Episodios

  • #196 Trusting our future selves to be resourceful with Dr Jan Eppingstall

    #196 Trusting our future selves to be resourceful with Dr Jan Eppingstall
    Sep 5 2025
    Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ This episode, I’m joined by Dr Jan Eppingstall to talk about why so many of us who hoard struggle to trust our future selves to cope without keeping everything “just in case.” We get into how doubts about our own resourcefulness and fears about scarcity keep us stuck, and share practical ways to build confidence in our ability to handle whatever comes next. If you’ve ever worried you won’t manage without every single spare part or backup item, this conversation’s for you. Trusting Our Future Selves to Be ResourcefulThe psychological struggle of believing in one’s ability to cope without keeping everythingPersonal anecdotes from the host about surprise resourcefulnessExploration of cognitive distortions surrounding trust in future adaptabilityResourcefulness in Hoarding BehaviourContradiction: Resourceful justifications for keeping items vs. fear of not being resourceful if they’re discardedThe role of loss aversion and catastrophic scarcity thinkingImagining multiple uses for broken items versus inability to visualise coping without themThe ‘Just in Case’ MythReading and analysis of Ru Kotryna’s Instagram post on ‘just in case’ keepingDiscussion of how this reflects distrust in future selfEmotional impacts: fear of change, sufficiency, and facing the future without backupHow Distrust in Future Selves Manifests in Hoarding‘Insurance hoarding’ and duplicate/back-up keepingInformation hoarding for fear of forgetting needed detailsEmotional insecurity and sense of powerlessnessHost’s personal examples (nature as a self-soothing tool and fear of its impermanence)Navigating Ephemerality and ChangeConversation about the fleeting nature of things and the difficulty in accepting impermanenceReflection on attempts to freeze time by hoardingBehaviours and Thoughts Stemming from Lack of Self-TrustExecutive function issues (planning, organisation, working memory)Trauma and past experiences of genuine scarcityShame and immediate anxiety-reduction through keepingAvoidance and ‘comfort objects’ as safety strategiesPsychological Mechanisms Behind ‘I Don’t Trust Future Me’Discontinuity between current and future selfImpact of ADHD and perimenopause on executive functioning and time perceptionCognitive gaps between imagining needs and recalling/locating stored thingsIrony of ‘preparedness’ leading to greater unpreparednessBuilding Trust in Future ResourcefulnessThe value of journalling resourceful momentsSmall experiments: let go of duplicates and record how needs are met afterwardReviewing past examples of having coped or improvised successfullyConsumerism and the Illusion of SolutionsAttraction to gadgets and solutions for perceived problemsThe sunk cost fallacy and struggles to let goOwning up to aspirational or impulse purchases and being flexible in letting go if they don't workScarcity Thinking and Its Long-Term EffectsPersonal stories of genuine scarcity and the enduring fear it createsHow fear of not having enough directs attention to objects as solutions, rather than inner resourcefulnessDifficulty breaking the object-focused habit even after circumstances changeBreaking the Pattern: Psychological Approaches in TherapyBuilding evidence of existing skills and resourcefulnessAddressing deeper self-worth issues and messages from childhoodThe importance of social connections, seeking help, and curiosityThe Power and Pitfall of Backup SystemsPossessions as emotional and practical backupDrawback: Items often become inaccessible or forgottenThe paradox of keeping as “preparation” that often fails in practice due to volume and executive dysfunctionStrengthening Connection with Future SelfUsing ACT techniques and self-compassionTreating your future self like a friend and planning for their needsInternal monologues about preparing spaces and making life easier for future-youAlternative Pathways to Security and PreparednessCommunity and social resource sharing (borrowing, lending among friends/family)Developing adaptability, self-confidence, and skills rather than accumulating more itemsExperimenting with minimalism and embracing uncertaintyActionable Steps for Building Trust in ResourcefulnessSaying “I’ll figure it out when I need to”Experimenting with running out of non-critical suppliesDocumenting and reflecting on resourceful problem-solvingLetting go of low-risk items and noticing outcomesThe reminder that listeners have survived all past problems resourcefullyEncouragement to recognise and trust personal growth and capabilitiesEmphasis on learning, adaptability, and present-focused living Links The Ru Kotryna Instagram post that inspired this episodePodcast ep 183: ADHD, executive dysfunction and ...
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    1 h y 12 m
  • REMIX: Executive dysfunction and hoarding disorder with Dr Jan Eppingstall

