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with uncertainty (Selfish Brain Theory)Contrast between historical resource scarcity and modern abundanceOur minds’ outdated ways of managing uncertaintyCognitive ClosureWhat is cognitive closure?Difference between cognitive closure (psychological need for definite answers) and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
  • #193 Laziness is a myth. Here's what's actually going on

    #193 Laziness is a myth. Here's what's actually going on
    Jul 4 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/ In this episode, I unpack the myth of laziness and why it’s such a damaging label for people with hoarding disorder. I’ll break down how blaming ourselves or others for being “lazy” ignores the real barriers - like overwhelm, poor mental health, executive dysfunction and more - and just piles on more shame. Let’s get honest about what’s actually holding us back and why reframing this idea matters. The Myth of Laziness in Relation to HoardingRevisiting a previous episode’s question: Are hoarders lazy?Arguments against the idea (hoarded homes require more energy to live in, etc.)The aversion to external intervention reveals deeper issues than lazinessSocietal attitudes towards rest and productivityInternalised and external accusations of lazinessThe damaging effects: shame, isolation, distressUnderstanding Hoarding as a Mental Health IssueHoarding as a coping method for difficult emotionsJudgments of laziness overlook the disorder’s complexity and nuanceSuch labels add barriers to seeking help and reinforce stigmaConsequences of Labelling People who Hoard (or Ourselves) as LazyShame and self-criticism deepen the problemLaziness as a simplistic explanation that ignores underlying issuesPossible root causes: executive dysfunction, decision-making difficulties, emotional attachment to items, avoidance, depression, physical disability, etc.The Harmful Cultural Narrative Around LazinessSocietal pressures to be constantly productiveInaccuracies of the “we all have the same 24 hours” mythDifferences in time and capability due to systemic inequalitiesExamples: physical ability, mental health, neurodivergence, responsibilities, discriminationMoral and Social Implications of the “Lazy” LabelCare tasks are morally neutral (reference to KC Davis, episode 82)The negative cycle: shame leads to paralysis, makes it harder to seek help and make progressLaziness label used as a justification for lack of societal supportPolitical and social consequences for marginalised groupsImportance of community, support, and helping each otherThe Danger of Linking Self-Worth to ProductivityThe toxic culture of non-stop productivity and hustlingProblems with feeling guilty for restingThe spiral of self-worth being tied to continuous outputThe Limiting Nature of the Laziness ConceptIt shuts down further exploration of underlying problemsMissed opportunities for self-compassion, empathy, and effective assistanceUnderlying Reasons for Struggles That Are Mistaken for LazinessLack of motivation: exhaustion, depression, overwhelmOverwhelm due to the scale of the taskExecutive dysfunction (planning, initiating, processing tasks)Fear (of the process, of making wrong decisions, of consequences)Fatigue, burnout, and mental health strugglesBeing practically or emotionally stuck, lacking skills or knowledgeSocietal Structures and Individual BlameBlame placed on individuals ignores wider systemic and commercial influencesIndustries profit from reinforcing personal inadequacy (beauty industry analogy, storage solutions)The cycle of self-blame, shame, and attempts to “fix” via consumerismBreaking the Cycle and Moving ForwardRecognising the myth of laziness enables real progressCompassion, curiosity, and support as healthier responsesEncouragement for self-acceptance and seeking genuine solutions 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 Links Podcast ep 57: Are hoarders lazy? I think you’d be surprised…Podcast ep 82: Dehoarding when you’re drowning with KC Davis of Struggle CarePodcast ep 112: Executive function, executive dysfunction and hoarding with Dr Jan EppingstallPodcast ep 186: 10 executive dysfunction tips and tricks to help people who hoard, whether we have ADHD or are neurodivergent or not – Hoarding Awareness Week 2025Podcast ep 183: ADHD, executive dysfunction and creating hacks and systems to reduce clutter chaos, with Carrie LagerstedtPodcast ep 162: From Fibble to Focus: Defibble your executive dysfunction with Jo CavalotPodcast ep 188: 12 ways to make decision-making easier (and why people who hoard find it so hard to make decisions in the first place!)Podcast ep 139: Chronic disorganisation with Jo Cooke of Hoarding Disorders UKPodcast ep 107: Things that look like hoarding but aren’t: ADHD, depression, autism, OCD, OCPD and moreEnough, the Podcast Come 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...
