Intervention info?

Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:27 am Post subject: Intervention info?

Hey Everybody...
I know there is probably somewhere on this site that has good intervention advice on how to talk with your hoarder, but I can't find it right now...I guess I've been doing too much reading : )
My parents (particularly my mom) are hoarders of stuff and animals. My mom had a really rough childhood, and is extremely oversensitive/volatile. So basically our (we, the kids) whole lives we've kinda been sheltering her (i.e. "Don't tell Mom this...Don't get her upset...etc) I've been trying to talk to my dad about things, but I really think he's just as bad of a hoarder as she is, so nothings really helping. My sisters are kind of pussy-footing around the whole issue as not to upset her, even though when I talk to them about it they agree with me and say something needs to be done over there.
Before I found this site I was doing research on my own about the animal hoarding, although I'm sure you know that animal and stuff hoarding goes hand in hand. I try to talk to my dad by not judging them, but by talking about the benefits of having all this stuff/barn cats out of the house. I also try to make sure I mention all the GOOD things they do before I say anything even remotely negative, but it's not helping. I talked to my sister over the weekend and all she said was that my mom was mad and that she said I hate them and their messy house. Which, of course I did not say. I was so mad at them after that...
So it's been frustrating, to say the least.
Any advice or links would be greatly appreciated.
Sorry for the long post!
J

Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2008 1:53 am Post subject:

DOH! Sorry... I think this may be in the wrong topic...

COH & ACOA Joined: Jul 22, 2006 Posts: 2020 Location: Cabo

Hi GuthriesMom- Welcome!

Nope, not the wrong area---this sure is a Frequently Asked Question!

Here is a post I made in the past...maybe there will be some info in here that will help?:-Donna
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For anyone considering an intervention, here is some miscellanous info. I've recently come across:

Hoarding and Intervention
Helping Hoarders Get Treatment
http://www.adaa.org/GettingHelp/newsletter/2007/Hoarding_Intervention.asp
Fugen Neziroglu, Ph.D., ABBP, ADAA Member/ Estee Acobas, M.A.
Bio-Behavioral Institute/Great Neck, New York

Quote:

Taking Steps to Help

When a hoarder resists the idea of getting help, a family member may contact a therapist for guidance on effective methods of treatment. One such method is an intervention strategy, adapted by Fugen Neziroglu and colleagues from techniques used for substance abusers.

Family members meet with a therapist several times to learn more about hoarding and treatment options, who should be involved and what to say at an intervention, and how to prepare mentally for what may become an ordeal. They must have the conviction that they are doing the right thing because a hoarder cannot be helped if the family fears anger or consequences of an intervention. Often family members attend a practice session before the intervention takes place.

The goal of those at an intervention is to have the hoarder make one visit to an experienced therapist. At a prearranged time, family members approach the hoarder to talk about the effect of clutter on their lives and explain that help and support are available. Each person explains in a non-confrontational and non-judgmental manner why he or she is concerned. It is important that all participants speak with genuine care, but they make it clear that treatment is mandatory. Arrangements for treatment are usually made before an intervention takes place; ideally a session follows immediately.

Details of an intervention can vary: The consulting professional may or may not be present; it may take place in an office or a home; and the hoarder may or may not be made aware of the upcoming event.

Facing a cohesive group, a hoarder cannot hide or minimize the problem. Intervention is a big step in the right direction, but the hoarder and those involved have much work to do. The hoarder must commit to treatment, and family members must address personal issues and learn to handle issues that may come up as the treatment progresses.

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" Setting the bottom line " video, Intervention Show on A&E:
http://www.aetv.com/videos/display.jsp?id=INTERVENTION_60
(scroll down to last video clip listed)

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Collected from search results returned for "how to help a hoarder."
http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/coh18.php

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Roles that should be present in a hoarding intervention, from Cristina Sorrentino, PhD (studied under Gail Steketee)
Boston University School of Social Work
Pages 9-17 (pdf)

https://www.masshousing.com/portal/server.pt/gateway/PTARGS_0_2_2738_0_0_18/How_to_Talk_to_Someone_with_Hoarding_Problem.pdf

Supporter/Enforcer

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Family Community Discussion Thread about Interventions: http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/forum/ftopic-reply-867.html

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Some stories from those who have taken action:
http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/forum/ftopict-423.html

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Another discussion at the Family Community about intervening:
http://www.childrenofhoarders.com/forum/ftopict-546.html

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Does anyone have any experiences with intervening with a hoarding loved one or advice or info they would like to share to help someone looking for help and ideas?