    REMIX: Executive dysfunction and hoarding disorder with Dr Jan Eppingstall
    Aug 29 2025

    I really hope to be back with new episodes for you next week but, in the meantime, enjoy this incredible conversation with Dr Jan Eppingstall all about executive function, executive dysfunction, and hoarding.

    Find the show notes and episode transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-112-executive-function-executive-dysfunction-and-hoarding-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/
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    1 h y 41 m
  • REMIX: 23 dehoarding tasks you can get done in a weekend

    REMIX: 23 dehoarding tasks you can get done in a weekend
    Aug 22 2025

    Today, as we go into the weekend (and it's a long weekend here in the UK), get some ideas for weekend-shaped dehoarding tasks you can really get your teeth into.

    Find the full show notes and transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-90-23-dehoarding-tasks-you-can-achieve-in-a-weekend/

    • 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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    49 m
  • REMIX: Tracy McCubbin on having a parent who hoards and becoming a professional organising superstar

    REMIX: Tracy McCubbin on having a parent who hoards and becoming a professional organising superstar
    Aug 15 2025

    "Really early on, I was like, this isn't about the stuff. This just isn't about the stuff." - Tracy McCubbin.

    Today, we’re revisiting this episode with podcast favourite Tracy McCubbin, about being the child of a hoarder and becoming a professional organiser.

    Find the full show notes and transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-78-from-child-of-a-hoarder-to-professional-organiser-an-interview-with-tracy-mccubbin/

    • 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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    1 h y 16 m
  • REMIX: Grief, loss and hoarding disorder with Dr Jan Eppingstall

    REMIX: Grief, loss and hoarding disorder with Dr Jan Eppingstall
    Aug 8 2025
    • 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, we’re revisiting this episode with the inimitable Dr Jan Eppingstall about how grief, bereavement and loss are often knitted into hoarding disorder.

    Find the full show notes and transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-63-grief-and-loss-and-hoarding-with-dr-jan-eppingstall-of-stuffology/

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    1 h y 17 m
  • REMIX: Chronic disorganisation and hoarding disorder with Jo Cooke from Hoarding Disorders UK

    REMIX: Chronic disorganisation and hoarding disorder with Jo Cooke from Hoarding Disorders UK
    Aug 1 2025
    • 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, we're revisiting this episode with the wonderful Jo Cooke from Hoarding Disorders UK about chronic disorganisation, what it has in common with hoarding, and how it differs. Find the full show notes and transcript here: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/podcast-ep-139-chronic-disorganisation-with-jo-cooke-of-hoarding-disorders-uk/

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    38 m
  • #195 Why is it so hard to deal with uncertainty in hoarding disorder? With Dr Jan Eppingstall

