That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

#133 What to prioritise when you can only do the absolute basics

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast transcript: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-133-what-to-prioritise-when-you-can-only-do-the-absolute-basics/Today, I talk about prioritising when you're facing a hoarding situation and can only manage the absolute basics, with guidance for people struggling with motivation, energy, and overwhelming emotions like depression or grief. Tackling the challenges of hoarding when feeling depleted, the episode explores practical ways to approach the situation. Tune in for strategies to navigate hoarding with compassion and practicality, understanding that even the smallest progress is a step forward.Prioritising tasks and setting realistic goalsIdentifying the most effective tasks with limited time and energyBeing objective and evaluating what can be done with available energyAvoiding busywork and focusing on tasks that push the needleAdjusting high standards and expectations to avoid disappointmentFinding motivation in something you care slightly aboutIdentifying and prioritising safety concernsSetting tiny, achievable goals to avoid feeling like a failureUsing the hummingbird method to set yourself up for successOpting for tasks that require less emotional energy and decision-makingMaking tasks easier and setting up for successIncorporating comfort TV or music to make tasks more manageableEstablishing a single daily taskSeeking help to understand the reasons behind challengesExploring available options for support and improvementSetting up a reward system without resorting to purchasing itemsPracticing gentleness and self-compassionOvercoming obstacles and taking small stepsRecognising that small progress is still progressImplementing tasks that take only a few minutes to accomplishUnderstanding that self-care can involve both urging yourself to do things and allowing yourself to restConsider effective use of limited time and energy.Find one thing you care about.Being kind to your future self.Consider options for small impactful actions when lacking energy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#132 How to dehoard when you’re really, really busy: tackling clutter in tiny time slots

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/In today's episode, I talk about trying to dehoard when life is jam-packed with commitments. I share practical tips for making the most of those precious spare moments, tackling small areas at a time, and procrastination. I discuss productive procrastination, setting achievable goals, and seeking help, as well as valuable insights on time management, priorities and self-compassion.Strategies for Dehoarding When You're Really Really BusyUtilising small pockets of time for dehoardingWaiting for a call, boiling the kettle, or other short intervalsMaking a list of tasks for different time durationsFocusing on small areas and celebrating small victoriesSeeing visible progress and maintaining motivationProductive procrastination and not making things worseHarnessing time spent on other useful tasksSaying no to new items and time commitmentsGamifying decluttering and being consistentSetting daily goals for items to get rid ofSeeking help from others with time-consuming tasksTracking time to save time and prioritiseTracking time for analysis and identifying areas for saving timeUsing data to approach work about schedule changesPrioritising and understanding personal motivations for declutteringThe importance of rest and downtime while working on declutteringDeclutter efficiently using small pockets of time.Small victories lead to progress.Productive procrastination: using time for useful tasks.Learn to say no to new commitments.Consistency is key for successful project completion.Delegate tasks, track time for better efficiency.Balancing work and leisure is essential for well-being.Forgive yourself, prioritise and seek self-compassion.Reframe busyness as even more reason to simplify and declutterSmall victories help to spur further progressMaking the most of odd bits of time.Commitments and requests you don’t want to doConsistency over time is more productive than sporadic bursts.Delegating tasksRest and downtime are essential for mental and physical health. It's not about suffering, but finding balance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#131 Compassionate productivity with Meg Kissack of the Daily Pep: Challenging the Cult of Productivity, Rethinking Self-Care and Embracing Vulnerability

