Understanding Hoarding Disorder and How Counselling Can Help

Hoarding disorder is more than just collecting or holding onto clutter. For people who experience it, hoarding is linked to emotional distress, difficulty letting go, and a strong attachment to possessions. This can affect daily life, relationships, and health — and often leads to feelings of shame and isolation.

In Ely and the surrounding areas, more people are now seeking support for hoarding behaviours. Recognising it as a mental health condition is an important first step — and effective help is available.

What Is Hoarding Disorder?

Hoarding disorder involves:

• Persistent difficulty discarding possessions, regardless of value

• Strong emotional attachment to items

• Accumulation of clutter that disrupts living spaces

• Feelings of distress, guilt, or anxiety when attempting to get rid of things

Hoarding is often connected to trauma, anxiety, depression, or other underlying issues. It’s not simply “messiness” — it’s a complex condition that requires compassionate support.

The Buried in Treasures Programme

The Buried in Treasures programme is a structured, evidence-based approach designed specifically for people living with hoarding behaviours. Based on the book by David Tolin, Randy Frost, and Gail Steketee, it focuses on:

• Understanding the psychology of hoarding – why it happens and how it develops

• Practical tools – strategies for decision-making and reducing clutter gradually

• Skill-building exercises – learning to manage emotions that make letting go difficult

• Peer support – encouragement from others who understand the challenges

This programme has been proven to help people make real, lasting changes at a pace that feels safe and manageable.

How Counselling Fits In

While the Buried in Treasures programme provides practical strategies, counselling offers a safe space to explore the deeper issues linked to hoarding, such as:

• Anxiety and fear of loss

• Low self-esteem and identity issues

• Past trauma or difficult life events

• Relationship strain caused by hoarding

Together, these two approaches — practical tools from Buried in Treasures and the emotional support of counselling — can create powerful results.

Taking the First Step

If you or someone you love in Ely is struggling with hoarding, support is available. It’s never too late to make changes, and even small steps can make a big difference.

I offer counselling in Ely, face-to-face or online, to support people living with hoarding disorder.

👉 Contact me today to find out more about counselling and the Buried in Treasures approach.