That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

• #202 "Acting as if" for hoarding disorder

  Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/  In this episode, I talk about the idea of "acting as if" - taking action before you fully believe you can, and using that to chip away at compulsive hoarding behaviours. I share stories from my own life, including how channelling others’ confidence helped me move through paralysing shyness, and how small steps can help shift thinking around possessions and habits. It’s all about behaving your way to progress, even when your feelings haven’t caught up yet. Listen in to find out more, including how to go about it without burning out or being retraumatised. Introduction to "Acting As If" Explanation of the “acting as if” concept: taking action before you truly believe in it Shyness in childhood, learning to appreciate autumn) Psychological Basis for "Acting As If" Theory that action creates motivation Contrast with waiting for motivation or readiness Clarification: distinction from toxic positivity Application to Hoarding Disorder Connection between repeated cycles and hoarding behaviour How new actions create evidence and lead to belief changes Importance of breaking cycles of hoarding through behaviour change Practical Strategies for Acting As If Imagining how another person (someone without hoarding disorder) would act Acting as if items are already gone to help with psychological closure Acting as if you trust the process or expert advice Acting as if you deserve a nicer home and greater self-worth Acting as if letting go of items won’t be as painful as feared Acting as if you can tolerate discomfort Common Obstacles and Challenges Feeling like a fraud or being inauthentic New actions feeling unnatural Comparison to physiotherapy exercises: discomfort as a sign of change Intensification of difficult feelings and memories Panic, grief, anger, fear Navigating emotional responses and learning from them Separating intense emotions from actual danger Distinguishing between productive discomfort and harmful pushing Productive discomfort vs. burnout or retraumatisation Importance of support and learning moderation Slipping up after success with “acting as if” Giving yourself permission to start again Using setbacks as data, not failure Benefits of Acting As If Reduction of analysis paralysis and cognitive overload Achieving small wins and momentum Disproving fears through new evidence Gradual adaptation of beliefs and feelings to new behaviours Brain’s capacity to notice new patterns and adapt Tips and Encouragement for Trying “Acting As If” Suggests listeners identify one area to test acting as if Reassurance that belief is not required to begin Details about the Chirp Your Home decluttering course Links Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking Form Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding Become a Dehoarding Darling Submit a topic for the podcast to cover Questions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions Instagram: @thathoarderpodcast Twitter: @ThatHoarder Mastodon: @[email protected] TikTok: @thathoarderpodcast Facebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder Pinterest: That Hoarder YouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder Reddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subreddit Help out: Support this project Sponsor the podcast Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to the podcast here

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• REMIX: Hoarding disorder, Diogenes syndrome or squalor? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

  Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/  I am full of germs and even huskier than usual, so this week, enjoy this fascinating conversation with Dr Jan Eppingstall, where we talk about hoarding disorder vs Diogenes syndrome vs squalor vs disposophobia vs syllogomania vs Plyushkin Syndrome vs Havisham Syndrome! Phew! You can get the full show notes and transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-116-hoarding-vs-squalor-vs-diogenes-syndrome-with-dr-jan-eppingstall/ 

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• #201 The myth of being prepared for every eventuality: how hoarding can make us less ready for emergencies

  Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/  Many of us hoard because we believe we’re making ourselves ready for anything life throws at us, but the reality is that no amount of “just in case” clutter can truly prepare us for every scenario. In this episode, I break down the myth of preparedness, explore how hoarding can actually make us less equipped for real emergencies, and talk about why resourcefulness matters much more than having piles of stuff. The Myth of Being Prepared for Every Eventuality Exploration of the comforting idea behind keeping possessions to be “ready” for anything. Recognition that life is unpredictable and impossible to fully prepare for. Infinite Possibilities vs. Realities Discussion of how each item is kept for imagined infinite scenarios. The logical impossibility of keeping items for every scenario (need for infinite space and money). Emotional and anxiety-driven decision-making despite logical understanding. Specificity of Items and Mismatched Preparation Example of items with specific uses that don’t match actual needs when situations arise. The paradox of saving more items not solving the mismatch issue. Emphasis that saving more increases clutter but doesn’t increase preparedness. Sensible Preparation vs. Over-Preparation Differentiation between healthy, reasonable preparation (e.g., first aid kit) and hoarding excess. The importance of context when deciding what to keep. The Role of Resourcefulness Real-life anecdotes (tampon as nosebleed fix, ballpoint pen tracheotomy) illustrating resourcefulness over mere possession. Recognition of creativity and adaptability as coping strategies. Importance of improvisation and problem-solving in handling emergencies. Asking for Help and Community Support Discussion of the difficulty and value in seeking help from others. Mention of the podcast’s accountability sessions as a supportive community resource. Irony of Over-Preparedness: How Hoarding Reduces Actual Preparedness Analysis of how clutter inhibits effective response to emergencies (e.g., inability to locate items, blocked exits). Emotional and mental burden caused by excessive possessions. Emotional Drivers of Hoarding and Over-Preparedness Exploration of the underlying anxieties and emotional needs that drive hoarding. Misconception that acquiring more will eventually soothe anxiety. Discussion about the lack of true satisfaction or security from excessive possessions. The Illusion of Vindication Occasional moments when a hoarded item becomes useful, creating a sense of justification. Cost-benefit analysis: space, annoyance, energy, and opportunity cost versus occasional convenience. Distinguishing Between Convenience and Necessity Recognition that the vast majority of saved items are never useful. Importance of resourcefulness and adaptability over keeping every possible item. Everyday Adaptation and Coping Examples of daily improvisation and making do (e.g., using coins as screwdrivers, managing without umbrellas). Emphasis on resilience and ability to cope with small inconveniences. The Trap of Occasional Justification Analogy to gambling: occasional “wins” reinforce maladaptive habits. Warning against letting rare vindications justify continued hoarding. Embracing “Good Enough” and Trusting Future Capabilities Acceptance that total preparedness is impossible. Focus on nourishment, present needs, and trusting future resilience and creativity. The freeing power of letting go of the need for complete preparedness. True security and preparedness come from adaptability and trust, not material accumulation. Links Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking Form Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding Become a Dehoarding Darling Submit a topic for the podcast to cover Questions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions Instagram: @thathoarderpodcast Twitter: @ThatHoarder Mastodon: @[email protected] TikTok: @thathoarderpodcast Facebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder Pinterest: That Hoarder YouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder Reddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subreddit Help out: Support this project Sponsor the podcast Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to the podcast here

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• REMIX: Overcome overspending and compulsive shopping with Paige Pritchard

  Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/  This week, let's revisit a brilliant conversation I had with money coach Paige Pritchard all about overspending, compulsive shopping, and resisting the urge to binge buy.  Get the full show notes and transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-127-overcoming-overspending-with-paige-pritchard-money-coach/ 

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• #200 Things I wish I'd known: a letter to Episode One Me

  Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/  Reflecting on the journey from my terrified first recording to episode 200, I am talking today how speaking out brought connection, understanding, and a community I never thought possible. This episode is a letter to my past self, and it’s also to you. It’s honest about what’s changed, what’s still hard, and the unexpected power of not being alone. If you’re struggling too, know you’re part of something bigger here. Letter to Episode One Self Emotional state during the podcast's inception (fear, isolation, shame) Misconceptions about being alone with hoarding disorder The unexpected journey and growth started by publishing the first episode Early Understanding of Hoarding Disorder Lack of knowledge about hoarding at the start Pain of isolation and confusion Limited exposure to terminology, research, and causes Learning and Personal Growth Through the Podcast Gained understanding about the science and psychology of hoarding Insight into links with trauma, grief, ADHD, autism, and anxiety Struggles and gradual improvements in managing inner critic Realities of Recovery No “quick fix” for hoarding disorder; non-linear progress Importance of learning Learning to discuss hard issues before they are resolved Building a Community Realisation of not being alone — over 400,000 plays Listeners’ responses and the impact of shared stories The growth of a supportive community, accountability calls, and new friendships Challenging Shame and Secrecy Confronting and gradually reducing shame through connection The belief that shame was deserved begins to change Disclosure of hoarding disorder to three real-life people and their supportive reactions Helping Others Through Honest Sharing Helps others feel less alone Listeners gain courage, understanding, and the will to seek help Gained Wisdom & Tools Increased confidence, self-trust, and knowledge Action, however small, is key to progress Understanding that worth is not tied to cleanliness or orderliness Recognition that recovery is more than just decluttering Accepting Ongoing Struggles Open acknowledgment that challenges persist Emphasis on wisdom and resilience, not just results Evolution as a Podcaster Recognition of the podcast’s impact on the host and the community Gratitude for guests and listeners Encouragement to continue the journey, highlighting non-linearity and hope Thanking podcast guests Appreciation for both long-time and new listeners Links Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking Form Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding Become a Dehoarding Darling Submit a topic for the podcast to cover Questions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions Instagram: @thathoarderpodcast Twitter: @ThatHoarder Mastodon: @[email protected] TikTok: @thathoarderpodcast Facebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder Pinterest: That Hoarder YouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder Reddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subreddit Help out: Support this project Sponsor the podcast Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to the podcast here  

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