Who Should Buy This Book?

This workbook is ideal for a range of individuals:

• People with hoarding tendencies: Whether you have received a formal diagnosis or simply recognize problematic patterns, the workbook provides a private, self-paced way to begin addressing the issue.
• Mental health professionals: Therapists, social workers, and counsellors can use the workbook as a structured treatment tool for clients with hoarding disorder.
• Students and researchers: Those studying hoarding or cognitive-behavioural interventions will gain insight into evidence-based treatment approaches.
• Family members and supporters: The workbook can help loved ones understand the disorder and support the individual through the change process.

It is important to note that while the workbook can be used independently, many readers benefit from working through it with a qualified therapist, especially when dealing with severe hoarding or co-occurring conditions.

Overview

Hoarding disorder is a complex condition marked by persistent difficulty discarding possessions, resulting in clutter that disrupts living spaces and causes significant distress. The Treatment for Hoarding Disorder: Workbook offers a practical, evidence-based resource for individuals struggling with hoarding behaviours and the clinicians who support them. Part of the acclaimed Treatments That Work series from Oxford University Press, this workbook delivers a structured, step-by-step cognitive-behavioural approach to understanding and overcoming hoarding. Developed by leading researchers Gail Steketee and Randy O. Frost, it translates decades of clinical research into accessible tools for real-world change.

This workbook targets the underlying thought patterns and behaviours that drive hoarding, providing a clear path toward decluttering and improved quality of life. Whether used independently or with a therapist, it empowers users to take active steps toward recovery.

Key Features

This workbook is packed with practical features designed to facilitate lasting change. The core of the program consists of structured worksheets that help users identify motivations for acquiring and keeping items, challenge distorted beliefs, and gradually practise discarding. Multiple copies of each worksheet are included, allowing for repeated use over the course of treatment.

Key elements include:

• Step-by-step guidance: Each chapter builds on the previous one, guiding users through assessment, goal setting, cognitive restructuring, and exposure exercises.
• Behavioural experiments: Built-in activities help users test their beliefs about possessions in real-world situations, reducing anxiety over time.
• Progress tracking: Self-monitoring forms allow users to record clutter levels, acquisition urges, and discarding successes.
• User-friendly format: The paperback workbook measures 21.3 x 27.7 cm, with large, clear print and ample space for writing. Its lay-flat binding makes it easy to use during sessions or at home.
• Evidence-based foundation: The methods are drawn from randomized controlled trials and years of clinical experience, ensuring that the techniques are both safe and effective.

Readers have found the worksheets especially helpful for uncovering the emotional reasons behind excessive acquiring and for learning practical strategies to resist buying impulses. The workbook’s straightforward language and concrete exercises make it accessible even to those new to cognitive-behavioural therapy.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need the companion book “Buried in Treasures” to use this workbook?
The workbook is designed to stand alone, but it is often recommended alongside the self-help guide “Buried in Treasures” for a more comprehensive understanding. However, many users find the workbook sufficient for starting the change process.

How often should I work through the worksheets?
The program suggests a weekly pace, dedicating time to each section and completing exercises between sessions. Consistency is key to building new habits.

Is this workbook appropriate for severe hoarding?
Yes, though individuals with severe hoarding or additional mental health issues should ideally work under the guidance of a trained professional. The workbook can be adapted to various levels of severity.

Treatment for Hoarding Disorder: Workbook is a powerful, research-backed tool for anyone ready to take control of hoarding behaviours. With its clear structure, practical worksheets, and expert guidance, it empowers users to make meaningful progress toward a clutter-free life. Whether you are a clinician seeking effective resources or an individual looking for a proven path to change, this workbook is an invaluable addition to your treatment toolkit.

This book is intended for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

How This Book Stands Out

Unlike general self-help books on organization, this workbook is specifically tailored to hoarding disorder, addressing the unique cognitive and emotional challenges that distinguish hoarding from simple messiness. It is part of the Treatments That Work series, which is known for rigorously tested interventions that meet the highest standards of scientific validation.

The collaborative approach between Steketee and Frost—both pioneers in hoarding research—ensures that the workbook integrates the latest findings in the field. The structured format mirrors the proven CBT protocol used in clinical trials, giving users confidence that their efforts are grounded in what works.