Linda Richards, Professional Organizer, and A&E “Hoarders” Geralin Thomas

Linda Richards, Professional Organizer, and A&E “Hoarders” Geralin Thomas are pictured at the 2010 NAPO conference in Columbus, Ohio

Geralin Thomas and I are both members of the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD). Geralin has been on the A&E “Hoarders” tv show, sharing her Professional Organizing services. It has been interesting for me to hear her (& other Professional Organizers who have worked on the show nationwide) share 'behind the scenes' experiences.

The organizers I have met who work in extreme hoarding environments are kind, compassionate and knowledgeable professionals. Since I prefer to work with hoarders who have ‘very mild to mild’ hoarding situations, I have a great respect for PO's who work in environments that are in great decay, dangerous and unsafe for individuals and families to live in.

Which brings to mind a question that was asked during one of the sessions at the 2010 national conference for NAPO (National Association of Professional Organizers), ‘Why are shows like “Hoarders” so popular?" and "Is it ‘good or bad’ to have shows like that?” I can personally say I almost never watch tv but do feel that if a show helps people know they are not the only ones with special needs and also educates them about resources available to help them change their lives, it can be a good thing, if it is done in a compassionate, professional manner. Many people are now learning about the help available for hoarders as a result of shows like “Hoarders” so I can say that is one benefit.

What do you think about shows like “Hoarders”?

Read more...

Hoarding "Buried in Treasures" book

The hoarding "Buried In Treasures" book by David F. Tolin, Randy O. Frost and Gail Steketee is an excellent resource for those who want help regarding compulsive hoarding (or as the book says, you might use the term "pack rat" or "clutterbug". I would also add the term "clutterer").

There is a wide spectrum to this disorder, from those who have a few cluttered rooms, yet their life functions overall just fine, to those who have an entire house or office impacted and life is disrupted in a very severe way.

The book suggests when it might be time to seek professional help:
"There's no hard and fast rule...(a) if the problem seems too overwhelming to manage on your own or with the help of friends or family, "b" if the strategies in this book don't seem to help; or "c" if other mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression seem to be getting in the way of beating the hoarding problem." (p. 6)

I first learned about this book awhile back while attending a national conference for the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization (NSGCD) It states how PO's are helpful:

"We think professional organizers can be a very useful addition to your team...The subgroup...who specialize in dealing with this kind of problem is called the National Study Group on Chronic Disorganization. Professional organizers, particularly those with this specialty, are great at helping you figure out ways to organize and manage possessions in your home. In fact, some of what we do in treatment is borrowed from the work of professional organizers." (p. 8).

I am the only Professional Organizer in North Central Florida to have the NSGCD certificate in hoarding. (FYI, a partial listing of my national credentials is in the left sidebar of my blog home page.)

This book is a very useful resource for those wanting to either get help or understand more about compulsive hoarding.

Read more...

Hoarders A&E TV show

The Hoarders A&E TV show has resulted in an increase in calls to my Organize and More professional organizing business. Typically the call begins with "I just saw that tv show "Hoarders" and I'm NO way near being like that but...I want to make sure I never end up that way and want your help now."

I do not work with extreme hoarders, such as those depicted on this show but I am a member of the NSGCD which is listed as a treatment resource. I do work with those who have 'mild' hoarding issues. In fact, I am the only Professional Organizer in North Central Florida to have the NSGCD Level I certificate in hoarding. I also have many other continuing education credits related to hoarding, Chronic Disorganization and other similar issues.

As a resource to those who want to begin to get help with hoarding, the FREE download NSGCD Clutter Hoarding Scale is available. It can be used to discuss the hoarding situation with the hoarder and is a very useful tool for therapists and other professionals.

Read more...