That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

By That HoarderHealth & Fitness Mental Health

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding episodes

January 19, 2024#124 How the little-known Hummingbird Method can help you to dehoard the areas you’ve been avoiding
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Today I delve into my experiences of overcoming avoidant behaviours when it comes to decluttering. I share how the Hummingbird Method has been instrumental in breaking down the fear and anxiety associated with tackling daunting hoarded areas.

Join me as I explore the power of gentle, gradual progress and the freedom that comes from challenging rigid beliefs and behaviours.
New method for managing tasks: hummingbird method.
Overcoming fears
Use the hummingbird method to beat procrastination.
Versatile method adaptable for different tasks and problems.
Challenging rigid beliefs to overcome hoarding habits.
Experiment, try new things, open new doors.
Gentle approach to tasks.
Change is necessary for progress.
Trying new things, starting small.
Understanding the Difficulties of Letting Go
The fear and difficulty involved in letting go of hoarded items
The sense of freedom and positive change that can result from letting go
Exploring hummingbirding
Overcoming inflexible behavior and thinking through the hummingbird method
The daunting piles were not as intimidating as imagined
Challenging limiting rules and stepping into avoided areas to confront tasks
Embracing a New Approach
Encouragement to experiment and try new ways of approaching difficult tasks
Starting with small steps, such as opening the cellar door
The passive nature of the "Hummingbird method" in breaking down avoidance barriers
Comparison to a kitten gradually expanding boundaries to become more comfortable
Applying the Hummingbird Method
Using the method to tackle fears and avoidance behaviours
Gradually familiarising yourself with daunting tasks or situations
Illustrative examples of avoiding tasks and gradually confronting them
Comparing the method to a child overcoming a fear of balloons at a party
The importance of flexibility and openness in challenging rigid beliefs and behaviours
One tool in a range of strategies
Recognising that there is no one-size-fits-all solution for overcoming hoarding and avoidance behaviours

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33 min
January 12, 2024#123 The emotional impact of emergency dehoarding: confronting paralysis, shame, terror, panic and exhaustion
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In today's episode, I delve into the emotional impact of emergency dehoarding. Over the last few weeks, I've faced the daunting task of decluttering my home in preparation for an impending electrical testing. I explore the rollercoaster of emotions, from terror and shame to motivation and determination, as I grapple with the challenges of addressing my hoarding situation. Join me as I uncover the journey of navigating through the paralysis and panic to making progress, all while acknowledging the emotional and physical toll of the process.

Stay tuned for practical insights, personal revelations, and a determined commitment to moving forward and not slipping back.
Overcoming fear and making progress step-by-step.
Planned time off and charity donation preparation.
Anticipated shame, ensuring access, fluctuating emotions.
Continual progress and proactive cleanup mindset.
Therapist support pivotal.
Overcoming challenges with tools and focus.
Cannot sustain that intensity, but need to keep moving.
Making rooms accessible.
Overcoming challenges one step at a time, managing panic and making progress amid fear.
Took time off, arranged charity collection.
Struggling with hoarding shame, balancing pragmatism and terror.
Focus on forward movement and addressing small tasks promptly.
Realising the value of decluttering and talking to therapist.
Facing challenges, equipped with tools and deadline.
Unable to sustain pace, seeking balance and progress.
Despite challenges, maintaining progress is beneficial in the long run.
The emotional impact of emergency dehoarding
Paralysis and panic when faced with the task of dehoarding the house
Overcoming initial resistance and taking gradual action to prepare for impending electrical testing
Managing emotions of terror, shame, and exhaustion during the process
Finding motivation in focusing on progress and benefits of a cleaner home
Coping with difficult tasks by reminding myself that it all had to be done
Creating a loose daily plan to guide efforts
Booking a charity collection for excess belongings providing practical assistance and motivation
Acknowledging the imperfect nature of the donation process but recognising its necessity
The role of support from a therapist and knowledge gained from a podcast about hoarding in managing the process
Developing a "toolbox" of knowledge and strategies through podcast, interviews, research, and listener stories
The benefits of having a deadline to stay focused and make progress in the hoarding situation
Reflecting on the improved hoarding situation and the emotional and physical toll of the process
Acknowledging the progress made and the determination to continue moving forward and not slip back
Making a conscious effort to avoid reverting to old habits, aiming to maintain balance and not let up on efforts to overcome compulsive hoarding

