#194 Transformation And Comfort Do Not Live In The Same House: Rethinking Comfort Zones, Familiarity, And Change That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding podcast

Content provided by That Hoarder. All podcast content including episodes, graphics, and podcast descriptions are uploaded and provided directly by That Hoarder or their podcast platform partner. If you believe someone is using your copyrighted work without your permission, you can follow the process outlined here https://podcastplayer.com/legal.

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding »
#194 Transformation and comfort do not live in the same house: rethinking comfort zones, familiarity, and change

3d ago 26:07

MP3•Episode home

Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket
Subscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribe
Podcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/

Transformation and comfort rarely go hand in hand, especially when it comes to overcoming compulsive hoarding.

In this episode, I talk honestly about why making real change means facing discomfort, based on a quote from Healing Justice London that “transformation and comfort do not live in the same house”.

I challenge us to identify the difference between familiarity and comfort, and share practical ways to push through those tough moments - because growth comes from getting a bit uncomfortable.

If you’re tired of mistaking chaos for comfort, this one’s for you.

“Transformation and comfort do not live in the same house” (Healing Justice London)
The universal truth behind the idea
The necessity of discomfort for real transformation
Discomfort Versus Comfort in the Hoarding Context
Familiarity as a source of “comfort” for those who hoard
Risks of equating familiarity with true comfort
The need for change and its inherent discomfort
Examples of positive outcomes after embracing discomfort
The Reality of Discomfort in Dehoarding
Emotional and physical challenges of dehoarding
Potential for overwhelming feelings and anxiety
Catastrophising and perfectionism surrounding decision-making
Emotional toll of letting go and possible identity implications
Acknowledgement that discomfort does not mean failure
Familiarity Versus Authentic Comfort
Distinction between feeling comfortable and something being familiar
The false sense of control and security provided by clutter
The actual consequences of living in a hoarded home:
Physical hazards (tripping, blocked access, risk in emergencies)
Social isolation and shame
Lack of practical comfort (e.g., not sleeping in one’s own bed)
The hidden, ongoing “slow burn” of stress and discomfort
Motivation and Community
Importance of recognising the true discomfort of living with hoarding
Community connections via the podcast and accountability Zoom sessions
Methods to share resources and reduce isolation
Reframing Discomfort as Growth
Viewing discomfort as a sign of progress rather than a warning
The parallel discomforts of both dehoarding and continuing to hoard
Making conscious choices between competing difficulties
Strategies for Managing Discomfort
Taking small, manageable steps to build resilience
Being gentle and compassionate with oneself during the process
Reaching out for support (friends, family, therapist, peer groups)
The use and benefit of accountability sessions
The Broader Benefits of Transformation
Improved physical space and wellbeing
Increased self-confidence and pride
Better relationships and decreased shame
Regaining practical functionality and freedom at home
Enhanced overall quality of life
Practical Suggestions and Further Resources
Trying a small, uncomfortable but positive task today
References to previous episodes for deeper exploration:
Sitting with discomfort and distress tolerance (Episode 49)
Building resilience (Episode 70 with Dr. Jan Eppingstall)

Links

Podcast ep 190: What if we forgive ourselves, but now we know better, we do better? Choosing compassion over shame in hoarding disorder
Podcast ep 49: Sitting with discomfort: distress tolerance and hoarding – How unconscious distress avoidance might be worsening your problems
Podcast ep 70: Resilience and hoarding with Dr Jan Eppingstall of Stuffology
Enough, the Podcast
Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking Form
Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding
Become a Dehoarding Darling
Submit a topic for the podcast to cover
Questions to ask when dehoarding: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podquestions
Instagram: @thathoarderpodcast
Twitter: @ThatHoarder
Mastodon: @[email protected]
TikTok: @thathoarderpodcast
Facebook: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder
Pinterest: That Hoarder
YouTube: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder
Reddit: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder subreddit
Help out: Support this project
Sponsor the podcast

Subscribe to the podcast

Subscribe to the podcast here

Buy your copy of Everything You Need to Know About Hoarding by Dr Lynne Drummond at cambridge.org/EverythingHoarding, and get 20% off with the discount code HOARDING20. #ad

206 episodes

#Fitness #Mental Health #Compulsive Hoarding #Dehoarding #Dehoarding Inspiration #Hoarding Recovery #Hoarding Pictures #Hoarding Video #Hoarding Disorder #Hoarding #Home Management #Hoarder #Overwhelmed #Organised