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That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

By: That Hoarder
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 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 speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives.© 2023 Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with @ThatHoarder Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • #195 Why is it so hard to deal with uncertainty in hoarding disorder? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

    #195 Why is it so hard to deal with uncertainty in hoarding disorder? With Dr Jan Eppingstall
    Jul 25 2025
    Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Why is it so hard to deal with uncertainty, and what does that have to do with hoarding? This week I’m joined by Dr Jan Eppingstall to unpack how our brains handle ambiguity, why fear of making mistakes can keep us stuck, and how intolerance of uncertainty feeds into hoarding behaviours. We break down practical ways to build up your tolerance for not knowing and share some strategies that might actually make a difference. Uncertainty and Its ChallengesDefinition and context of uncertaintyEvolutionary reasons for discomfort with uncertainty (Selfish Brain Theory)Contrast between historical resource scarcity and modern abundanceOur minds’ outdated ways of managing uncertaintyCognitive ClosureWhat is cognitive closure?Difference between cognitive closure (psychological need for definite answers) and “closure” in pop culture (emotional resolution)How it relates to need for certainty in present/future, not just past eventsThe creation of cognitive closure measurement scales by researchersFactors influencing need for cognitive closure:Personality traits: Conscientiousness, neuroticism (now called emotionality), openness to experience, extroversionTrauma history and its effects on the nervous systemNeurodivergence (with emphasis on autism and “sticky thinking”)Combination of personality, trauma, and neurodivergenceIntolerance of UncertaintyPsychological definition of intolerance of uncertaintyNegative cognitive bias: How it affects perception and responseManifestations in people experiencing uncertainty as distressIts direct relevance to hoarding behavioursThe Link Between Hoarding Disorder and Intolerance of UncertaintyResearch findings: intolerance of uncertainty as a predictor of hoarding symptom severityUsefulness in early intervention strategiesintolerance of uncertainty as a transdiagnostic factor (across anxiety, some depression, and other mental health conditions)How heightened anxiety sensitivity in hoarding perpetuates avoidanceExperiential avoidance in hoarding (saving and acquiring behaviours)Connection between maladaptive behaviours and intolerance of uncertaintyFear of Making Mistakes and PerfectionismCommon fears of mistakes in hoarding (disposing, acquiring, putting things away)Perfectionism’s role (fear of failure, not wasting)All-or-nothing thinking and rigid decision-making rulesParalysing effect of avoidance due to fear of mistakesNot making a decision as a potential mistake itselfInteraction and reinforcement between perfectionism and intolerance of uncertaintyComorbidity and SeverityResearch on multiple diagnoses: More than half of psychiatric patients have more than one diagnosisDiagnostic challenges and overlapping criteriaHow comorbidity compounds issues: More symptoms and more complexityHigher intolerance of uncertainty linked with more severe hoarding, especially when other conditions are presentImpact on treatment difficultyintolerance of uncertainty’s Impact on Acquiring and Discarding BehavioursHow acquiring reduces fear of missing out and future needsDifficulty discarding as protection against future regretShame around mistake-makingCommon inner questions: Future use, responsibility, relationshipsMore complexity leading to more avoidanceNuances in intolerance of uncertainty and HoardingStudy on sub-factors of uncertainty:Factor 1: Negative self-referential implications (linked to hoarding severity)Factor 2: Perception of uncertainty as unfair (not linked)Internal vs. external perspectives on uncertaintyRelevance of anxiety-driven self-criticismChanging Relationship to Uncertainty: Curiosity and ReframingRilke’s quote on “loving the questions”Transforming approach from fear to curiosityCuriosity as a therapeutic toolCreativity in imagining alternatives and solutionsRelevance of loss aversion and cognitive biasesModern Life and Uncertainty IntoleranceResearch linking increased use of technology (instant answers) to rising intolerance of uncertaintySmartphone/information overload and decreased tolerance “muscle”Relevance to hoarding (desire for backups, information saving)Example: IMDb, screenshots, saving digital infoTreatment StrategiesCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) effects on intolerance of uncertainty in anxietyAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and exposure-based methods: Pros and consImportance of a therapist experienced in error-related distress and uncertaintyKey skills: Observing distress, sitting with uncomfortable feelings, gradual exposureSelf-help approaches:Reframing mistakes as learningPracticing self-compassionValues-based decision-makingSystematic exposure to small errorsGradually breaking rigid rules (e.g., waste, tidiness)Recognising individual differences and ...
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    1 hr and 2 mins
  • REMIX: 31 things you can dehoard today if you don't know where to start

