How To Battle Hoarding Disorder With Online Therapy
Imagine being surrounded by piles of items that you can’t bear to part with, to the point where your living space shrinks and your mind feels suffocated. Relatable right? Hoarding disorder is more than just collecting items—it’s a serious mental health condition that impacts daily life, emotional well-being, and relationships.
In this article, we explore the story of Vivek, a man dealing with hoarding disorder, and how online therapy changed his life for the better. Learn about the symptoms, underlying causes, and evidence-based treatments that can help individuals reclaim their space and peace of mind.
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Vivek’s Journey With Hoarding Disorder
Meet Vivek, a 35-year-old man from Lower Parel, Mumbai. Living alone in a 2BHK apartment after losing his mother in 2019, he felt trapped—not just in grief, but in the growing clutter around him. “I have a hard time throwing away things. I feel they hold a lot of value to me, so I keep them even when I don’t need them. My rooms are filled with things. It is really depressing, but I just can’t seem to let go. The thought of throwing them away physically hurts me. Do I have a problem? Should I get professional help?” he confessed during his first conversation with Holistic Living.
The counselor heard Vivek’s problems and asked him to book an online session for therapy with an experienced therapist who would conduct a proper assessment to understand his concerns. Vivek connected with the therapist via online platforms to discuss this issue which has become a major hurdle in his life.
The therapist assessed Vivek’s concerns and suspected that he could be experiencing a hoarding disorder. When the therapist explained to Vivek about his diagnosis he was stunned and concerned. However, the therapist assured him that it is possible to manage the symptoms and regulate the chronic habit of hoarding everything.
Before, we see how online therapy helped Vivek overcome his issue, let us understand what exactly is hoarding disorder.
What Is Hoarding Disorder?

Hoarding Disorder is a mental health condition in which the person finds it difficult to discard possessions or things even when they hold no value or have no need for them due to a perceived need to save them, a fear of losing them, or a strong attachment to them. This leads to the accumulation of clutter that interferes with the normal use of living spaces, causes significant distress or impairment in social, occupational, or other areas of functioning, and poses health and safety risks.
What are the Signs of Hoarding Disorder?
Let’s take a look at some of the hoarding disorder symptoms:
Cluttered Living Spaces
Rooms, hallways, or entrances are blocked by piles of items or debris, making spaces unusable for their intended purpose.
Difficulty Discarding Items
Clothing, containers, papers, books, or household items, that are no longer needed, have no apparent value, or are broken or unusable but still are difficult to say goodbye to.
Strong Emotional Attachment To Possessions
Anxiety or distress at the thought of letting go of possessions, often coupled with resistance to having others touch or organize them.
Avoidance of Decision-Making
Procrastination, indecisiveness, or perfectionism leads to disorganization and further accumulation of clutter.
Impact on Daily Life
Hoarding can result in social withdrawal, depression, anxiety, isolation, and strained relationships.
Health And Safety Hazards
Fire hazards, tripping hazards, and unsanitary living conditions pose a risk to the hoarder and others living in or visiting the space.
It’s important to note that everyone may have some clutter in their living spaces from time to time, but the presence of these signs in a persistent and severe manner may indicate the presence of hoarding disorder. Only a qualified psychologist or therapist can diagnose hoarding disorder.
Understanding the Causes of Hoarding Disorder

The exact causes of hoarding disorder are not fully understood, but research suggests that a combination of genetic, environmental, and cognitive factors may contribute to its development. Here’s what we know:
Potential Causes Include:
Genetics
Studies have found that hoarding disorder can run in families, suggesting that there may be a genetic component to the disorder.
Brain differences
Brain imaging studies have shown that people with hoarding disorder have differences in brain activity and structure compared to people without the disorder. These differences may affect decision-making, emotions, and memory.
Life events
Traumatic or stressful life events, such as a loss or a major change, may trigger hoarding behavior in some people.
Emotional attachment
People with hoarding disorder may attach emotional significance to their possessions, and have difficulty letting them go due to sentimental value or the belief that the items have inherent value.
Cognitive factors
People with hoarding disorder may have cognitive biases or difficulties with decision-making, leading them to attach greater importance to possessions and find it challenging to discard them.
Environmental factors
Growing up in an environment where hoarding behavior was modeled or encouraged may also increase the risk of developing hoarding disorder.
It’s important to note that hoarding disorder is a complex condition, and the causes may vary from person to person. Hoarding disorder treatment typically involves a combination of therapy, medication, and support to help individuals manage their symptoms, reduce clutter, improve functioning, and prevent relapse.
Effective Therapies for Hoarding Disorder
Several therapies can help individuals overcome hoarding disorder, depending on their specific needs and preferences. Here are some common therapies for hoarding disorder:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs related to their hoarding behavior. It also helps individuals develop practical skills for reducing clutter, improving decision-making, and managing emotions.
Exposure And Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is a type of therapy commonly used for anxiety disorders, including hoarding disorders. It involves gradually exposing individuals to situations that trigger their hoarding behavior and teaching them alternative responses that reduce the urge to hoard.
Motivational Interviewing
This type of therapy is focused on building motivation and confidence to make changes in behavior. It involves exploring an individual’s values, goals, and concerns related to hoarding behavior, and working collaboratively to identify steps towards change.
Support Groups
Joining a support group can provide individuals with a sense of community and understanding, as well as practical tips and advice for managing their hoarding behavior.
Family Therapy
Hoarding disorder can affect not only the individual with the disorder but also their family members. Family therapy can help improve communication, understanding, and support among family members and provide them with tools to cope with the disorder.

It’s important to note that stocking up on things that have no value or logical reason to be with you is a complex condition that requires tailored treatment approaches based on individual needs and preferences. Taking online therapy or in-person counseling can provide you with the right support and treatment you require to resolve compulsive actions.
Vivek’s Journey to Recovery
In Vivek’s case, the psychologist used a combination of CBT techniques and exposure therapy to encourage Vivek to challenge his thoughts and reduce the anxiety that came from discarding his possessions. It was a gradual process, but he learned how to have better control over his emotions and could let go of many things that he had stored for the longest time.
“I am not gonna lie. It was difficult as hell. It was like physically removing your body part or something. The constant support of my therapist helped me to overcome hoarding disorder. My house looks bigger now lol…Decluttering my rooms has even relieved my anxiety and overthinking. I can’t explain how but I feel like a better person” says Vivek.
Hoarding Disorder brings a lot of other concerns along with it. The inability to discard unnecessary things can give rise to anxiety, depression, and chronic stress. It can even cause health concerns and be harmful for your standard of living.
When to Seek Help?
Hoarding disorder can bring a cascade of challenges, from isolation and anxiety to physical health risks. If you resonate with Vivek’s story or notice similar symptoms in yourself, it’s essential to seek professional guidance. Holistic Living offers expert counseling services, including a 10-minute free consultation with a qualified counselor to help you make the best decision for your well-being.
How To Book A Session With Holistic Living?

To book an offline or online therapy session with us, you can click on our WhatsApp link to initiate a FREE 10-minute chat or call with our therapist. We will then set up a convenient appointment time.
You can even connect directly with us at 91-9321073548.
Start your journey towards transformation today!