    #195 Why is it so hard to deal with uncertainty in hoarding disorder? With Dr Jan Eppingstall
    Jul 25 2025
    Come to a Dehoarding Accountability Zoom Session: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ticketSubscribe to the podcast: https://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/subscribePodcast show notes, links and transcript: http://www.overcomecompulsivehoarding.co.uk/ Why is it so hard to deal with uncertainty, and what does that have to do with hoarding? This week I’m joined by Dr Jan Eppingstall to unpack how our brains handle ambiguity, why fear of making mistakes can keep us stuck, and how intolerance of uncertainty feeds into hoarding behaviours. We break down practical ways to build up your tolerance for not knowing and share some strategies that might actually make a difference. Uncertainty and Its ChallengesDefinition and context of uncertaintyEvolutionary reasons for discomfort with uncertainty (Selfish Brain Theory)Contrast between historical resource scarcity and modern abundanceOur minds’ outdated ways of managing uncertaintyCognitive ClosureWhat is cognitive closure?Difference between cognitive closure (psychological need for definite answers) and “closure” in pop culture (emotional resolution)How it relates to need for certainty in present/future, not just past eventsThe creation of cognitive closure measurement scales by researchersFactors influencing need for cognitive closure:Personality traits: Conscientiousness, neuroticism (now called emotionality), openness to experience, extroversionTrauma history and its effects on the nervous systemNeurodivergence (with emphasis on autism and “sticky thinking”)Combination of personality, trauma, and neurodivergenceIntolerance of UncertaintyPsychological definition of intolerance of uncertaintyNegative cognitive bias: How it affects perception and responseManifestations in people experiencing uncertainty as distressIts direct relevance to hoarding behavioursThe Link Between Hoarding Disorder and Intolerance of UncertaintyResearch findings: intolerance of uncertainty as a predictor of hoarding symptom severityUsefulness in early intervention strategiesintolerance of uncertainty as a transdiagnostic factor (across anxiety, some depression, and other mental health conditions)How heightened anxiety sensitivity in hoarding perpetuates avoidanceExperiential avoidance in hoarding (saving and acquiring behaviours)Connection between maladaptive behaviours and intolerance of uncertaintyFear of Making Mistakes and PerfectionismCommon fears of mistakes in hoarding (disposing, acquiring, putting things away)Perfectionism’s role (fear of failure, not wasting)All-or-nothing thinking and rigid decision-making rulesParalysing effect of avoidance due to fear of mistakesNot making a decision as a potential mistake itselfInteraction and reinforcement between perfectionism and intolerance of uncertaintyComorbidity and SeverityResearch on multiple diagnoses: More than half of psychiatric patients have more than one diagnosisDiagnostic challenges and overlapping criteriaHow comorbidity compounds issues: More symptoms and more complexityHigher intolerance of uncertainty linked with more severe hoarding, especially when other conditions are presentImpact on treatment difficultyintolerance of uncertainty’s Impact on Acquiring and Discarding BehavioursHow acquiring reduces fear of missing out and future needsDifficulty discarding as protection against future regretShame around mistake-makingCommon inner questions: Future use, responsibility, relationshipsMore complexity leading to more avoidanceNuances in intolerance of uncertainty and HoardingStudy on sub-factors of uncertainty:Factor 1: Negative self-referential implications (linked to hoarding severity)Factor 2: Perception of uncertainty as unfair (not linked)Internal vs. external perspectives on uncertaintyRelevance of anxiety-driven self-criticismChanging Relationship to Uncertainty: Curiosity and ReframingRilke’s quote on “loving the questions”Transforming approach from fear to curiosityCuriosity as a therapeutic toolCreativity in imagining alternatives and solutionsRelevance of loss aversion and cognitive biasesModern Life and Uncertainty IntoleranceResearch linking increased use of technology (instant answers) to rising intolerance of uncertaintySmartphone/information overload and decreased tolerance “muscle”Relevance to hoarding (desire for backups, information saving)Example: IMDb, screenshots, saving digital infoTreatment StrategiesCognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) effects on intolerance of uncertainty in anxietyAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and exposure-based methods: Pros and consImportance of a therapist experienced in error-related distress and uncertaintyKey skills: Observing distress, sitting with uncomfortable feelings, gradual exposureSelf-help approaches:Reframing mistakes as learningPracticing self-compassionValues-based decision-makingSystematic exposure to small errorsGradually breaking rigid rules (e.g., waste, tidiness)Recognising individual differences and ...
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    1 h y 2 m
  • REMIX: 31 things you can dehoard today if you don't know where to start

    REMIX: 31 things you can dehoard today if you don't know where to start
    Jul 18 2025
    • 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, let's revisit this episode with 31 things you can dehoard today if you're stuck and don't know where to start. You can find the full episode transcript and show notes here.
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    49 m