Understanding Hoarding: Reclaim your space and your life

by Jo Cooke

If you are living with, are close to, or are yourself someone who is hoarding, you'll know that the disorder goes far deeper than most people realise, affecting the whole family and presenting huge challenges to the physical, mental, emotional and even financial wellbeing of anyone involved. Jo Cooke is Director of one of the UK's leading support services for people affected by hoarding and clutter, and has written this sensitive and empathetic book to help anyone experiencing hoarding difficulties. She gives insight into Hoarding Disorder - explaining what it is and, importantly, what it isn't - and what may trigger hoarding. There are strategies for how to assess the scale of situation and lay the groundwork to address it, and insights into who can help and how they can do it. An 8 step-plan gives practical steps to tackle the hoarding, supported by suggestions for what to do with the 'stuff', and advice on safeguarding - as well as techniques to support the hoarder as they attempt to stay clutter-free. There is space in the book for individuals and their own stories of hoarding, giving an empowering voice to people affected by the condition, and replacing the morbid curiosity that often accompanies it. With plenty of information on resources and therapies that can help, this is a warm and hugely practical guide that can only help anyone affected in any way by hoarding.

Genres: Nonfiction, Mental Health, Reference

128 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 13, 2021

Reviews

[Crimmas]

While I was hoping more for a focused psychological pathway to personally overcoming hoarding tendencies, maybe it’s for the best that this book does otherwise. It’s very practical, VERY comprehensive while also being quite brief, and is a great summation of the ways hoarding can present itself, its causes, and the numerous ways to resolve it (as well as what not to do). Many resources are specific to the UK, but informationally I would strongly reccommend this book to anyone with a loved one trapped in cycles of hoarding.

[Amanda]

Reading for insight and understanding as I clear a late relative's house. The book was helpful but aimed more at those with hoarding disorder and those who are still in a position to help.