That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

Sign up for the Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Today, chronic disorganisation with our special guest, Jo Cooke of Hoarding Disorders UK. Chronic disorganisation impacts day-to-day living, from time management to project completion, and is closely connected to hoarding behaviours. Jo’s written a whole book on the topic, so join us as we look into the overlap between chronic disorganisation and hoarding, executive dysfunction, and the impact of grief, trauma, and loss on these issues. Chronic Disorganisation Definition and impact on day-to-day living Connection between chronic disorganisation and hoarding Executive dysfunction and its effect on chronic disorganisation Understanding and managing energy levels using the "spoon theory" Physical self-care and its impact on organisation and management Grief, Trauma, and Menopause The role of grief, trauma, and loss in chronic disorganisation and hoarding Societal shift in openly discussing menopause and its impact on daily life Importance of self-compassion and understanding that disorganisation does not equate to laziness or lack of intelligence Impact of Covid and Societal Factors How Covid has impacted people's experiences, including loneliness, anxiety, and chronic overwhelm Contribution of technology, fast-paced living, and societal expectations to difficulty in focusing and staying on task Strategies for Managing Chronic Disorganisation Body doubling as a method to have someone quietly cheerleading alongside on tasks Importance of sustained attention, goal perseverance, and finding the right motivation and goal-setting approach tailored to individual preferences Achieving and maintaining focus on tasks through setting achievable goals, tailored to individual needs, and utilising the PACE approach (Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity, and Empathy) Overcoming Chronic Disorganisation Importance of seeking help, defining what help looks like, and joining support groups to combat shame and self-blame The release of Jo Cooke's book "Overcoming Chronic Disorganisation" for pre-order and her online presence at hoardingdisordersuk.org Recognising trends in client needs, including bereavement, ADHD, and menopause, and challenges in organisation. Chronic disorganisation impacts daily living with system struggles, time management, and tasks. Hoarding and chronic disorganisation overlap due to executive functioning challenges, leading to repetitive acquisitions and disorganisation. Modern life is fast-paced with high expectations, leading to difficulty focusing. Body doubling can help remain on task. Focus on short and medium-term goals, not just the ultimate goal. Shame vs joy, playfulness, curiosity, and distress tolerance. Support group helped challenge self-blame and shame.

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast transcript: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-138-the-accountability-effect-accountability-encouragement-and-mutual-support-when-tackling-hoarding-and-dehoarding/ In today's episode, I talk about holding yourself accountable by yourself. Then I talk about holding yourself accountable if you've got an accountability buddy. And then I'm going to talk about holding yourself accountable if you don't have anybody that you can talk about hoarding with. Because those are 3 really different situations with really different pros and cons and approaches and benefits as well. Accountability and Dehoarding An accountability buddy who is also working on dehoarding Mutual support and encouragement Honest and constructive feedback Using before and after photos for accountability and motivation Setting up times to donate or recycle items together with an accountability buddy Shared encouragement and sense of accomplishment Solo Accountability in Dehoarding Challenges of holding oneself accountable when nobody knows about the hoarding Joining clutter groups on Facebook or posting on social media for accountability A group Zoom session for hoarders to hold themselves accountable Setting external deadlines for accountability Using inspirational visuals and quotes Having regular check-ins and task schedules Tools for Accountability in Dehoarding Using productivity apps or reminder apps to track progress Finding features that work best for individual performance Rewarding oneself with non-material rewards The Concept of Accountability Reluctance to commit to accountability Acknowledgment of its effectiveness in achieving goals Personal experiences and strategies for self-accountability Tracking progress and setting deadlines Holding yourself accountable is crucial for productivity. Accountability involves planning and setting goals. Regular check-ins help achieve and motivate goals. Encourage and support each other for success. Accountability buddy supports, encourages, and holds responsible. Setting deadlines and visual, shared encouragement motivates. Seek accountability through social media and groups. Accountability involves self-discipline and planning to achieve goals. Regular self-check-ins help stay on track, providing motivation and a sense of accomplishment. Encourage support, set same time for tasks, share progress and tips with accountability buddy to overcome obstacles. Having an accountability buddy offers mutual support, encouragement, and honesty in achieving goals. Accountability buddy motivates donating items. Find accountability in decluttering through social media or online groups