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    41 mins
  • #192 What if we make mistakes on purpose? The unlikely freedom of doing things badly and letting yourself run out

    #192 What if we make mistakes on purpose? The unlikely freedom of doing things badly and letting yourself run out
    Jun 27 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/ Today I’m talking about why letting yourself make mistakes - like running out of everyday items or doing things imperfectly - can actually help if you’re struggling with hoarding. From challenging perfectionism to rethinking the fear of scarcity, I’ll share how embracing messiness can move us forward. Plus, I’ll offer practical ideas for easing those fears and making progress, one small, imperfect step at a time. Announcement of new dates for Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Sessions.Aimed at connecting people who hoard for conversation and simultaneous decluttering.Details on how to get tickets and availability through several upcoming months.The Value of Making MistakesChallenging the idea of perfection and fear of making mistakes.Proposing the benefits of allowing oneself to:Make more mistakes.Run out of things occasionally.Do things imperfectly or “half-arsed.”Identifying how fear of mistakes and perfectionism can keep people stuck in hoarding behaviours.Perfectionism and Fear of ScarcityPerfectionism:Fear of making the “wrong” decision leads to inaction or keeping everything.Uncertainty about the future and anxiety about discarding items.All-or-nothing thinking: If it can't be done perfectly, it’s not worth starting.Personal reflection on the struggle with perfectionist tendencies.Fear of Scarcity:“Keep it just in case” mentality.Stemming from past experiences of poverty or deprivation.How personal history and upbringing foster scarcity-based behaviours.Recognition that such fears can be irrational and still hold significant power.How this fear leads to over-acquisition and reluctance to discard.Addressing Perfectionism and Scarcity (Mindset Shifts)Techniques to gently challenge perfectionism and scarcity fears.Reframing mistakes as learning opportunities rather than failures.Allowing for experimentation as a method of progress.Embracing Mistakes as a Path ForwardLearning from mistakes as a source of growth and behaviour change.Normalising occasional regrets over discarding or not acquiring something.Comparing the cost of keeping everything versus the occasional “mistake.”Observing emotional responses to mistakes as a way to learn and build decision-making confidence.Encouragement to start with low-risk decisions and build up “dehoarding muscle” gradually.Allowing Things to be Done ImperfectlyEncouragement to “do things badly” rather than waiting for perfect execution.“Done is better than perfect” as a motivating principle.The danger of all-or-nothing thinking leading to perpetual inaction.Practical examples of doing small tasks imperfectly:Tackling a small part of a larger problem (e.g., half a shelf).Donating a partial bag of items.Taking any step forward, even imperfect ones, counts as progress.Allowing Yourself to Run Out of ThingsCreative and resourceful solutions arise when supplies run low.Examples from daily life (cooking, art journalling) where scarcity breeds creativity.Differentiates between essential items and those where running out is an acceptable risk.Suggestions for consciously assessing what’s truly necessary to keep in stock.Experimental Mindset: Treating Dehoarding as Data CollectionEach decision - successful or not - provides valuable data for future choices.Building confidence and capability for bigger, more challenging decluttering decisions over time.Summary and Reinforcement of Key PointsAllow for imperfection, mistakes, and occasional scarcity.Importance of starting with manageable steps and celebrating imperfect progress.“Done is better than perfect”—taking action, however small, is crucial. 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 Links Come 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
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    36 mins
  • #191 How to dehoard when you feel defeated

    #191 How to dehoard when you feel defeated
    Jun 20 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/ Feeling defeated by dehoarding? I’ve been there, and I’m trying to get out of it, so in this episode I unpack what’s really behind that sense of hopelessness, breaking it down into manageable pieces, and sharing practical steps for moving forward - even when it all feels impossible. If you’re stuck, overwhelmed, or just too tired to start, you’re not alone. So let’s talk about some concrete things you can try. 