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Understanding Intrusive Thoughts Service (UITS)
Explore insights on intrusive thoughts through our dedicated blog. Discover strategies for clinicians and parents to better understand and intervene effectively in these challenging experiences.
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I’m Scared to Say the Wrong Thing
You don’t need to be perfect. You need to stay in the room. What to say when you’re scared to say the wrong thing to your child.
marcuslewton
Apr 9, 20252 min read
How to Tell If Your Child Is Symbolising or Just Repeating
Is your child expressing something—or just repeating it? Learn how to tell if a ritual is symbolising, or if it’s stuck in survival mode.
marcuslewton
Apr 8, 20253 min read
Why Is My Child Doing This?
Sometimes a ritual isn’t just a habit — it’s a child’s way of saying, “I’m sorry,” or “I love you,” when words feel impossible.
marcuslewton
Apr 5, 20252 min read
How Can I Help If I’m Not Supposed to Reassure?
Reassurance feels kind—but can keep OCD stuck. Learn how to support your child without feeding the fear, and what to say…
marcuslewton
Apr 4, 20252 min read
ERP Sounds Terrifying – Is My Child Ready?
ERP Sounds Terrifying – Is My Child Ready?
marcuslewton
Apr 3, 20252 min read
Why His Rituals Don’t Look Like Anxiety: Understanding OCD in Autistic Children
Not all rituals in autistic children are just routine. This post helps families spot when OCD is present — even if it doesn’t look like anxi
marcuslewton
Apr 3, 20253 min read
You’re Not the Therapist – But You’re Still the Anchor
You don’t need to be the therapist. You just need to be the anchor. Here’s how to support your child with OCD without burning out or losing
marcuslewton
Apr 2, 20253 min read
My Child’s OCD Got Worse When Things Got Better
Why does OCD sometimes get worse when things improve? This blog helps families understand the emotional logic behind a confusing pattern.
marcuslewton
Apr 2, 20253 min read
What You’re Experiencing Isn’t a Character Flaw — It’s an Emotional System
OCD doesn’t just make you anxious — it makes you feel wrong. This post is for anyone who thinks they’re failing at being human.
marcuslewton
Apr 2, 20252 min read
Why Does My Child’s Mind Do This?Understanding Intrusive Thoughts as a Form of Protection
Intrusive thoughts can feel terrifying—but often, they’re the mind’s way of protecting a child from emotions too big to bear.
marcuslewton
Apr 1, 20252 min read
It’s Not Who They Are: Making Sense of Taboo Thoughts in Adolescents
Taboo thoughts in teens aren’t signs of danger. They reflect inner conflict during adolescence—when new impulses outpace understanding.
marcuslewton
Mar 30, 20252 min read
“ How Can They Be Fine One Minute and Lost the Next?”
When your child swings from calm to crisis, it’s not your failure. It’s the shape of the struggle. Here’s how to understand it.
marcuslewton
Mar 29, 20252 min read
“Not Every Child Can ‘Just Do ERP’": A Conversation About Intrusive Thoughts, Support, and What Needs to Change”
ERP isn't for everyone. This conversation explores readiness, deeper work, and what it means to never give up on a young person.
marcuslewton
Mar 29, 20255 min read
“What Should I Say?” When Reassurance Doesn’t Work
When reassurance doesn’t work, it’s not because you’re doing it wrong. Sometimes, it’s not about answers—it’s about staying close.
marcuslewton
Mar 29, 20251 min read
The House with a Locked Door: A Parent’s First Glimpse into OCD
A parent’s first glimpse of OCD isn’t always a diagnosis—it’s the sense that their child is there, but behind a door they can’t yet open.
marcuslewton
Mar 29, 20252 min read
“Why Can’t They Just Stop?” Understanding the Hidden Logic Behind Intrusive Thoughts
Intrusive thoughts aren’t nonsense—they’re protection. This post helps parents understand the hidden logic behind loops, rituals, and fear.
marcuslewton
Mar 29, 20252 min read
“Is This Just a Phase?” When Intrusive Thoughts Show Up in Childhood
“She keeps asking if she’s a bad person.” “He said he thought about hurting someone, then burst into tears.” “They ask the same question...
marcuslewton
Mar 28, 20252 min read
Seeing the Thought, Not Just the Fear: A Metaphor for Parents
Intrusive thoughts are signals, not threats. Learn to see where your child’s mind is hiding—and how to stay nearby without forcing the door.
marcuslewton
Mar 28, 20252 min read
"What Should I Say?” Supporting Your Child Through Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts
When your child shares a scary thought, they don’t need fixing—they need presence. Learn how to support without reassuring away the meaning.
marcuslewton
Mar 28, 20252 min read
“But I Can’t Stop Thinking It”: Why Intrusive Thoughts Repeat and Won’t Let Go
Intrusive thoughts stick because they protect against deep emotional fears. This post explores why loops form and how we can begin to loose.
marcuslewton
Mar 28, 20252 min read
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