That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

REMIX: Perfectionism and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of Stuffology


Listen Later

Subscribe to the podcast


The topic for today is perfectionism and its connection to hoarding. I talk with Dr Jan Eppingstall about perfectionism and its impact on hoarding behaviour. We share personal experiences and struggles with perfectionism, discussing the fear of failure and the tendency to give up if something cannot be done perfectly.


We also touch upon the importance of psychological flexibility, being present in the moment, and living by our values. Dr. Eppingstall enlightens us with insights on challenging rigid thought patterns, breaking free from the demands of perfection, and embracing personal growth.


  • Perfectionism and fear of failure drive hoarding.
  • Perfectionism linked to hoarding and obsessive personalities.
  • Rigid thinking
  • Surprised by others' flexibility
  • Children with insecure attachment blame themselves for parents' problems.
  • Curiosity, experimentation, and flexibility lead to growth.
  • Encouraging exploration leads to personal growth.
  • Regretting inaction is a bigger regret.
  • Relax, do it wrong, get more done.
  • Perfectionism and fear of failure relate to hoarding.
  • Concerns over mistakes and parental criticism are prominent.
  • Being creative with limited resources to find solutions and not being rigid in following rules or plans.
  • Turtle mode hinders logic, self-criticism hampers progress.
  • Children with insecure attachment due to a parent's mental illness or preoccupation tend to believe they cause their parents' problems
  • They feel pressured to help their parents and seek validation through achievements and obedience to alleviate their parents' sadness or anger.
  • Perfectionism linked to trauma response, family expectations.
  • Fear of negative emotions, regret of not pursuing dreams.
  • People are adaptable and inventive
  • Give yourself permission to make mistakes, relax, and get more done
  • The reluctance to start or complete tasks to avoid an imperfect outcome
  • Self-criticism and lack of confidence as common problems with perfectionism
  • Overcoming perfectionism and embracing flexibility
  • Psychological flexibility: being present, taking action guided by values
  • The importance of curiosity and challenging behaviours
  • Living by values rather than solely focusing on goals
  • The role of a support system in venturing outside the comfort zone
  • Taking small, cautious steps outside the comfort zone
  • Opening up slowly leads to personal growth and a sense of accomplishment
  • Breaking rigid thought patterns through repeated challenging
  • Recognising triggers and behaviours associated with perfectionism
  • Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as helpful approaches
  • Perfectionism as a manifestation of people-pleasing and trauma response
  • Perfectionism leading to feelings of not being enough or worthy
  • Using perfectionism as a coping mechanism for emotions and relationships
  • Addressing perfectionism through therapy and exploring its underlying reasons
  • Progress and success can still be achieved even if things don't go perfectly or as planned
  • Regretting not doing the things we wanted to do in life rather than letting go of physical possessions
  • Challenging negative "what if" scenarios and highlighting potential positive outcomes
  • Demanding standards, self-criticism, fear of wasting or making mistakes in hoarding behaviour

  • Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBy That Hoarder

    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9
    • 4.9

    4.9

    104 ratings


    More shows like That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

    View all
    A Slob Comes Clean by Dana K. White: A Slob Comes Clean

    A Slob Comes Clean

    2,431 Listeners

    Clutter Free Academy by Kathi Lipp

    Clutter Free Academy

    407 Listeners

    The Minimalists by Joshua Fields Millburn, Ryan Nicodemus, T.K. Coleman

    The Minimalists

    10,131 Listeners

    ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home & Life by Clutterbug

    ClutterBug - Organize, Clean and Transform your Home & Life

    1,960 Listeners

    Sustainable Minimalists by Stephanie Seferian

    Sustainable Minimalists

    848 Listeners

    Millennial Minimalists by Kelly & Lauren

    Millennial Minimalists

    301 Listeners

    The Declutter Hub Podcast by The Declutter Hub

    The Declutter Hub Podcast

    206 Listeners

    Maximized Minimalist Podcast by Katy Wells

    Maximized Minimalist Podcast

    901 Listeners

    Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos by Deanna Yates | Professional Organizer, Decluttering Coach, Wannabe Minimalist

    Wannabe Clutter Free | Declutter, Organize, Calm the Chaos

    349 Listeners

    Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting by Dr. Lisa Damour/Good Trouble Productions

    Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Parenting

    815 Listeners

    Declutter Your Chaos - Minimalism, Decluttering, Home Organization by Amber Cammidge, Decluttering Coach, Professional Organizer

    Declutter Your Chaos - Minimalism, Decluttering, Home Organization

    264 Listeners

    Struggle Care by KC Davis

    Struggle Care

    744 Listeners

    At Peace Parents™ Podcast by Casey

    At Peace Parents™ Podcast

    334 Listeners

    The Art of Decluttering by Amy Revell

    The Art of Decluttering

    91 Listeners

    Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living by Cloud10

    Paring Down: Realistic minimalism, decluttering, & intentional living

    182 Listeners