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 Feeling Defeated by DehoardingHost’s recent struggle with feeling defeated and hopelessCommon reasons for feeling defeated:The enormity of the taskPersonal life challenges and lack of timeBreaking down what “defeated” means for individualsSelf-Reflection and Identifying ObstaclesUsing self-questioning techniques inspired by CBTListing and mapping out the causes of defeat on paperExamples of personal obstacles:Fatigue and physical healthDifficulty concentratingEmotional overwhelm and stressShame and self-blameSense of impossibilityBreaking Down Barriers and Theme IdentificationCategorising specific reasons for defeatWriting actionable notes beside each challengeStrategies for managing each obstacle:Sleep hygiene and physical health maintenanceWorking on self-compassion and challenging self-blameSupporting concentration and mental health through self-careTrial and error with productivity and to-do listsCoping with OverwhelmRecognising overwhelm as a rational but paralysing responseTechniques for reducing overwhelm:Breaking tasks into tiny, actionable stepsFocusing on achievable mini-goalsReframing "impossible" goals into manageable actionsAddressing StressHow personal and environmental stress feeds into defeatPractical strategies:Tackling smaller, actionable tasks to relieve work/personal stressHonest communication with peers, family, and colleagues about overwhelmAccepting that some sources of stress require long-term coping rather than immediate solutionsTackling the Sense of ImpossibilityRecognising the vagueness of the feelingReturning to self-analysis to clarify what specifically feels impossibleUsing accumulated small improvements to chip away at the larger sense of defeatDealing with Overwhelm and Taking BreaksGranting oneself intentional breaks to refresh perspective without guiltComparing dehoarding effort to the need for breaks in work lifeRe-evaluating Plans and ExpectationsAssessing the effectiveness of current strategies and goalsAdapting goals to current capacity and circumstancesSeeking external feedback and community supportThe Importance of Support SystemsNurturing and expanding support from peers, professionals, and loved onesRecognising where additional support is neededCelebrating Small WinsThe importance of acknowledging tiny victoriesSuggestions for gentle self-recognition and rewardRecording achievements for self-motivation Links Podcast ep 190: What if we forgive ourselves, but now we know better, we do better? Choosing compassion over shame in hoarding disorderPodcast episode 174: How to feel grounded when we’re overwhelmed or dysregulated using ventral vagal spaces and touchstones, with Dr Jan EppingstallPodcast ep 160: Dehoarding with the seasons: get inspired by nature when everything is overwhelmingPodcast ep 16: Dealing with overwhelmPodcast ep 127: Overcoming overspending with Paige Pritchard, Money CoachFinancial Confessions podcast Come 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
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    37 mins
  • #190 What if we forgive ourselves, but now we know better, we do better? Choosing compassion over shame in hoarding disorder

    #190 What if we forgive ourselves, but now we know better, we do better? Choosing compassion over shame in hoarding disorder
    Jun 13 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/ Today I’m looking at what happens if we forgive ourselves for past hoarding behaviours, why we maybe should, and how we can actually use that insight to make better choices and move forward. I talk honestly about the shame and guilt that keeps so many of us stuck. There’s some reflection on the roots of hoarding, the importance of self-compassion, and why hating ourselves into action just doesn’t work - plus a few practical suggestions for anyone trying to make a change, no matter where you’re starting from. 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 Forgiving Ourselves but Doing BetterExploration of guilt and shame related to hoarding and feeling overwhelmed.Reflection on self-blame, regret, and paralysis it can cause.Catholic upbringing: Confession, forgiveness, and the importance of genuine intent to change.Recognition that hoarding often stems from trauma, loss, fear, anxiety, or neurodivergence.Discussion of cause and effect - influences behind hoarding behavior.Emphasis that hoarders are not lazy or bad people, but in a complex situation.The cycle of self-judgement and the importance of self-compassion as an antidote to shame.Practical advice: Treat oneself with the compassion you’d offer others, challenging negative self-talk.How self-criticism can demotivate and hinder progress.Comparison: Encouraging someone else is more effective than berating oneself.Understanding mistakes, taking responsibility, and making amends when possible.The importance of learning from past experiences and committing to doing better.Practical Strategies for Moving ForwardSuggestions for emotional and action-oriented progress:Journalling or talking to someone about feelings.Looking back with compassion to identify patterns and triggers.Start dehoarding by breaking tasks into small steps.Avoiding perfectionism; celebrating any progress.Reference to "towards and away moves" from episode 182 with Dr. Jan Eppingstall.Identifying values and making choices that align with them.Finding support from therapists, friends, family, support