Hoarding help Bristol

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Hoarding problems

Many people enjoy collecting items, and it’s perfectly normal to have possessions you wouldn’t want to part with. However, hoarding becomes a concern when the need to collect things causes distress or significantly impacts your daily life. This may include difficulties discarding objects or making decisions about what to keep. You might also feel a compulsion to acquire and accumulate items.

Until recently, hoarding was clinically classified as a type of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, new research shows that hoarding is a separate condition. If you’re looking for hoarding help in Bristol, support is available to help you regain control and reduce the impact of hoarding on your life.

Common hoarding symptoms

Hoarding problems have strong links with past experiences of trauma and negative life events. Everyone’s story is different and includes variations of similar symptoms. Below are a list of common symptoms associated with hoarding problems:

Difficulty discarding items regardless of their actual value.

Positive feelings associated with the accumulation of items regardless of their value.

Problems making decisions about what you should and shouldn’t keep or throw away.

Limited access to living space and areas of the home, due to the accumulation of items.

Fear, embarrassment and/or shame allowing people to enter your home.

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Treatment for hoarding problems

Many people dealing with hoarding problems have experienced distress from others encouraging them to discard their belongings against their will. This can make seeking help particularly difficult. Others may not perceive their accumulation of items as a problem and are instead encouraged to seek treatment by family or friends. In some cases, individuals are compelled to seek help by external sources such as social services or environmental health.

For these reasons, it’s crucial for therapists to approach hoarding with sensitivity and an informed understanding of these challenges. Building a trusting relationship and working at a pace that suits the individual are key to effective treatment.

Research shows that both individual and group Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can be effective in treating hoarding problems. For most people, this approach is sufficient. However, those with more persistent symptoms may require a specialised plan involving multiple therapists.

At NOSA, we take the time to assess your unique needs and collaborate with you to recommend a treatment package tailored to your goals. Treating hoarding problems often takes time and may require the involvement of other mental health professionals to help maintain progress and apply the techniques learned after sessions conclude.

If you’re looking for hoarding help in Bristol, we’re here to provide compassionate and effective support.

Our hoarding treatment in Bristol

How does it work?

1

Make contact

Reach out via phone, email, or our website. We’ll take some initial details about your situation and the support you’re looking for.

2

Initial consultation

Meet with a therapist to discuss your hoarding challenges and goals. This session allows us to better understand your needs and explain how we can help.

3

Treatment recommendations

Following the consultation, you’ll receive a personalised letter outlining our assessment and treatment recommendations, tailored specifically for you.

4

Your decision

Take time to review the recommendations and decide whether to proceed with the proposed treatment plan at a pace that feels comfortable for you.