#199 Layers on layers: the many layers of hoarding disorder, from stuff to shame to identity

That Hoarder: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding

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8d ago 30:50

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Hoarding is far more complicated than just clutter - there are layers upon layers, from the visible stacks of possessions to the hidden emotional weight, old identities, and tangled feelings of shame and secrecy.

In this episode, I talk through what these layers actually look like, why they make healing and recovery so tough, and how recognising them can help us start to move forward.

It’s about giving an honest look at how hoarding really is, and offering a bit of encouragement and understanding for anyone living with it.

Layers in Hoarding Disorder
Explanation of the concept of "layers"
Recognition of complexity in hoarding and recovery
Importance of understanding layers for self-awareness and change
Physical Layers of Stuff
Sorting belongings as an “archaeological dig”
Stories and histories attached to different layers of possessions
Practical observations about layers:
Top layer: Most recent or most-used items
Middle layers: Mixture of older and neglected items, representing different life periods
Bottom layers: Emotionally complex, broken, or “buried” items
How physical layers inform decluttering decisions
Emotional Layers in Hoarding
Surface emotions: annoyance, sadness, irritability
Deeper emotions: anxiety, fear of making wrong choices
Core emotions: grief, trauma, feelings of unworthiness or inadequacy
Guilt, anger, disappointment, and how these mix together
The idea of layering additional distress (as per Carolyn Spring)
Differentiating unavoidable pain from added self-blame
Focusing on agency in managing additional emotional layers
Cascading Layers: When Problems Create More Problems
Examples of problems compounding:
Physical issues (like leaks) made worse due to hoarding
Social isolation leading to more depression and worsened hoarding
Administrative issues (unpaid bills leading to fines)
Cycle of increasing overwhelm and powerlessness
Compassion for oneself in recognising these cycles
Layers of Identity
Complexity of personal identity in relation to hoarding
Public vs. private identities
Former, current, and future self-identities
The impact of possessions on perceived identity (e.g., holding onto teaching materials)
The difference between authentic identity and identity tied to objects
Layers of Time
Holding onto items as connections to the past
Present consequences of hoarding: overwhelm, panic, paralysis
Future-oriented worries: fear of needing items later
Spaces/items “frozen in time,” keeping people anchored to the past
Reflection on who we want to be now and in the future
Layers of Shame and Secrecy
Shame and secrecy as invisible yet heavy “layers”
How secrecy takes energy and perpetuates shame
Impact of secrecy on relationships and daily interactions
Barriers to seeking help caused by shame and secrecy
The process of being more open about hoarding
Navigating and Addressing the Layers
Emphasis on not needing to resolve all layers at once
The process of recognising and being patient with layers
Importance of support systems and therapy
Identifying helpful (protective or wise) layers versus harmful ones
Themes of self-compassion and validation for the complexity of the experience
Rejecting simplistic advice to “just get rid of stuff”
The process is about understanding and self-acceptance
Encouragement to approach oneself with patience and compassion
Closing remarks and reminders about podcast resources and support options

Links

Carolyn Spring
Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom session: Accountability Booking Form
Website: Overcome Compulsive Hoarding
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