groups, or accountability sessions.Acknowledgement that forgiving oneself is challenging but necessary for progress.Emphasising persistence, compassion, and learning from mistakes.Encouragement and ValidationRecognition of listeners at various stages of their journey - starting, struggling, making progress, or just listening for now.Assurance that small steps count and everyone is doing their best.Emphasis that listeners are not alone. Links Podcast ep 181: Past influences and future possibilities: cause and effect and hoarding disorder (plus Podcasthon)Podcast ep 95: Shame and hoarding with Professor Luna DolezalPodcast ep 182: What are “towards and away moves” and what on earth do they have to do with hoarding recovery? With Dr Jan EppingstallThe Gray Area 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
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    38 mins
  • #189 Emotional, practical and motivational scaffolding - what it is and how to get it, with Dr Jan Eppingstall

    #189 Emotional, practical and motivational scaffolding - what it is and how to get it, with Dr Jan Eppingstall
    Jun 6 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/ This week I’m joined by Dr Jan Eppingstall to talk about scaffolding - what it means, how it helps with hoarding recovery, and why our needs for support change over time. We break down practical, emotional, and motivational scaffolding, from therapy and peer support to self-made systems and the way we talk to ourselves. If you’ve ever wondered how to find the right kind of help without feeling stuck with it forever, this is the episode for you. 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 Explanation of Scaffolding and the Zone of Proximal DevelopmentDefinition of scaffolding from educational psychology.Origins in Lev Vygotsky’s work: helping people accomplish tasks with support.Relevance to hoarding and recovery.Application of Scaffolding to Hoarding RecoveryPsychological, cognitive, and emotional elements in hoarding.Physical and organisational skill deficits in people who hoard.Differences and interplay between psychological barriers and practical skills.Illustrating support levels: from high assistance to independence.Personal examples demonstrating that support needs can resurface over time.The Changing Nature of ScaffoldingScaffolding shifts in form and amount as people progress or encounter setbacks.Individualisation: What’s supportive for one may not be for another.Types of Scaffolding for Hoarding RecoveryExternal supports: therapists, peers, coaches.Direct instruction and physical assistance.Environmental modifications.Tools and resources.Social encouragement and accountability.Assessing current functioning.Matching support to challenge level (not too easy, not too hard).Gradually reducing support as independence grows.Scaffolding for Neurodivergent IndividualsAdjustments for ADHD:Shorter work periods, built-in breaks.Accountability partners and visual reminders/checklists.Adjustments for Autism:Predictable routines.Clear rules and decision trees.Sensory-friendly environments.Executive Function Challenges and Tailored ScaffoldingStrategies like breaking down decisions, using templates, "parking lot" systems for deferred decisions.Recognising that executive function can be context-specific and fluctuate.Importance of Emotional ScaffoldingEmotional regulation during dehoarding.Need for self-soothing and distress-tolerance skills as support is reduced.Informal and Internal ScaffoldingPeer support, self-talk, problem solving, reminders.Adapting systems in the home as a supportive structure.Habituation and Evolvement of Support SystemsReminder fatigue and strategies to combat it (rotating formats, colours, locations).The necessity for systems to evolve as needs and effectiveness change.Mindset Shifts and Realistic ExpectationsAcceptance that supports may need to be re-engaged during crises or setbacks.Not viewing return to scaffolding as failure - progress and healing aren’t linear.Testing assumptions about personal limitations.Re-evaluating and Customising SupportCreating, testing, and modifying practical systems in the home with or without outside perspective.Recognising the value of trying new strategies even if initial skepticism exists. Links Zone of Proximal DevelopmentThe Metaphor of Scaffolding: Its Utility for the Field of Learning Disabilities, Stone, C. Addison, Journal of Learning Disabilities, 0022-2194, July 1, 1998, Vol. 31, Issue 4Podcast ep 183: ADHD, executive dysfunction and creating hacks and systems to reduce clutter chaos, with Carrie LagerstedtMoney Love podcast Podcast ep 127: Overcoming overspending with Paige Pritchard, Money CoachCome to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking FormDr Jan Eppingstall at Stuffologyhttps://www.facebook.com/stuffologyconsulting/https://twitter.com/stuff_ologyhttps://www.instagram.com/stuff_ology/Dr Jan Eppingstall on PinterestWebsite: 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
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    34 mins