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast transcript: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-131-compassionate-productivity-with-meg-kissack-of-the-daily-pep-challenging-the-cult-of-productivity-rethinking-self-care-and-embracing-vulnerability/Today I welcome Meg Kissack to talk about compassionate productivity. We discuss the importance of showing up for yourself, taking imperfect action, and acknowledging the value of rest. We gently challenge traditional productivity advice, emphasising the emotional aspect of getting things done and the need to deprogramme the idea that rest must be earned. The conversation also addresses misconceptions about self-care, the impact of advertising on self-worth, and the necessity of embracing vulnerability and rewriting the narrative of success.Tune in as we advocate for embracing personal quirks, fostering genuine connections, and initiating more honest discussions beyond the façade of social media perfection.Compassionate Productivity and Personal GrowthThe importance of showing up for oneselfTaking imperfect actionThe value of rest as a productive elementDeprogramming the idea that rest must be earnedMaking friends with our future selvesSmall actions can make a big differenceReplacing inner critic with inner wisdomMaking tasks fun and easierRedefining Self-CareRedefining self-preservationRecognising and resisting marketing tactics and old narrativesThe impact of advertising targeting women and playing into insecuritiesEmbracing Vulnerability and Self-WorthRewriting the narrative of successOvercoming the fear of starting something before feeling completely readyFinding wisdom in people who are open about failures and the process of successRecognising self-worth without achieving goals or milestonesPracticing self-compassion and acceptanceSelf-worth and embracing personal quirksDisparity between ideal productivity routines and realityComplexity of mental health issues, financial struggles, and relationshipsUnrealistic and patronising nature of one-size-fits-all approach to productivityDdisconnect between privilege and realityStruggle with pushing through, compassion for self.Shame cycle of productivity and self-judgment.Transactional mindset, cruel self-treatment, need for imperfection.Self-worth leads to better decisions and boundaries.Self-worth isn't a game to unlock.Struggle with self-compassion and body image.Bohemian Rhapsody helps motivate and focus.Challenging the consumerism of self-care experience.Productivity doesn't always mean more is better.Struggle with cultural pressure to push through, learned to be compassionate for better well-being.Shame cycle, internalisation, and moral judgement. Compassionate productivity needed.Struggle with mental health and hoarding is complex and not easily fixed.Value yourself, make decisions that support you, self-worth leads to positive change.The struggle of starting small tasks with the intention of leading to bigger accomplishments.Questioning spending and self-care without materialism, commercialisation of self-care.Active self-care vs passive self-care. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#130 Loneliness and hoarding with Vassia Sarantopoulou: build human connections and combat hoarding-related shame

Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeEpisode 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 ImpactStigma and Misconceptions Surrounding LonelinessTwo Layers of Loneliness: Normal Feeling vs. Deeper Sense of LonelinessCommon Causes of LonelinessOvercoming the Fear of Rejection and Making New FriendsDifficulties in Discussing Personal Struggles with FriendsImportance of Creating Safe Spaces for Discussing Grief and Negative EmotionsCombatting Shame and Overcoming Self-JudgmentSteps to Combat Shame Associated with Hoarding BehaviourImpact of Societal Expectations on Emotional ExpressionBuilding Human Connections and Combatting Feelings of Shame Associated with Hoarding BehaviourPractical Steps to Build Human Connections and Combat Feelings of Shame Associated with Hoarding BehaviourAddressing Shame and Overcoming Self-Imposed Judgment Related to HoardingGradual Approach to Disclosing Hoarding in RelationshipsPractical Advice and ResourcesPurpose of Social Activities: Engaging in Activities to Reduce Pressure and StressBuilding Relationships and Disclosing Hoarding: Choosing the Right Moment and Managing ExpectationsTaking a Gradual Approach to Disclosing Hoarding in RelationshipsImpact of Hoarding Symptoms on LonelinessWarning Signs of Loneliness and IsolationMental and Physical Health Effects of LonelinessSeeking Harmful or Unhealthy Relationships Due to LonelinessThe Contribution of Trauma, Grief, and Loss to Hoarding Behaviour and LonelinessDual 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 needsNeglecting physical appearanceChanges in sleepLoss of interest in activitiesHopelessness 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.

#129 Is this the hill you want to die on? Psychological flexibility, rigidity and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeToday, I'm looking at psychological flexibility and rigidity with Dr. Jan Eppingstall. Join us as we explore the impact of changing hoarding behaviours and learn about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a powerful tool in addressing psychological inflexibility. Discover the six core processes of psychological flexibility and inflexibility, and gain insights into challenging rigid beliefs. We'll also discuss the role of curiosity and acceptance in fostering adaptability and open-mindedness. So, grab your headphones and get ready for an enlightening conversation on embracing change and overcoming psychological rigidity.Importance of Psychological Flexibility in HoardingPsychology inflexibility's role in hoarding behaviourImpact on life satisfactionApplication to all humans, not just clinical pathologiesAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a Model for Psychological Adaptability and HealthThe 6 core processes of psychological flexibility and inflexibilityAcceptance vs. experiential avoidanceDiffusion vs. cognitive fusionFlexible attention to the present moment vs. inflexible attentionSelf as context vs. attachment to conceptualised selfCommitted action vs. inactivity or impulsivityHexaflex and its originChanging BehavioursTrying new things, compromising, and risk-takingChange in one area affecting various aspects of lifeTechniques for Managing Panic AttacksAddressing panic attacks through curiosity and acceptanceHealing experience of being understood and acceptedMacro and Micro PerspectivesTechniques such as meditation or mindfulness"Yes, And" Technique and Promoting Open-MindednessRole in promoting compromise and open-mindednessImportance of considering alternatives with a curious and open mindHoarding, rigidity, and psychological inflexibilityExperiential avoidance and ruminationInflexible actionsAdapt to different situations while staying true to your valuesTaking action towards values, maintaining psychological flexibility.Practice observing your thoughts through thought listingWorking on being less rigid, more flexible.Mediation in statistical analysis.Consider alternatives, embrace curiosity.Finding flexibility in perspective improves relationshipsValues to guide actions.Acceptance, understanding, and support from trusted individuals.Discussion on rigidity and inflexibility in hoarding, its correlation with various mental health issues.ACT academics aimed to create unified therapy model, different from DSM.Living in state of inaction, choosing values for action.Experiential avoidance, cognitive fusionACT for hoarding.Questioning negative thoughts, being psychologically flexible, and testing beliefs to overcome attachment to possessions.Flexibility vs. avoidance in behaviour and mindset.Awareness of thoughts and feelings helps in making wise decisions.Being creative and adaptable in different contextsPeople may act differently in various situations, but there is a constant sense of self.Neurodiversity may impact ability to visualize or notice thoughts.Struggling with rigidity and flexibility, challenging it.Questioning values, flexibility, and inflexibility in decision-making and life choices."Yes, and."Actions not matching with valuesThought listing exercise to align with values. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

