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Discover how starting therapy with a hoarding disorder can support your own journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life.

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Starting Hoarding disorder therapy

What is hoarding disorder therapy?

Hoarding disorder therapy is a well-organized treatment approach aimed at helping individuals dealing with hoarding disorder, which involves accumulating lots of stuff and struggling to let go. During these sessions, people usually team up with a therapist to dive into what’s behind their hoarding habits, come up with practical ways to clear the clutter, and deal with the emotions and psychology tied to hoarding.

How does hoarding disorder therapy work?

Hoarding disorder therapy often involves Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) techniques to challenge and change unhelpful thought patterns, and exposure therapy to gradually reduce anxiety associated with discarding possessions. One of our therapists will work closely with you to set achievable goals for decluttering, teaching you practical organization and decision-making skills. The overall aim is to improve your quality of life, reduce distress, and enhance your ability to maintain a safe and functional living environment.

Is hoarding disorder therapy conducted in person or online?

Hoarding disorder therapy at Thriveworks is conducted both in person and via Online therapy. We encourage you to choose the option that works best for you.

How long does hoarding disorder therapy last?

In hoarding disorder therapy with one of our therapists in Henrico, we typically employ a series of sessions that can span from several weeks to several months. The specific number is worked out together between the client and therapist, and it can be adapted based on how the individual is progressing and the complexity of their hoarding challenges.

Need more help deciding?

Many people immediately think of the TLC Special: Buried Alive when they think of hoarding. While this show does depict the most extreme cases of the disorder. Many people live with less dramatic but still troublesome symptoms of the disorder which left untreated can negatively affect all areas of an individual’s life and relationships.

What is Hoarding?

Hoarding is a mental health condition that causes people to collect objects in large quantities. The items grow in numbers and begin to clutter the living spaces in a person’s home.

People who hoard collect a variety of things. The first step in helping someone who is a compulsive hoarder is to understand what hoarding is. While many people think hoarders collect only junk or garbage, this is far from the truth. In some cases, those who hoard will intentionally buy items to collect. Some hoarding is limited to specific objects such as dolls, newspapers, or old memorabilia. Many people who hoard feel the items they collect can be useful in the future. They may also collect things that have sentimental value.
The distinct characteristic that distinguishes hoarding from collecting involves the disposable of these items. Those who hoard have a persistent difficulty discarding or parting with the items they collect because of their perceived need to save them. A person who hoards will experience mental distress at the thought of throwing items away. They often do not see a problem with the clutter. In severe cases, a person who hoards will feel attached to the objects they collect and believe those objects have feelings as well.

Hoarding typically falls is to one of three categories:

  • Sentimental – “This represents my life. It’s part of me.”
  • Instrumental – “I might need this. Somebody could use this.”
  • Intrinsic – “This is beautiful. Think of the possibilities!”

What Causes Hoarding?

While there is no known cause for compulsive hoarding, several factors have been linked to the disorder. Some triggers of hoarding symptoms have been identified as family history, substance abuse, and experiencing a traumatic event, like the death of a loved, divorce, loss of a job, or abuse.

Hoarding is typically identified as the symptom of a larger mental health condition. Studies have shown links between hoarding and depression, anxiety, social isolation, ADHD, stress, or chemical dependency. While hoarding was once identified as a symptom of obsessive compulsive disorder, it is now listed as a separate condition. Although it is now distinct, some of the symptoms of hoarding and OCD overlap and co-occur. Hoarding can also develop with other mental health conditions such as dementia or schizophrenia.

Signs and Consequences of Hoarding

A person who hoards might show signs as early as their teen years. Compulsive hoarding usually manifests in childhood and worsens as a person ages. Signs of hoarding are:

  • Difficulty getting rid of items
  • Large amounts of clutter in a person’s car, home, office, or storage unit
  • The inability to resist taking free items
  • Losing important items, like bills and money
  • The impulse to buy multiple items, or stock up on items before they are needed
  • Avoiding inviting friends and family over due to shame or embarrassment
  • Feeling overwhelmed by the volume of possessions in one’s home

Social isolation, strained relationships, legal and financial problems, credit card debt and in extreme cases property damage are some of the consequences of untreated hoarding.

Treatment of Hoarding

The treatment of hoarding is often ongoing and may be slow moving. Since those who hoard are often anxious by nature, and do not always see a problem with their lifestyle, treatment can be a scary and invasive process. Those who hoard can benefit from a step-by-step approach developed with a Thriveworks Henrico Counselor who has knowledge of hoarding symptoms, underlying emotional conditions and it’s treatment.

