Group Treatment for Hoarding Disorder: Therapist Guide outlines a cognitive-behavioral therapy program for HD using a group model. Clinicians deliver group therapy over 20 weekly sessions of 1.5 to 2 hours each. A single experienced clinician can lead the group or a co-therapy model can be used with two clinicians, one experienced and one in training. Groups of 6 to 8 participants:
- receive education about HD and about the CBT model
- discuss therapy goals and personal values
- practice motivational enhancement methods including identifying barriers to progress
- receive training in organizing and problem-solving about hoarding problems
- learn cognitive therapy strategies to reduce problematic hoarding beliefs and to replace acquiring with more adaptive behaviors
- practice sorting, removing clutter, and not acquiring, beginning with easier tasks
- and identify in-home supports.
Final sessions focus on reviewing the most effective therapy methods, coping with change, and highlighting strategies for maintaining gains. Group members use the Treatment for Hoarding Disorder: Workbook, Second Edition to assist with practice exercises. All of the necessary forms and worksheets are provided in the books and online. Treatment proceeds in a flexible session-by-session fashion with attention to group process. Written for psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists, counselors, and psychiatric nurses, this Therapist Guide will promote effective group treatment of people with hoarding disorder.