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast transcript: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-137-how-to-tackle-a-laundry-backlog-or-how-to-summit-mount-washmore/ Today, the daunting task of tackling a laundry backlog. In this episode, I discuss practical strategies to conquer Mount Washmore and take control of the laundry chaos. From decluttering to creating a laundry system, I look at ways to streamline the process and prevent clothes from piling up. I also touch on the environmental impact of overwashing and share experiences of managing overwhelming laundry situations. So if you're ready to conquer that laundry mountain and reclaim some peace, hit play for some valuable tips and insights. Addressing the Extreme Laundry Circumstances Using a laundrette to catch up Don’t berate yourself for the laundry backlog Practical Solutions for Managing Laundry Backlog Declutter to reduce laundry load Establishing a designated place for dirty clothes and towels Involving others in the household in the laundry process Creating a personalised system for ongoing laundry management Minimizing Overwashing and Unnecessary Clothing Purchases Advising against overwashing clothes to minimize environmental impact The environmental impact of overwashing, especially in relation to microplastics and microfibres Minimising new clothing purchases to reduce laundry load and simplify life Liberating Feeling of throwing away items in bad condition Identifying and removing barriers to doing laundry Streamlining the Washing Process Sorting laundry into darks, lights, and colours Containing laundry in bags or containers to streamline the washing process Disregarding special care instructions and putting items in the washing machine, finding that they come out fine The gruelling but necessary process of dedicating days to washing laundry, especially without a tumble dryer Challenge of managing limited drying space Doing laundry less demanding than cleaning or decluttering Gratitude for the invention of washing machines Consideration of organizing a Zoom accountability session for listeners and encouraging them to express interest Strategies for Tackling Laundry Pile Prioritising cleaning a few days' worth of clothes before addressing the entire pile Gathering all dirty laundry in one place and discarding items in bad condition without guilt Managing laundry by organizing tasks around the workday, not allowing the volume of laundry to overwhelm Alternative options for managing overwhelming laundry, including using a laundrette or paying for laundry services if necessary to alleviate stress and feeling of being overwhelmed by laundry Prioritise survival over saving damaged items. Efficient sorting made laundry process much easier. Efficient laundry process allows for multitasking. Outsource your laundry, let someone else handle it. Delegate laundry tasks, find a system. Overwashing sheds microplastics, buy less clothing. Procrastination leads to fear and anxiety. Start by ensuring clean, comfy clothes. In times of overwhelm, prioritise survival over waste and home livability over personal items. Without a tumble dryer, drying clothes is limited to 2-3 loads a day, making it difficult to keep things moving without dampness. It's important to be realistic about what to keep and donate while doing laundry. Options for laundry: do it yourself, pay for pick-up service, or drop off at a laundromat. Use a laundrette for extreme laundry situations, without feeling guilty. Laundry tips for efficiency and delegation.

Exploring hoarding behavior, the podcast challenges common lies and justifications. From holding onto unnecessary items to questioning self-identity, it emphasizes taking action to declutter. With a focus on addressing the negative impacts of hoarding on well-being, the podcast advocates for immediate steps towards organization and change.

This podcast provides 31 practical tasks to tackle hoarding, including discarding old magazines and newspapers, evaluating outdated electronic devices, matching Tupperware lids, and disposing of expired medication. It also suggests decluttering food, books, pens, single socks, old calendars, dead batteries, and promotional items. Tips include unsubscribing from emails, evaluating sentimental items, and setting up a monthly Zoom call for accountability.

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Today with Dr Jan Eppingstall, I look at the nuanced approaches needed for effectively supporting people with hoarding disorder. Jan provides valuable insights for therapists, emphasising the importance of curiosity, collaboration, and empathy in therapeutic sessions. The episode explores evidence-based interventions, the significance of exposure therapy, and the challenges counsellors may face when working with hoarding clients. Additionally, practical tips for building trust and understanding the unique needs of hoarders are shared. Listen for the tools you need to make a meaningful difference in the lives of your clients. Therapeutic Approach to Hoarding Disorder Importance of Collaboration in Therapy Hands-On Support and In-Home Visits Exposure Therapy Patience, Empathy, and Understanding in Therapy Different Modes of Therapy (CBT, ACT, Person-Centred Therapy) Education and Support for Mental Health Professionals Minimal Education on Hoarding Disorder in Clinical Psychology Programs Building Expertise in Hoarding Disorder Seeking Supervision Need for an Eclectic Approach in Therapy Values Clarification, Problem Solving Challenges for Therapists Generalist vs. Specialist Counsellors Addressing Co-Occurring Mental Health Issues Impact of Hoarding on Other Mental Health Issues Preparedness of Therapists to Deal with Hoarding Effective Therapies (Exposure Therapy, Cognitive Techniques) Collaboration with Professional Organizers Building Trust with Clients Generalist counsellors deal with common mental health issues. Open dialogue and willingness to share knowledge. Understanding clients holistically Struggles with hoarding and perfectionism in therapy. Assisting clients with letting go of possessions. Exposure technique for easing attachment to possessions. Tiny habits Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Podcast explores prioritizing tasks in hoarding situations with limited energy. Tips include setting tiny achievable goals, adjusting expectations, and focusing on safety. Strategies for making tasks more manageable and finding motivation. Chapters cover CBT affordability, managing clutter, overcoming challenges with low energy, and unexpected insights.

