REMIX: The little-known Hummingbird Method for tackling avoidance in dehoarding
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/
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32:58
#183 ADHD, executive dysfunction and creating hacks and systems to reduce clutter chaos, with Carrie Lagerstedt
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/
In this episode, I chat with Carrie Lagerstedt, a professional home organiser specialising in working with neurodivergent people in New Zealand. Carrie, diagnosed with ADHD herself, shares insights on managing clutter and executive dysfunction by creating home systems that work for us. We challenge the very idea of laziness and explore the potential of “may as well”.
Buy your copy at cambridge.org/EverythingHoarding, and get 20% off with the discount code HOARDING20. #ad
Carrie's background and transition from teaching to organising
Neurodivergence and Clutter
Common issues linking neurodivergence with clutter
Out of sight, out of mind
Sensory overwhelm and its effect on executive functioning
Challenges faced by those with executive dysfunction
Carrie's Experience with ADHD
Benefits of having ADHD when working with clients with similar challenges
Building trust through lived experiences and understanding
Moral neutrality and Organising
KC Davis' influence on Carrie's philosophy
Moral neutrality and functionality in organising
Debunking the concept of laziness
Challenges of living up to capitalist expectations
Systems for Neurodivergent Individuals
Making the home work for individuals
Difference between aspirational thinking and functional changes
Importance of practical systems over willpower
Executive Functioning and Organisational Strategies
Tools used to aid working memory and organisation (e.g., Post-its)
Cognitive flexibility and overcoming 'all or nothing' thinking
Understanding blocks and identifying actionable solutions
Personal Experiences and Adjustments
Personal stories and realisations regarding household tasks
Impact of habituation and changing perspectives on tasks
Tools and Hacks for Developing Systems
Categorising as key to organisation
Using visual reminders and structured systems
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58:46
REMIX: The emotional impact of emergency dehoarding
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/
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40:22
#182 What are "towards and away moves" and what on earth do they have to do with hoarding recovery? With Dr Jan Eppingstall
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/
Today, I'm joined by Dr Jan Eppingstall to unpack "towards moves" and "away moves" in the context of hoarding. These terms might sound unusual, but they're crucial for understanding behaviour in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how they relate to our values. It's all about recognising whether our actions are leading us closer to what matters or pulling us further away, and we'll be exploring how to identify and pivot those choices.
Introduction to Towards Moves and Away Moves
Definition and explanation of the concept.
The relevance of these moves in dealing with hoarding disorder.
Initial thoughts on the impact of small actions.
Examples in a Hoarding Context
Away moves (e.g., keeping craft supplies, avoiding recognising chaos).
Towards moves (e.g., donating supplies, acknowledging home environment issues).
Explanation of how values influence these moves.
Role of Values in Decision Making
Importance of determining personal values.
How values affect choices and provide motivation.
Impact of materialism and societal pressures on values.
Cognitive Fusion
Explanation and examples of cognitive fusion.
The effect of tightly held beliefs on reality and actions.
Discussion of accuracy vs. helpfulness of thoughts.
Flexibility vs. Rigidity and Perfectionism
Psychological inflexibility and societal expectations.
The struggle between personal values and societal pressures.
The concept of emotional flexibility and its importance.
Recognising Towards and Away Moves
Strategies for acknowledging and reflecting on these moves.
Importance of awareness in decision-making processes.
Dopamine and Pleasure vs. Meaning
The role of dopamine in pleasure and motivation.
Discussion on short-term pleasure vs. long-term meaning.
How these insights influence approach and avoidance behaviours.
Making Changes and Addressing Moves
Creating “if-then” plans to anticipate moves.
Reflecting on decisions and their outcomes.
Recognising patterns and using past experiences to guide future actions.
Role of Helpers in Towards and Away Moves
Identification and importance of helpers like goal setting and values clarification.
Challenges faced by individuals with attentional deficits.
Votes for the Person You Want to Be
Connection between choices and self-identity.
Concept of actions as votes for future selves.
First Steps to Take More Towards Moves
Starting with value clarification exercises.
Questions to help determine what’s important personally.
Encouragement to explore inner motivations and experiences.
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44:52
#181 Past influences and future possibilities: cause and effect and hoarding disorder (plus Podcasthon)
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/
Podcasthon
Mind, the mental health charity
Support Mind
During a recent drive with a perfectly curated playlist, I had a revelation about cause and effect, particularly how our past behaviours and experiences contribute to both our challenges and our successes. I talk about having a compassionate understanding of how we've arrived at our current situation and how small, mindful actions today can shape a more positive future. The episode also features a discussion on Podcasthon and highlights the UK mental health charity Mind.
Explanation of Podcasthon: A week where podcasts highlight a charity.
Mind Charity: Focus on the mental health charity Mind in the UK.
Audio Clip: Sharing a video of Mind's work, with a translation of a Welsh sentence.
Cause and Effect Discussion
Insight through Music: Personal anecdote about creating a playlist for a long drive.
The role of personal actions in positive outcomes.
Life and Hoarding: Exploring causes of both positive and negative outcomes in life.
Factors influencing hoarding: Trauma, scarcity, and mental health challenges.
Behaviour evolution: Hoarding behaviours becoming normal over time.
Impact of Life Experiences
Examining past experiences and their contributions to current behaviours.
Considering past without judgment as a way to understand hoarding.
Facing Reality
Objective Assessment: Evaluating the current state of living conditions.
Navigating feelings like anger, sadness, and bitterness.
Future Implications
Positive Actions: How they can shape a better future.
Accountability and Responsibility: Recognising the impact of present actions.
Hoarding disorder is stigmatised and people who hoard feel vast amounts of shame. This podcast began life as an audio diary, an anonymous outlet for somebody with this weird condition. That Hoarder speaks about her experiences living with compulsive hoarding, she interviews therapists, academics, researchers, children of hoarders, professional organisers and influencers, and she shares insight and tips for others with the problem. Listened to by people who hoard as well as those who love them and those who work with them, Overcome Compulsive Hoarding with That Hoarder aims to shatter the stigma, share the truth and speak openly and honestly to improve lives.
New Zealand