.
- →Postpartum OCD looks different from general OCD
- →Postpartum rage has specific hormonal triggers
- →Birth trauma requires trauma-informed perinatal care
3. You Are Not Broken
We approach postpartum mental health from a compassionate, neuroscience-informed perspective.
What's happening:
- • Your brain's threat-detection system is misfiring (OCD)
- • Hormonal shifts are affecting mood regulation (rage, depression)
- • Sleep deprivation is impairing thought-filtering
- • Birth trauma has triggered a protective PTSD response
4. Individualized Treatment Plans
No two mothers experience postpartum mental health the same way.
- →Tailored to your specific symptoms and triggers
- →Aligned with your goals and values
- →Paced at YOUR speed, with your input
Our Evidence-Based Modalities
We use therapeutic approaches with proven effectiveness for perinatal mental health.
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
For Postpartum OCD & Intrusive Thoughts
ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It involves gradual, controlled exposure to feared situations while learning to resist compulsions.
Exposure
Gradual exposure to feared situations
Response Prevention
Resist compulsions (checking, avoidance)
Habituation
Brain learns thoughts aren't dangerous
Timeline:
Most mothers see significant improvement within 8-12 weeks
Effectiveness:
70-80% symptom reduction with consistent treatment
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
For Depression, Anxiety, Rage
CBT is one of the most well-researched therapies for mood and anxiety disorders. It helps identify unhelpful thought patterns and change behaviors that maintain symptoms.
Cognitive
Identify and challenge distorted thinking ("I'm a terrible mother")
Behavioral
Change behaviors that maintain symptoms (avoidance, isolation)
Timeline:
Most mothers notice improvement within 6-8 weeks
Effectiveness:
60-70% response rate for postpartum depression
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
For Emotional Regulation & Values-Based Living
ACT helps you build psychological flexibility—the ability to feel difficult emotions without being controlled by them.
Acceptance
Make room for difficult thoughts/feelings instead of fighting them
Committed Action
Take action aligned with your values, even when it's hard
Note: ACT is often integrated with other modalities (ERP, CBT) throughout treatment. Particularly helpful for mothers struggling with shame, guilt, and self-criticism.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization & Reprocessing)
For Birth Trauma & PTSD
EMDR is an evidence-based treatment for PTSD and trauma. It helps reprocess traumatic memories and reduce their emotional charge.
Preparation
Build coping resources, establish safety
Desensitization
Reprocess memories with bilateral stimulation
Installation
Strengthen positive beliefs ("I'm safe now")
Timeline:
8-12 sessions for single-incident trauma
Effectiveness:
70-90% of single-trauma victims no longer have PTSD after EMDR
Our Treatment Process
Phase 1: Comprehensive Assessment
90-minute initial session to understand your symptoms, history, current context, and goals.
Outcome: Clear diagnosis, treatment plan, timeline estimate
Phase 2: Active Treatment (Weeks 2-12)
Weekly 50-minute sessions including psychoeducation, skill-building, therapeutic work, and between-session exercises.
Outcome: 70-80% symptom reduction for most mothers
Phase 3: Maintenance & Relapse Prevention (Weeks 12+)
Bi-weekly or monthly sessions to reinforce skills, address setbacks, build long-term resilience.
Outcome: Sustained improvement with tools to manage future challenges
Ready to Start Evidence-Based Treatment?
If you're ready for compassionate, science-based treatment for postpartum OCD, rage, anxiety, or birth trauma, we're here to help.
📞 (512) 648-2722
📧 bloom@bloompsychologynorthaustin.com