POCD (Pedophile OCD): Symptoms and ERP Treatment
Updated: May 22, 2025Do you experience disturbing thoughts about children that go against everything you value? You might worry these thoughts mean something awful about you—but they don’t. You may be dealing with Pedophile OCD (POCD).
POCD is a type of obsessive-compulsive disorder that causes unwanted, intrusive thoughts. In this post, you’ll learn what POCD is, what it’s not, and how evidence-based treatments like ERP and CBT can help you find relief.
At Virtual CBT Psychotherapy, we have a variety of OCD specialists to choose from. Book a free consultation to learn how we can help. *Must be an Ontario (Canada) resident. Learn about our therapy fees.
What is POCD?
POCD stands for Pedophile Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is a subtype of OCD where a person experiences intrusive thoughts and fears related to being a pedophile.
The person finds it very distressing and they have absolutely no desire to harm children. In other words, the person would never act on their thoughts.
People with POCD often experience extreme feelings of guilt and shame. Many people will also struggle with isolation and depression. POCD is a subtype of sexual obsessions.
Learn more about sexual obsessions. There are other forms of sexual OCD, including incest OCD and sexual orientation OCD.
What is Pedophile OCD? | POCD | Intrusive Thoughts. Source: OCD & Anxiety
Symptoms of POCD
Intrusive Thoughts.
People with POCD often have distressing and unwanted thoughts or images about children. These thoughts can be persistent and cause a lot of anxiety, shame, and guilt. The intrusive thoughts go against their core values. In other words, they would never actually harm a child.
Obsessive Thoughts.
If you have POCD, you may obsess about what it means about you as a person. You may try to “figure out” why you have these thoughts. You may also wonder if you are a “good” person or a “bad person”. POCD can often overlap with morality OCD. Learn more about morality OCD.
Avoidance Behaviours.
To cope with their thoughts, people may avoid situations. It is common for people to avoid places where they might see children (e.g. parks, schools, beaches). New moms may avoid holding or changing their babies.
Parents who have POCD may avoid hugging their children. Folks with POCD may avoid online shopping for fear of seeing children on their favourite shopping websites.
Compulsive Behaviours.
Some individuals might engage in compulsive behaviours. For example, they may seek reassurance from loved ones. They may try to neutralize their negative thoughts with positive thoughts (e.g. telling themselves "It's just my OCD").
These behaviours help reduce anxiety temporarily but make OCD worse over the long term. Some people may pray to try to rid of their obsessive thoughts. It is also common to seek reassurance from loved ones or the Internet.
Guilt and Shame.
POCD can lead to intense feelings of guilt, shame, and self-doubt. They often fear they are bad or dangerous people and are constantly trying to prove to themselves that they are good people.
OCD symptoms may show up differently in kids and teens. Discover how OCD shows up differently in teens. Read more about “Could my Thoughts be OCD”.
How POCD Differs from Actual Pedophilia
It's crucial to distinguish between POCD (Pedophilia OCD) and pedophilia itself. While both involve thoughts about children, the key difference is the reaction to these thoughts.
People with POCD have unwanted, intrusive thoughts about harming or being inappropriate with children. These thoughts are entirely against their values and cause intense distress, guilt, and anxiety.
In contrast, individuals with pedophilic tendencies may experience sexual attraction to children. They lack the same level of distress about these thoughts. They are not consumed with fear and disgust over their thoughts, as someone with POCD would be.
The fundamental difference lies in how the person perceives the thoughts and the emotional turmoil that follows. People with POCD do not desire or want to act on these thoughts — they are terrified of them.
Triggers for POCD
There are a variety of triggers in POCD, and it can vary from person to person. For some, being around children can set off a wave of intrusive thoughts. This could happen in everyday settings like schools, playgrounds, or family gatherings.
Some people may experience it with their own children. Triggers aren’t always obvious; sometimes they can come from more subtle sources. For example, hearing a news story about child abuse or seeing an image of a child in a movie or magazine.
What makes these triggers so distressing is that they cause individuals to question their own morality. Their values are opposed to the content of these thoughts. In response, many people with POCD engage in avoidance behaviours. As a result, many people will steer clear of any situations involving children.
The Cycle of Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsions
The hallmark of OCD, including POCD, is the cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. It starts with an intrusive thought. For someone with POCD, this could be a disturbing image or idea about a child. The thought leads to intense anxiety and self-doubt.
To relieve this anxiety, the person often engages in behaviours (also known as compulsions or rituals). For example, they might repeatedly check their feelings or seek reassurance from others.
Unfortunately, these compulsions only offer temporary relief. The intrusive thoughts return, often stronger. This fuels the OCD cycle, as the person feels the need to perform more rituals in an attempt to neutralize the anxiety.
Over time, this cycle can become overwhelming and consume parts of daily life. For some people with POCD, it is difficult to break free without help.
What causes POCD?
POCD is a type of OCD, so it doesn’t come from anything you did wrong. It’s not about your values or what kind of person you are. Instead, it happens when the brain gets stuck on unwanted thoughts or fears. With POCD, you might get stuck on the fear of harming a child, even though that’s the last thing you’d ever want to do.
