Spotlight on Hoarding Expert Dr. Chia-Ying Chou
We are thrilled to spotlight the renowned group work of Dr. Chia-Ying Chou, Clinical Psychologist and leading expert in hoarding and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT). Join her next online workshop series, Compassionate Mind Training for Hoarding & Cluttering Issues starting soon!
Dr. Chou has pioneered tailoring CFT in both individual and group therapy for hoarding since 2016. To be able to offer some of the psychoeducational frameworks and skills training of the Compassionate Mind Approach to those outside of California, she offers this Compassionate Mind Training Workshop once a year. As one of the few experts in hoarding treatment, she recognizes that many individuals with hoarding disorder do not have access to professional support where they live. This six-week online workshop series has been offered with great success and is open to anyone around the world to join.
What sets this workshop apart from other hoarding related support is its emphasis on learning ways to identify and address the underlying psychological difficulties related to hoarding or what Dr. Chou calls ‘the difficulty in letting-go’, rather than merely managing clutter. The Compassionate Mind Approach integrates techniques such as imagery exercises, mindfulness training, somatic exercises, and parts work. Participants will learn skills to help themselves identify and regulate emotions, engage in self-dialogue, and foster a compassionate inner self for empowered decision-making and overall wellbeing.
We had the opportunity recently to sit down for a full conversation with Dr. Chou on hoarding and cluttering and walked away with a deeper understanding of the complex mental health nuances related to hoarding. We discussed the distinctions between hoarding and cluttering, societal perceptions of hoarding, and strategies for how to talk about hoarding to your loved ones. We also got into the nitty gritty of what she is teaching in her hoarding workshop and why people should consider participating.
If someone you know may be interested in joining the next workshop and experiencing Dr. Chou’s expertise firsthand, please visit: Compassionate Mind Training for Hoarding & Cluttering Issues.