REMIX: Couples and hoarding: An interview with relationship therapist Laura Silverstein

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#128 Time management and hoarding: How living in a hoard impacts your time, stress and productivity

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeI take a look at the time-consuming nature of living in a hoard, including the impact of clutter on daily life. I cover the stress, procrastination, and decision fatigue that come with hoarding to shed light on the ways in which hoarding not only affects our living spaces but also consumes valuable time. Tune in for a candid conversation that challenges perceptions and offers a fresh perspective on the journey to overcome compulsive hoarding.Questioning time for tidying in a cluttered life. Gradual realisation about time consumption.Tidying takes time, hoarding takes longer.Organising the kitchen, decluttering, and categorising food items.Knowing where things are saves time.Reducing possessions saves time and effort.Hoarding makes cleaning harder and time-consuming.Rethink hoarding, liberate yourself, save future time.American society invented the concept of human failure.Organising saves time and reduces clutter.Having too much stuff makes cleaning difficult and time-consuming.The burden of hoarding and time wastedReframing thoughts to improve decluttering.The concept of human failure was an American invention due to a capitalist society.The misconception of tidy people spending all their time cleaning and tidying.The realisation that living in hoarding is time-consuming due to the difficulties caused by clutter.The Impact of Hoarding on Daily LifeThe stress and time wasted in finding everyday items in a hoarded home.Decision-making process and procrastination caused by overwhelming clutter.Cleaning Challenges and Time ManagementThe additional time required for cleaning and maintenance in a hoarded home.The difficulty of keeping a hoarded home clean compared to a neat and tidy home.The liberating aspect of dehoarding by freeing up time for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#127 Overcoming overspending with Paige Pritchard, Money Coach

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeToday, I am joined by the insightful Paige Pritchard, a money coach and the owner of the Overcoming Overspending community. Together, we dig into the complexities of overspending, addressing its emotional roots and psychological impact on individuals' lives. Paige offers invaluable insights into understanding the deeper motivations behind spending habits and emphasises the need to reclaim control and satisfaction in life. We discuss practical strategies, such as the "urge jar" to create distance from impulsive buying and find fulfilment without overspending. Join us as we explore the psychological effects of spending habits and discover empowering approaches to overcome overspending.Overspending definedImpact of shopping on time, relationships, confidence.Men face stigma for impulse spending, too.Striving for perfectionProducts tied to identity and feelingsResist urge to splurgeAnticipation brings more pleasure than actual events.Recognise brain's responseIndividual approach: abstainer vs moderator.YNAB for budget transparency.Budgeting software provides helpful transparency for planning.Impact of shopping on time, relationships, and financial confidence.Perfectionism and spending habitsConsumerism links products to identities and emotionsDelay impulse buyingBaseline awareness of brain's response to threatsNo spend challengesPersonal spending behaviourSigns of overspendingFinancial implicationsTime spent on shopping and acquiringImpact on relationshipsFinancial self-confidenceImpact on environment and clutterUnderstanding Motivations and Emotional Experiences Behind Spending Aspirational spendingConsumer cultureDeeper motivations behind spending habitsImpact of spending habits on psychological wellbeingDeeper reasons behind excessive spendingRegaining a sense of controlEscaping lifeManaging Impulse BuyingScarcity Spending The "urge jar" as a toolForm a new habit loopDopamine without spending money.Fear of missing outManaging RegretDecision MakingInevitability of emotionsImplications of extreme approaches.Budgeting softwareManaging annual expensesPsychological perspective behind impulsive buyingCreating distance before making a purchase.Impact of social media on contributing to overconsumptionDownplaying shopping addiction.The seriousness of shopping addiction and its effect on people's lives, especially for women. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#126 Insight and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall: Unravelling anosognosia, clutter blindness, denial, psychological reactance and overvalued ideation

