Hoarding is characterized by persistent difficulty discarding possessions and holding onto many items. It can lead to significant clutter and difficulty using living spaces as intended. It can also cause distress to the individual or others around them.

Therapy can be a helpful tool for you when it comes to the struggles with hoarding. I will provide support, guidance, and tools to help you understand and address the underlying emotional and psychological issues that contribute to hoarding behaviors. I will also help you identify and challenge any negative thoughts or beliefs that may be perpetuating the behavior.

Through therapy, you will learn coping strategies to help you manage the disorganization and clutter. This can include developing organizational and decision-making skills, practicing mindfulness, and addressing any co-occurring mental health issues such as anxiety or depression.

Therapy will help you develop a support system, which can be critical in addressing hoarding behaviors. This can include family, friends, or support groups.

 

Symptoms of hoarding you may experience are:

• Difficulty getting rid of items

• Cluttered and disorganized living spaces

• Inability to access a room or space due to accumulation of items

• Challenges or inability to navigate a room or multiple spaces

• Excessive accumulation of items

• Distress or anxiety related to discarding items

• Difficulty making decisions when it comes to discarding items, cleaning, and organizing the space

• Isolation and social withdrawal

• Not allowing others to come into the space

• Health and safety concerns in your home

 

It's important to note that hoarding is a mental health condition and not simply a result of disorganization or being messy. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of hoarding, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health provider.

 

Note: Symptoms and descriptions are listed to help you connect with the mental health services that work for you, for instance, this is listed as this is an area that Better Minds Counseling & Services serves and specializes in.  This is not meant for self-diagnosing.