• Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticket


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• 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


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