Pedophilia OCD (POCD) Therapy in Bergen County, NJ

I see POCD in my practice almost every week. If you’re having terrifying, unwanted thoughts about harming or being attracted to children — thoughts that make you feel like a monster — please hear this: you are not alone, and you are not dangerous.

My name is Eliyahu Serkez. I specialize in Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) — the gold-standard treatment that ends the shame, doubt, and avoidance of POCD — in-person in Upper Saddle River and via telehealth throughout New Jersey & New York.

You Are Not a Bad Person — This Is OCD

Pedophilia OCD (POCD) is a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) that involves persistent, unwanted, and distressing thoughts, images, or fears about harming children or being attracted to them. Unlike individuals with pedophilic disorder, those with POCD do not have any actual desire to engage in inappropriate behavior. Instead, they are tormented by intrusive thoughts that go against their core values and beliefs, leading to extreme distress. These thoughts trigger intense anxiety, guilt, and shame, causing individuals to engage in compulsive behaviors in an attempt to reduce their distress or prove to themselves that they are not dangerous.

For someone with POCD, these intrusive thoughts are deeply upsetting. They may feel overwhelmed by doubt and fear, constantly questioning their morality and identity. Even though they find these thoughts repulsive, the mere fact that they have them can lead them to irrationally believe they are secretly a bad person. This cycle of obsession and self-doubt creates a relentless mental battle, making daily life exhausting.

The very fact that these thoughts horrify you is the clearest proof they are ego-dystonic OCD — not your true self.

Common POCD Obsessions

  • Fear of being a danger to children
  • Intrusive sexual thoughts or images about minors
  • Worrying that past innocent interactions were inappropriate
  • “What if I’m secretly attracted to children?”
  • Questioning your own morality and identity

Common POCD Compulsions

  • Avoiding children, schools, playgrounds, or family events
  • Avoiding TV shows, photos, or conversations involving kids
  • Seeking reassurance (“Would a bad person feel this guilty?”)
  • Mentally reviewing every past interaction for “evidence”
  • Testing reactions to children to “prove” you’re safe

How I Help People with POCD

Using Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) — the most effective treatment for POCD — we gradually face the thoughts and stop the compulsions that keep the cycle alive. Over a few months, most of my clients go from living in terror to feeling safe around children again and trusting themselves completely.

In-Person & Telehealth Options

Upper Saddle River Office

The Anxiety & OCD Therapy Practice
345 NJ-17, Suite 33B
Upper Saddle River, NJ 07458
Bergen County • Convenient to Mahwah, Ramsey, Ridgewood, Paramus

Telehealth

Licensed throughout New Jersey and New York

You are safe to reach out — I’ve helped many people just like you.
Call or text (845) 288-3139 or send a confidential message here →