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeToday with Dr Jan Eppingstall I explore the nuanced concept of insight in hoarding. From defining overvalued ideation to understanding the levels of insight, we unravel the challenges individuals face in recognising and addressing their hoarding behaviours. Through personal experiences, expert advice, and valuable research insights, this episode sheds light on personalised treatment approaches, effective communication strategies, and the importance of empathy and compassion. Get ready to gain a deeper understanding of hoarding disorder and discover practical ways to support individuals on their journey to overcoming compulsive hoarding.Insight into HoardingLevels and Types of InsightInsight Variability Among IndividualsFactors Influencing Insight (e.g. Comorbidity, Trauma, Life Experiences)Insight Study by Helena Drury and ColleaguesInsight in Diagnosis of Hoarding DisorderRelationship Between Hoarding Severity, Self-Criticism, Shame, and Preservation of Self-ConceptOvercoming Clutter BlindnessGetting Rid of Things and Challenging ThoughtsTaking Photographs of Living SpacesVulnerability in Showing Spaces to Someone ElseExposing Oneself to Getting Rid of Things and Challenging ThoughtsIdentifying and Addressing Lack of InsightAnosognosia and Overvalued IdeationReflecting Feelings and ThoughtsThe LEAP Technique for Support People, Coaches, and TherapistsUnderstanding Hoarding BehaviourMotivations Behind Hoarding TendenciesDefensive Denial and Psychological ReactanceDemographics and Characteristics of Hoarders in Research Settings and Community ServicesNeurocognitive Damage and Insight into Hoarding BehaviorCommunication and Approach in Supporting HoardersValidating Concerns and Correcting MisunderstandingsEmpathetic and Compassionate ApproachUsing "Yes, And" Technique in ConversationsTailoring Therapy Approach for Hoarding ClientsTreating things as an ExperimentImportance of Curiosity and Playfulness in Therapy ApproachLimitations of Manualised Treatments Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#125 Clearing hoarding hurdles: Anticipating and overcoming roadblocks in the dehoarding process

Subscribe to the podcast - https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribeBy acknowledging potential roadblocks ahead, we can prepare emotionally and practically for upcoming challenges and even get more efficient when we’re dehoarding. I talk about the importance of being proactive, realistic, creative and adaptable when facing obstacles, while also seeking professional support when needed. I look at the need for planning, prioritising, and breaking down tasks into smaller chunks to overcome difficulties. Anticipating obstacles improves efficiency and motivation.Anticipating challenges leads to proactive decision-making.Anticipate obstacles, reflect, and evaluate for success.Stay open to possibilities, prepare for obstacles.Planning can overcome mental obstacles for success.Preparing for challenges in dehoarding process.Anticipate challenges and plan preventive measures.Allow yourself rest, plan ahead, ask for help.Anticipating obstacles while working. Subconscious problem-solving.Anticipating obstacles improves efficiency and reduces discouragement.Anticipating challenges improves decision-making, reduces panic. Being proactive is key.Planning to deal with nostalgic stuff eventually, while focusing on current tasks and building up decluttering skills.Anticipate and adapt to obstacles, focus on progress rather than completion. Reflection and objective evaluation are key.Stay open to possibilities, prepare with needed supplies, seek advice on overcoming obstacles from others.Address decision fatigue, burnout, and overwhelm to avoid stops and starts and make consistent progress.Prepare for challenges, gain confidence from past experiences.Anticipate and prevent burnout by pacing work, taking breaks.Take days off even if it feels wrong. Plan ahead and seek help.Tip for calming mindImportance of Anticipating ObstaclesBenefits of problem-solving and emotional preparednessImproving efficiency and momentum in the decluttering processAssisting in planning, prioritising, and decision-makingOvercoming ChallengesDifficulty of anticipating obstacles, particularly for novicesLeveraging experience to anticipate and surmount obstaclesAdaptability, creativity, and flexibility in addressing anticipated obstaclesThe value of trust, resourcefulness, and forward planningNostalgic items as potential distractions and triggersThe importance of realistic goal setting and objective evaluationAnticipating Logistical ChallengesEnsuring necessary supplies are availableLearning from others' experiences with obstacles and their solutionsImportance of planning, breaking down tasks, and consistent progress Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.