Learn how to dehoard when you're busy with practical tips like making lists for short intervals, setting achievable goals, and seeking help. Discover the power of productive procrastination, saying no to new items, gamifying decluttering, and tracking time for efficiency. Prioritize, understand motivations, and rest while decluttering to maintain progress and motivation.

Meg Kissack discusses compassionate productivity, challenging traditional advice, valuing rest, and redefining self-care. Emphasizing emotional well-being, personal growth, and resisting marketing tactics, the conversation advocates for embracing vulnerability, making tasks fun, and fostering genuine connections.

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Episode transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Today, I look at the link between loneliness and hoarding behaviour with special guest Vassia Sarantopoulou, an expert psychologist and relationship counsellor. Come on a thought-provoking journey as Vassia and I discuss the complexities of loneliness, and practical steps for combating the shame associated with hoarding. There's the deep impact of societal expectations on emotional expression and emphasise the importance of forming genuine human connections for those affected by hoarding. From identifying warning signs of loneliness to exploring the link between trauma, grief, and hoarding, this episode offers insights into the struggles faced by individuals dealing with compulsive hoarding and the loneliness that often accompanies it. Vassia shares effective strategies for overcoming loneliness, reaching out for support, and finding ways to rebuild connections when you hoard. This episode is a candid and compassionate exploration of the intersection between loneliness and hoarding, offering support for those seeking to break the cycle. Loneliness and Its Impact Stigma and Misconceptions Surrounding Loneliness Two Layers of Loneliness: Normal Feeling vs. Deeper Sense of Loneliness Common Causes of Loneliness Overcoming the Fear of Rejection and Making New Friends Difficulties in Discussing Personal Struggles with Friends Importance of Creating Safe Spaces for Discussing Grief and Negative Emotions Combatting Shame and Overcoming Self-Judgment Steps to Combat Shame Associated with Hoarding Behaviour Impact of Societal Expectations on Emotional Expression Building Human Connections and Combatting Feelings of Shame Associated with Hoarding Behaviour Practical Steps to Build Human Connections and Combat Feelings of Shame Associated with Hoarding Behaviour Addressing Shame and Overcoming Self-Imposed Judgment Related to Hoarding Gradual Approach to Disclosing Hoarding in Relationships Practical Advice and Resources Purpose of Social Activities: Engaging in Activities to Reduce Pressure and Stress Building Relationships and Disclosing Hoarding: Choosing the Right Moment and Managing Expectations Taking a Gradual Approach to Disclosing Hoarding in Relationships Impact of Hoarding Symptoms on Loneliness Warning Signs of Loneliness and Isolation Mental and Physical Health Effects of Loneliness Seeking Harmful or Unhealthy Relationships Due to Loneliness The Contribution of Trauma, Grief, and Loss to Hoarding Behaviour and Loneliness Dual layers of loneliness lead to isolation. Loneliness stems from disconnecting from ourselves. Impact of loneliness mental and physical health. Loneliness and trauma can lead to hoarding. Reconnect with old friends, join social groups. Healing involves selective sharing and seeking help. Guide, allow time, ask, express, connect authentically. Layered loneliness: valuing connections, deeper isolation, worthiness doubts, fear, rationalisation. Relying solely on objects for emotional needs Neglecting physical appearance Changes in sleep Loss of interest in activities Hopelessness or helplessness. Traumatic experiences can lead to hoarding and social isolation as a protective mechanism. People in healing choose carefully who to share with Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.