During your first sessions with a Thriveworks Henrico Hoarding Counselor a complete assessment including the administration of evidenced based tool such as the Hoarding Scale, Saving Inventory or the ADL-Hoarding or Compulsive Hoarding Rating Scale will be conducted. Areas of vulnerability, beliefs about one’s possessions and exploration of the positive and negative emotions experienced from acquiring and saving possessions will be used to develop an intervention plan.

Your Thriveworks Henrico Counselor can then work with you or your loved one to decrease the distress of discarding items, practice discarding and non acquiring of items. These unhealthy practices can then be replaced with more effective emotional management, organizational and decision-making skills.

Why allow hoarding steal more time from those you love. Call a Thriveworks Henrico Counselor today to schedule an assessment. Let’s get started!

Pricing & insurance

Our therapists accept most major insurances. We accept 585+ insurance plans, and offer self-pay options, too.
Learn more about pricing for therapy and counseling services at Thriveworks.

Our Henrico therapists and counselors accept 27 insurance plans

  • Aetna

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia Medicare Advantage

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS HMO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | BCBS PPO

  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Virginia | Exchange

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield | Anthem (Blue Card)

  • Carelon

  • Cigna | Evernorth

  • Cigna | Evernorth EAP

  • Cigna | Evernorth Medicare Advantage

  • Compsych

  • First Health Network

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Self-pay costs at Henrico
Talk therapy

Talk therapy

Includes individual, couples, child/ teen, & family therapy

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Talk therapy

Psychiatry

Includes reducing symptoms with medication & management

First session

$1

Ongoing sessions

$1

Hear from our clients

5.0 Learn about verified reviews
★★★★★
Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Read more Trish is VERY good at listening and responding with the right questions to get to your issue and literally talk it out. Therapists in the past seemed to have canned suggestions not relating to my specific issues.
Joe Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Read more Jennifer is a very caring therapist. She listens attentively and asks leading questions. This helps you work out the answer yourself.
Sharon Jan 2024
Thriveworks.com verified review
★★★★★
I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Read more I've worked with Domonique and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. She is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success. She supported me in handling various major life changing situations.
Short Pump Dec 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Read more I was drinking just to cope with my depression 9 months ago. I thought it was the drinking that caused me to be depressed and miserable. I was so in denial I didn’t see how depressed and sad I really was. I had no hope. Mary put everything in perspective for me and helped challenge me to change. She gave me a little tough love and guidance that I needed. With the help of Mary’s help, coping skills, -and medication, I feel like a new woman! Thanks Mary for all your help! You rock! ❤️
Short Pump Sep 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Read more I have used Roberta as a consultant for three years. Her consultations about therapeutic and ethical situations have been both professional and wise. I am a hospital chaplain at a busy hospital and for our most challenging cases, I turn to Roberta. She is responsive and empathetic. I highly recommend Roberta as both a therapist and consultant.
Short Pump Jul 2020
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Read more Mary and I have worked together for the last two years. She has been instrumental in assisting me to reach my goal of being a Licensed Professional Counselor. Her clinical perspective, knowledge, and understanding of counseling principles has made an positive impact on how I approach my clients. Mary offers an abundance of education and clinical expertise that she easily shares with others. Mary demonstrates empathy, clinical knowledge, has a sense of humor, and realistic view of client needs. She has the ability to tap into the client's world which enhances their therapeutic experience.
Short Pump Oct 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Read more I've worked with Caitlin Devey, and I've seen the care and concern she provides her clients. She is invested in their wellbeing and offers clinically sound services. Caitlin is supportive, down to earth, but is also willing to tackle the tough issues, and by doing so, increases clients' growth and sets clients up for long-term success.
Short Pump Jun 2019
Review left on Thriveworks.com
★★★★★
Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Read more Mrs. Lowenstein is one of my favorite people and one of the best supervisors I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Her commitment to my success as an MSW is nothing short of miraculous. She has advocated for me to get supervision from the Board of Social Work and has been next to me every step of my journey. Rebekah continues to go above and beyond for me and I have not doubt that she will do this for her clients as well. She is patient, funny, personable, competent, and one of the smartest women I know.
Short Pump Dec 2018
Review left on Thriveworks.com

Where to find us

Getting here

We share a building with Tranquility Yoni Steam. Across the street is Divine World Changers International Ministries. We are near the intersection of Gayton Road and Cambridge Drive.

Phone number

(804) 265-4857

Languages spoken by VA providers

  • English
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