Understanding Hoarding

If you are living with, are close to, or are yourself someone who is hoarding, you'll know

that the disorder goes far deeper than most people realise, affecting the whole family and

presenting huge challenges to the physical, mental, emotional and even financial

wellbeing of anyone involved.

Jo Cooke is Director of one of the UK's leading support services for people affected by

hoarding and clutter, and has written this sensitive and empathetic book to help anyone

experiencing hoarding difficulties. She gives insight into Hoarding Disorder - explaining

what it is and, importantly, what it isn't - and what may trigger hoarding. There are

strategies for how to assess the scale of situation and lay the groundwork to address it,

and insights into who can help and how they can do it.

An 8 step-plan gives practical steps to tackle the hoarding, supported by suggestions for

what to do with the 'stuff', and advice on safeguarding - as well as techniques to support

the hoarder as they attempt to stay clutter-free. There is space in the book for individuals

and their own stories of hoarding, giving an empowering voice to people affected by the

condition, and replacing the morbid curiosity that often accompanies it.

With plenty of information on resources and therapies that can help, this is a warm and

hugely practical guide that can only help anyone affected in any way by hoarding.