Things like stress, anxiety, past trauma, or even how your brain works can make OCD symptoms worse. It can also run in families. So, POCD isn’t about who you are—it’s about how OCD shows up in your mind.
When does POCD start?
POCD often starts in the late teens or early adulthood, but it can really begin at any age. Sometimes it shows up after a big life change or a stressful time. Other times, it starts when someone hears a story in the news or sees something that triggers a “what if?” thought. That thought can feel really scary. And because people with OCD want to be good and safe, they get stuck trying to figure out what the thought means. That’s when the OCD cycle begins.
The Impact of POCD on Daily Life
POCD can have a profound impact on daily life. It can impact relationships, work, and well-being. People with POCD may avoid family gatherings or public places where children are present. This avoidance can lead to isolation and loneliness. People may also withdraw from loved ones and social situations.
In the workplace, POCD can interfere with productivity and focus. Individuals might spend significant time performing mental compulsions or worrying about the possibility of seeing children. These obsessions can be draining, leading to chronic stress and even depression. The fear of being misunderstood or judged adds another layer of distress, making it harder to seek support from others.
Myths and Misconceptions about POCD
There are many myths and misconceptions about POCD that can further isolate people experiencing it. One common myth is that having intrusive thoughts means someone secretly desires to act on them. This is false. People with POCD do everything in their power to avoid them. They experience guilt, shame and repulse at themselves.
Another misconception is that POCD is untreatable. While POCD can feel overwhelming, it is treatable with proper interventions. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy and/or medications can help. Many people recover or experience significant relief from their symptoms with the right help.
Finally, some believe that POCD is a rare or unusual form of OCD. But intrusive thoughts about taboo topics, including those related to children, are quite common among people with OCD. Awareness and education are key to dispelling these harmful misconceptions. Many people with OCD ask for help for other intrusive thoughts and then they disclose their sexual thoughts later in therapy. At Virtual CBT, this happens all the time.
Can POCD be cured?
POCD can’t be "cured" in the way you might cure an infection, but it can get much better with the right help. A type of therapy called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is one of the most effective treatments. ERP is a type of CBT that helps you face your fears without doing the things that keep the OCD cycle going.
Some people also take medication, like SSRIs, which can help reduce OCD symptoms. With the right support, lots of people with POCD learn how to manage it and live a full life.
Treatment Options for POCD
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy
ERP is the most effective type of therapy to overcome POCD. It’s a form of CBT where you face your fears on purpose, instead of avoiding them. The goal isn’t to prove the fear wrong—it’s to teach your brain that you don’t have to panic or do rituals to feel safe. Over time, this helps the anxiety shrink.
Examples of POCD Exposures in ERP
Looking at family photos that include children
Watching family-friendly TV shows or movies with kids in them
Sitting near children in public places like a park or grocery store
Walking past a school during recess without avoiding it
Writing out your intrusive thoughts in a notebook
Reading fictional stories that include children as characters
Saying feared thoughts out loud or recording them and listening back
Practicing not seeking reassurance (e.g. not Googling if your thoughts mean you're dangerous)
Not mentally reviewing past events to "prove" you're a good person
Looking at clothing ads that feature children without looking away
Writing a script like: “Maybe I’m a danger, maybe I’m not” and sitting with the uncertainty
Spending time around nieces/nephews or younger siblings without over-monitoring your behaviour
Not checking your physical responses (e.g. body sensations) for signs of attraction
It’s tough work, but many people find ERP life-changing. You can learn more about how ERP works for OCD and why it’s so powerful.
Learn more about ERP for OCD.
Book a free consultation with our clinic to learn how an ERP therapist can help (* For Ontario residents in Canada).
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
In addition to ERP, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy can help with POCD. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging the irrational thoughts that fuel OCD. It also focuses on replacing them with more balanced and realistic thinking patterns. This approach can reduce distress and help you gain more control over your intrusive thoughts.
It is important to find an experienced OCD therapist if you choose CBT. Treating OCD can be tricky and many therapists will inadvertently teach you rituals or reassure you. Learn more about a specialized form of CBT for OCD, called inference-based CBT (i-CBT).
Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)
MBCT combines mindfulness practices with cognitive therapy techniques. It helps you observe your intrusive thoughts without reacting to them emotionally. The goal is to allow your thoughts to happen. It also teaches you to accept your thoughts and the uncertainty that comes with OCD.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is another form of therapy that helps you by encouraging you to accept your intrusive thoughts instead of trying to fight them. The focus is on committing to goals that align with personal values despite the discomfort caused by the intrusive thoughts. Over time, this will help to reduce their power.
Family Therapy and Education
For people with POCD, involving close family members in therapy can provide support and understanding. Family therapy helps educate loved ones about POCD and how to provide the right kind of support without enabling compulsions. It can also address any family dynamics that might be contributing to the anxiety.
Support Groups and Peer Support
Joining support groups can provide you with a sense of community and reduce feelings of isolation. Connecting with others who understand your experiences can be empowering. It can also help you to realize they are not alone in managing their OCD.
