Hoarding Disorder/Tendencies
Unfortunately, in hoarding disorder, attention is often focused on the behaviour itself (i.e., the accumulation of items and difficulty discarding them), rather than on the underlying reasons for its development and what maintains it. As a result, it is frequently reduced to “clutter” or viewed as a problem of organisation. In reality, however, hoarding disorder is a complex and often debilitating condition that can be highly distressing for both the individual and those around them.
Hoarding Disorder has only relatively recently been recognised as a distinct mental health condition. As a result, it is often misunderstood, and accessing specialist support can be difficult. Many approaches also tend to focus primarily on clearing spaces, rather than understanding the person behind the behaviour.
For many individuals, hoarding can be linked to one or more of the following:
emotional attachment and meaning
past experiences, including trauma or loss
difficulties with decision-making or letting go
a sense of safety, identity, or control
Because of this, approaches that focus solely on decluttering can feel overwhelming and may not lead to sustainable long-term change. Hoarding often requires a sensitive and psychologically informed approach, to support changes that are meaningful and sustainable.
A Thoughtful, Psychological Approach
My work focuses on understanding hoarding disorder from a psychological and relational perspective. I offer a confidential, non-judgemental space, from which we will be able to explore your experiences with sensitivity and compassion, including:
your deeper beliefs and experiences that underpin the behaviour
your emotional and relational context
what possessions represent for you
your patterns that maintain/contribute to the behaviour
what person-centred interventions, tailored to you, will support your most effectively to produce deep, long-term changes
This will allow us to work at a pace that feels manageable and respectful. It will also allow us to think collaboratively about what combination of person-tailored interventions may be most beneficial in targeting your specific difficulties. The aim is not to force change, but to support understanding, increase flexibility and foster meaningful, sustainable shifts over time.
What I Bring
My work is informed by a combination of:
Clinical psychology training - As a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, I am a highly trained mental health professional. I use an integrative approach, drawing on evidence-based models such as CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you make sense of your hoarding difficulties and to support meaningful and lasting change within a safe, non-judgemental space.
Research expertise - I have conducted doctoral-level research into hoarding disorder, including its complexity, comorbidities, and the experiences of family members affected by it.
Ongoing professional involvement - As hoarding disorder represents a clinical and research interest of mine, I am committed to ongoing professional development in the field. I am a member of both the UK Hoarding Research Network and the UK Hoarding Professional Network.
Alongside this, I bring my deep respect for the lived experiences of those affected by hoarding difficulties.
Working with Individuals and Families
Hoarding disorder can often affect not only the individual, but also those around them. Because of this I offer:
Individual therapy - to understand and work with the underlying and presenting psychological processes
Support with related difficulties - including anxiety, trauma, and other overlapping difficulties
Family support and consultation - to help others respond in ways that are more effective and less distressing
Individual therapy for family members - to provide a space to process their own experiences and receive tailored support
A Space to be Understood
Hoarding can be isolating, and often accompanied by shame or misunderstanding. Working with me will offer a space where:
your experience is taken seriously
you are not judged or rushed
and change is approached with depth, care and respect
Get In Touch
You are very welcome to get in touch to get a sense of how I work and whether we might be a good fit.