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40 min
January 05, 2024#122 From ’it’ll do’ to ’make do’
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After a year where my subverted phrase of the year was "it'll do", I talk about how I'm hoping to continue shedding perfectionism and learn to be more resourceful and adaptable. Tune in to hear all about it.
2023 phrase "it will do" calms my perfectionist anxiety
Striving for tidiness, resisting hoarding tendencies
Retiring items when its purpose has been fulfilled
Embracing "it'll do" mentality for 2023 led to less stress and overthinking, allowing for more focus on important things.
Hoarders struggle with using what they have, but I'm seeking to become more adaptable and resourceful.
Facing challenges in decluttering, balancing desire for tidiness and fear of letting go.
Desire to reduce waste, finding satisfaction in finishing products.
Examples of how "it'll do" helped me make decisions and reduce stress.
Introduction of the new phrase for 2024, "make do," which emphasises resourcefulness and adaptability.
The influence of financial awareness in choosing the new phrase.
Desire to engage more with possessions.
Exploring the contradiction in hoarders' tendencies to find multiple uses for items to justify keeping them but not being resourceful in other ways.
The impact of perfectionism on the desire for the "perfect" item and the challenge to accept what is adequate.
The potential risk of using "make do" as an excuse to keep everything and the need for balance.
The acknowledgement of challenges in embracing "make do" and the importance of trusting the process.
Finding pleasure in finishing and using up items as a result of a shift in perspective.
Personal examples of feeling a sense of achievement in using items fully.
Comparing the emotional attachment to well-used items versus unused items.
The aim of "make do" to encourage thoughtful use of possessions and sustainable engagement with them.

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22 min
December 29, 2023 Remix: When you need to declutter urgently
Another really popular episode that a lot of you enjoyed. See you in 2024!
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32 min
December 22, 2023 Remix: Dehoarding: where to start
A replay of one of my most popular episodes, which I made in response to one of the listener questions I hear the most. Enjoy!
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45 min
December 15, 2023#121 Can virtual reality help to treat hoarding disorder? With Dr Hannah Raila
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In today's episode, I look at the intriguing use of virtual reality in treating hoarding disorder with our guest, Dr. Hannah Raila. Dr. Raila, a psychology researcher at UC Santa Cruz, shares her insights on how virtual reality can help individuals desensitise to distress and practice discarding virtual possessions. She discusses the immersive nature of the VR experience, the potential for the technology to attract more male research participants, and so much more. Join us as we explore the innovative possibilities of virtual reality in the treatment of hoarding disorder.
Novel treatment for hoarding using virtual reality
VR sessions focus on virtual discarding practice
Virtual reality to create distress for phobia treatment
Practice desensitization to discard and declutter effectively
Novel approach due to existing treatments not working for everyone
Study methodology including recruiting participants with hoarding disorder for buried in treasures group and virtual reality sessions
Creating a virtual world of participants' rooms and practicing discarding items in a psychologically immersive environment
New treatments for hoarding needed, virtual reality tested for hoarding, based on successful use in anxiety and PTSD
In-home visits helpful for reducing clutter but often not feasible
In VR therapy, practice discarding virtual objects to desensitise to distress
Virtual exposure therapy principle: Desensitise to distress by simulating real experiences
There is a debate about hoarding disorder prevalence and gender participation in research and treatment. More women seek treatment, but the disorder may be even across genders
The Stanford lab's community presence may influence gender participation
Testing novel intervention with existing treatments, attracting more patients, need for RCT before nationwide administration
Practice desensitisation by rating distress, discarding and tracking feelings to tolerate and declutter home
Preparing new study on contamination fears for OCD at UC Santa Cruz lab
Description of the virtual donation box, recycling, and trash bin in VR sessions
Facilitating repeated rehearsal of discarding virtual possessions for real-life application
Reported improvement in hoarding symptoms due to VR treatment
Time and technology challenges in programming and designing virtual worlds for the intervention
Practical Applications and Takeaways
Monitoring and tracking distress levels when discarding items
Applying desensitisation without a virtual space
Starting with easy-to-discard items and gradually progressing to more difficult ones
Potential of virtual reality to help people move up the ladder of difficulty in discarding
Dr. Raila's plans to continue virtual reality work
Conducting a study on difficulty discarding in the normative range

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34 min
December 08, 2023#120 What a crooked church spire can tell us about failure and flaws and weirdness
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In this episode, I delve into the weird world of imperfections, flaws, and uniqueness. Drawing inspiration from the Crooked Spire of Chesterfield, I share personal struggles with self-criticism and acceptance. It's a round-about look at authenticity and self-acceptance, via imperfections and community. I also share a hoarding secret from a listener and a top tip. Join me!
Chesterfield's Crooked Spire
Folklore and reality behind the Crooked Spire's twist
We often judge ourselves harshly
Old churches, old books, imperfections, universal struggles
Authenticity and honesty in safe spaces
Embracing self-acceptance and confidence
Challenging societal expectations leads to self-acceptance
Embracing imperfection, finding strength in community
Folklore and history intertwine at Chesterfield's Crooked Spire church
We tend to see flaws in ourselves, not in loved ones
Impact on self-esteem varies with mental health and stress
Struggling with self-judgment
Need spaces for self-expression, honesty, and mental health to avoid internal conflict and damage
Often start with difficulty, but ultimately reach a point of empowerment
Not conforming to societal expectations
Changing Faces charity for people with visible differences
Personal struggles with hoarding behaviour
Encourages self-acceptance and appreciation
Resilience and community embrace of imperfections
Personal growth and acceptance related to societal norms
Struggles with conforming to expectations
The beauty of imperfections
Old books with folded corners and underlined passages
The podcast as a place of honesty and authenticity