    REMIX: 31 things you can dehoard today if you don't know where to start
    Jul 18 2025
    • 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/

    Today, let's revisit this episode with 31 things you can dehoard today if you're stuck and don't know where to start. You can find the full episode transcript and show notes here.
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    49 mins
  • #194 Transformation and comfort do not live in the same house: rethinking comfort zones, familiarity, and change

    #194 Transformation and comfort do not live in the same house: rethinking comfort zones, familiarity, and change
    Jul 11 2025
    Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Transformation and comfort rarely go hand in hand, especially when it comes to overcoming compulsive hoarding. In this episode, I talk honestly about why making real change means facing discomfort, based on a quote from Healing Justice London that “transformation and comfort do not live in the same house”. I challenge us to identify the difference between familiarity and comfort, and share practical ways to push through those tough moments - because growth comes from getting a bit uncomfortable. If you’re tired of mistaking chaos for comfort, this one’s for you. “Transformation and comfort do not live in the same house” (Healing Justice London)The universal truth behind the ideaThe necessity of discomfort for real transformationDiscomfort Versus Comfort in the Hoarding ContextFamiliarity as a source of “comfort” for those who hoardRisks of equating familiarity with true comfortThe need for change and its inherent discomfortExamples of positive outcomes after embracing discomfortThe Reality of Discomfort in DehoardingEmotional and physical challenges of dehoardingPotential for overwhelming feelings and anxietyCatastrophising and perfectionism surrounding decision-makingEmotional toll of letting go and possible identity implicationsAcknowledgement that discomfort does not mean failureFamiliarity Versus Authentic ComfortDistinction between feeling comfortable and something being familiarThe false sense of control and security provided by clutterThe actual consequences of living in a hoarded home:Physical hazards (tripping, blocked access, risk in emergencies)Social isolation and shameLack of practical comfort (e.g., not sleeping in one’s own bed)The hidden, ongoing “slow burn” of stress and discomfortMotivation and CommunityImportance of recognising the true discomfort of living with hoardingCommunity connections via the podcast and accountability Zoom sessionsMethods to share resources and reduce isolationReframing Discomfort as GrowthViewing discomfort as a sign of progress rather than a warningThe parallel discomforts of both dehoarding and continuing to hoardMaking conscious choices between competing difficultiesStrategies for Managing DiscomfortTaking small, manageable steps to build resilienceBeing gentle and compassionate with oneself during the processReaching out for support (friends, family, therapist, peer groups)The use and benefit of accountability sessionsThe Broader Benefits of TransformationImproved physical space and wellbeingIncreased self-confidence and prideBetter relationships and decreased shameRegaining practical functionality and freedom at homeEnhanced overall quality of lifePractical Suggestions and Further ResourcesTrying a small, uncomfortable but positive task todayReferences to previous episodes for deeper exploration:Sitting with discomfort and distress tolerance (Episode 49)Building resilience (Episode 70 with Dr. Jan Eppingstall) Links Podcast ep 190: What if we forgive ourselves, but now we know better, we do better? Choosing compassion over shame in hoarding disorderPodcast ep 49: Sitting with discomfort: distress tolerance and hoarding – How unconscious distress avoidance might be worsening your problemsPodcast ep 70: Resilience and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of StuffologyEnough, the PodcastCome to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking FormWebsite: Overcome Compulsive HoardingBecome a Dehoarding DarlingSubmit a topic for the podcast to coverQuestions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestionsInstagram: @thathoarderpodcastTwitter: @ThatHoarderMastodon: @ThatHoarder@mastodon.onlineTikTok: @thathoarderpodcastFacebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderPinterest: That HoarderYouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That HoarderReddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subredditHelp out: Support this projectSponsor the podcast Subscribe to the podcast Subscribe to the podcast here Buy your copy of Everything You Need to Know About Hoarding by Dr Lynne Drummond at cambridge.org/EverythingHoarding, and get 20% off with the discount code HOARDING20. #ad
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    26 mins
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…It’s too soon to tell. But, until now, I haven’t come across anything that doesn’t feel condescending or patronising, but instead, this really feels like it actually might save me before I lose myself again.
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