Hoarding Therapists in L2S
Natalie Phelan
Registered Psychotherapist, BA, BHSc, (OT), RegOn, RP
Verified Verified
Saint Catharines, ON L2S
Taking the step to talk to a therapist can be difficult, but if you find yourself contemplating this, I would encourage you to take the next step and reach out. It is not easy to go through difficult times on your own and having an experienced therapist to help guide you, provide you with alternative perspectives, develop coping strategies, or challenge you in your thoughts or behaviour patterns can really help to gain some ground in feeling better and working through life’s hard times. I am an experienced therapist with over twenty years experience working with people in a variety of situations.
Taking the step to talk to a therapist can be difficult, but if you find yourself contemplating this, I would encourage you to take the next step and reach out. It is not easy to go through difficult times on your own and having an experienced therapist to help guide you, provide you with alternative perspectives, develop coping strategies, or challenge you in your thoughts or behaviour patterns can really help to gain some ground in feeling better and working through life’s hard times. I am an experienced therapist with over twenty years experience working with people in a variety of situations.
The Dot Canada
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP, MSW
Verified Verified
Saint Catharines, ON L2S (Online Only)
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
If you're feeling disconnected, distracted, and detached from your life, it may be time to look at why. Why can't I connect, why am I not able to just "get over" my past, or why does it all feel so meaningless? Maybe there are other questions, like “what am I doing with my life” or “who do I want to be?”. It’s okay to take time that's just for you, to look at your life and see both the big picture and explore the often overlooked details. With the right support, you can feel more present, connected, and in control of your life.
See more therapy options for L2S
Hoarding Counsellors
What is the most effective treatment for hoarding?
Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) has been well-studied in the treatment of hoarding. This type of therapy includes changing beliefs surrounding possessions, as well as learning how to discard items and reduce acquisitions. The hoarder may also gain much-needed organizational skills. Another useful therapy may be compassion-focused therapy, which can address emotion regulation and negative self-perception.
How long does therapy for hoarding take?
Although treatment can vary, most people demonstrate improvement after 23 sessions, with some showing improvement after just a few sessions. Researchers have developed a 26-session cognitive behavioral program. People who hoard may need “maintenance” sessions over the years if the problem arises repeatedly.
Are there medications for hoarding?
The more commonly-prescribed medications for hoarding are including antidepressants, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). This can include drugs such as venlafaxine and paroxetine. And because hoarding disorder is related to obsessive-compulsive disorder, medications for OCD, such as clomipramine, may be effective for hoarding as well.
Can hoarding come back after treatment?
Hoarding is a chronic disorder and it can last throughout an individual’s lifetime. Regularly checking in with a psychotherapist can help manage symptoms long-term. A good therapist will help the person learn needed skills including decision-making, organization, and stress reduction. The patient will gain a better perspective and the need to cling to useless items will lessen.