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40 min
December 01, 2023#119 Homelessness and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of Stuffology
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In today's episode, Dr Jan Eppingstall and I will be diving into a topic that is rarely discussed - homelessness and hoarding. We will explore the limited research available on the connection between these two issues and the complex factors that contribute to both. We uncover the connections between trauma, loss, and mental health issues that can lead to both homelessness and hoarding behaviours as well as the instincts associated with hoarding and the difficulties in interrupting these instincts.
Homelessness and hoarding: connections and similarities
Lack of hoarding-related academic articles
Homelessness can be caused by hoarding
Lack of support, finger pointing, no understanding
Excessive stuff brings hope for normal future
A sense of safety motivates us to accumulate possessions
The physical barrier between us and the chaotic outside world is important
Excess stuff can be seen as hope for a better future
Society pressures us to make a perfect home
Epigenetics, trauma, and genes influence hoarding behaviour
Poverty pushes some to become hoarders
Humans want to share during crises
Neurodivergence, brain injuries, schizophrenia
Homelessness and hoarding have similarities, including trauma, mental health issues, and fear of scarcity
Possessions may be portable but excessive saving behaviour persists
Homelessness caused by hoarding; trauma leads to hoarding in new home
Need to ask "What do you need?"
The comfort of material possessions
Possible evidence of neurodivergence or organic brain injuries, schizophrenia, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, complex post-traumatic stress disorder
The importance of asking the right questions and providing appropriate support
Approach problems from various angles and keep iterating to find what works
Short-term focus of government hinders this
Homeless individuals trading stuff and the instinct to hoard when they find secure housing
Difficulty in interrupting the primal hoarding instinct
Strategies for interrupting the instinct, such as calculations and sharing with others in need
Need for a holistic approach and joined-up thinking to address hoarding and homelessness effectively
Lack of resources and understanding to support hoarders once they are housed
Treating hoarders with dignity and respect
Importance of appropriate questions and support due to the complexity of hoarding behaviours
Lack of support and assistance in addressing the root causes of homelessness
Sense of control and safety that possessions offer
Importance of addressing the additional traumas faced by homeless individuals
Study finding higher hoarding prevalence (18.5%) among homeless individuals compared to the general population (1.5-5%)
Oversampling technique used to study rare subpopulations
Overlapping risk factors of hoarding and homelessness (trauma, grief, brain injury, neurodivergence)
Sense of safety and need to create a home driving the accumulation of possessions
Scarcity mindset and stockpiling items due to homelessness
Epigenetic processes potentially turning on genes associated with hoarding as a coping mechanism
Poverty and uncertainty about basic necessities contributing to hoarding behaviors
Importance of listening to frontline practitioners and individuals in order to understand their needs

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46 min
November 24, 2023#118 Can we use AI to help us dehoard? Is it just hype or a promising solution?
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In today's episode, I dive into the topic of using AI to help us dehoard. I have some skepticism about AI and its ability to assist with decluttering. However, after exploring various AI options I share my findings and experiences with these tools. From providing tips and schedules to even taking on personas like Dolly Parton, AI can offer some assistance in the decluttering process. I also discuss the use of AI voice assistants and AI-driven coaching, discussing their potential benefits and my concerns. Join me as I explore the strengths and weaknesses of using AI as a tool in decluttering and dehoarding.
Mixed results with AI
AI voice assistance for dehoarding tasks.
Privacy concerns, limited effectiveness of chatbots.
Fact-checking is better done personally.
AI decluttering apps listed by Bard didn't exist
Bard provided good breakdown of timings in real-world context
ChatGPT and Bard can expand on previous answers.
Streamline decluttering, prioritise tasks, and explore personas with Chat GPT and Bard.
I used an AI tool to mimic Dolly Parton's style for a video.
AI voice assistants like Siri, Google, and Alexa can help with tasks like playing music and organizing, allowing users to have conversations and make requests
AI chatbots cannot provide the same support as humans
Privacy concerns and lack of trust.
Not ruling them out completely,but cautious about therapy-oriented bots
Asking specific questions can yield better results.
Skepticism about using AI for dehoarding
Not wanting to just repeat what others have said
Description of AI bot
Conversation with the AI bot
Critique of the AI bot's advice
Description of ChatGPT and Bard as AI tools
Tips for using ChatGPT and Bard effectively
Comparison of their capabilities with decluttering
Limitations and challenges with specificity and relevance to hoarding
Benefits of using voice assistants for organizing and task management
Examples of tasks voice assistants can help with
AI-driven coaching and therapy
Potential benefits and use cases
Concerns about privacy, emotional support, and effectiveness
Strengths and weaknesses of using AI for dehoarding
Personal observations on specific tasks AI is good at, such as scheduling
Mention of AI's limitations, imaginary recommendations, and the need for skepticism

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33 min
November 17, 2023REMIX: Perfectionism and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of Stuffology
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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

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59 min

About That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

From the publisher's feed

Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder…