Understand and Work with People Living in Hoarded and/or Squalid Environments

This training provides a comprehensive foundation for understanding Hoarding Disorder and Severe Domestic Squalor by exploring the underlying psychology of clutter and the beliefs individuals hold about their possessions. Participants will also review the DSM 5 diagnostic criteria for both conditions.

Building on this theoretical framework, the course introduces practical tools and evidence informed approaches, including intervention models, self assessment tools, and effective strategies for support.

What you'll learn:

• Psychological drivers behind hoarding and squalor

• Key beliefs and emotional attachments to possessions

• Diagnostic criteria for HD and SDS (DSM5)

• Effective vs. ineffective intervention approaches

• Practical intervention models in real-world settings

• How to use self assessment tools and questionnaires in practice

Who is this course for?

Ideal for frontline professionals including:

• Case workers

• Mental health practitioners

• Family support workers

• Community and housing support staff

Workshop Options

2 hour workshop Part 1

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Hoarding Disorder (HD) and Sever Domestic Squalor (SDS)

  • Understand the DSM-5 and its relationship to providing support.

  • Effectively identify the presence of HD & or SDS

2 hour workshop Part 2

Learning Objectives:

• Understand the behaviours, psychology and emotional attachments that underpin these

• disorders.

• Effectively use the Assessment tools to inform work practice.

• Explore strategies for support.

4 hour workshop -

• Understand Hoarding Disorder (HD) and Severe Domestic Squalor (SDS) – including the DSM5 Diagnostic Criteria

• Understand the behaviours, psychology and emotional attachments that people with HD & SDS experience.

• Effectively use the Assessment tools to inform work practice.

• Explore strategies for support.

1 day Workshop - 9:30am – 4:30pm

Learning Objectives:

• Understanding HD and SDS including the DSM5 Diagnostic Criteria

• Understanding the impacts and potential safety hazards of living in a cluttered and or squalid environment

• Unpacking the psychological, emotional attachments and behaviours that underpin these disorders

• Understanding of and how to use the assessments and resources to inform work practice, including peer led programs

2 day Workshop - 9:30am - 4:30pm both days

Learning Objectives:

• Understand Hoarding Disorder (HD) and Severe Domestic Squalor (SDS)

• Understand the behaviours, psychology and emotional attachments that people with HD and SDS experience

• Effectively identify the presence of HD & or SDS

• Identify appropriate intervention strategies – what works / what doesn’t

• Effectively use Assessment tools

Day 1: 9:30am – 4:30pm

• Understanding HD and SDS – including the DSM5 Diagnostic Criteria

• Understanding the impacts and potential safety hazards of living in a cluttered and or squalid environment

• Exploring the brain connection

• The impacts on children and other people residing in the home including fire risks

• Understanding animal hoarding and the impacts on family members

• The meaning of stuff, including the ‘Iceberg of Clutter’

Day 2: 9:30am – 4:30pm

• Unpacking the psychological, emotional attachments and behaviours that underpin these disorders

• Understanding of and how to use the assessments and resources to inform work practice, including peer led programs

• Practical decluttering strategies

• Case studies

Face to Face or online

Group Bookings: Min 6 people, max 20