Lifestyle Modifications
Stress management techniques can complement other treatments for POCD. For example, getting enough sleep, eating healthy and regular exercise. Stress management strategies can also be helpful. These can include mindfulness meditation, yoga, and relaxation.
Medication for POCD
In some cases, doctors may prescribe medication. If you have severe OCD, you will want to make an appointment with your family doctor or a psychiatrist. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to help manage symptoms of POCD.
Recommended OCD Books and Resources
“Getting Over OCD: A 10-Step Workbook for Taking Back Your Life” by Jonathan Abramowitz. A personal favourite and it follows an ERP format! It’s best to connect with a therapist to help you with it, but it’s a good start.
"The Imp of the Mind: Exploring the Silent Epidemic of Obsessive Bad Thoughts" by Lee Baer. This book provides insights into different types of OCD, including those related to POCD. It also offers strategies for managing them.
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). The IOCDF website offers resources, including articles, videos, and support groups.
"Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts: A CBT-Based Guide to Getting Over Frightening, Obsessive, or Disturbing Thoughts" by Sally M. Winston and Martin N. Seif. This self-help guide offers practical techniques and exercises to help you overcome intrusive thoughts.
Understanding POCD is crucial for anyone experiencing intrusive thoughts about children. With the right support and treatment, you can learn to manage your symptoms and lead a fulfilling life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with POCD, remember that help is available, and you're not alone.
5 Tips for Dealing with POCD
Seek Professional Help.
Reach out to a mental health professional, such as a therapist or psychiatrist, who specializes in OCD treatment. ERP is very effective in treating POCD. A therapist can work with you to develop coping strategies and techniques to manage your symptoms.
Educate Yourself.
Understand that intrusive thoughts do not reflect your true desires and that POCD is a treatable condition. Learn how about exposure and response prevention and where you can get help.
Practice Mindfulness.
Mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, meditation, and grounding exercises. They can help you stay present and reduce anxiety when intrusive thoughts arise.
Mindfulness can also help you observe your thoughts without judgment, allowing you to respond more calmly and rationally. It is important to schedule your mindfulness practice so that it doesn't become a ritual. It can take up to 8 weeks to see the benefits of mindfulness.
Reduce unhelpful behaviours (rituals).
The less you do your rituals (behaviours), the better you will feel. You can gradually cut back your rituals by planning what you will give up and when.
Build a Support System.
Surround yourself with understanding and supportive friends and family members. Consider joining a support group for people with OCD or POCD to connect with others who are going through similar experiences. Sharing your struggles with trusted people can help reduce feelings of isolation and shame.
Remember that recovery from POCD takes time and effort. With persistence and support, managing symptoms and living a fulfilling life is possible. Be patient with yourself and celebrate small victories along the way.
POCD: Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can POCD go away on its own?
POCD symptoms might come and go. But without treatment, they often return or get worse during stressful times. ERP therapy is the most effective way to reduce symptoms and regain control long-term.
2. Is it dangerous to have POCD?
POCD is not dangerous. The thoughts are unwanted and cause deep distress because they go against your values. People with POCD are not a risk to others—they are often overly cautious and avoidant out of fear.
3. Can you be diagnosed with POCD?
POCD is not a formal diagnosis in the DSM-5, but it’s recognized by OCD specialists as a common subtype. A licensed mental health professional can diagnose you with OCD . They can also help identify POCD symptoms.
If you have private coverage for psychological services, you can see a psychologist for a psychological assessment. Fees can vary (usually starting at $1500). Learn more about psychological assessments at our clinic.
4. Is medication helpful for POCD?
Yes. Some people need a combination of therapy and medication. Speak to your doctor or psychiatrist about medications for OCD.
5. What should I do if I think I have POCD but feel too ashamed to tell anyone?
You’re not alone. It’s common to feel ashamed, but therapists trained in OCD understand POCD and will not judge you. Reaching out is a strong and brave first step toward getting relief. We have several therapist on our team who regularly see clients with POCD. Meet our OCD therapists in Ontario.
How to Support a Loved One with POCD
Supporting a loved one with POCD can be challenging. It's crucial to offer support that is non-judgmental and compassionate. Start by educating yourself about POCD and OCD in general. Understanding that their intrusive thoughts do not reflect their character is crucial in providing help.
Encourage them to seek professional treatment, such as therapy with a specialist in OCD. Avoid offering reassurance, as this can reinforce the OCD cycle. Instead, help them practice healthier coping strategies, like tolerating uncertainty and resisting compulsions.
Most importantly, listen without judgment. The fear and shame associated with POCD can make it hard for individuals to open up. But your understanding and patience can make a world of difference in their recovery journey.
Connect with a POCD Therapist in Ontario, Canada
If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts and think you might have POCD, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to stay silent. A therapist trained in OCD and ERP can help. Reach out today to speak with a mental health professional who understands POCD.
At Virtual CBT, we have a variety of experienced therapists to choose from who can help you with POCD. Learn more about OCD treatment and therapists.
Book a free consultation and we will match you with a therapist. We also offer psychological assessments. Learn more about our therapy fees.
Written by Celissa Vipond, an OCD therapist in Ontario.
