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Hoarding Disorder: Effects on Families, Loved Ones, and Ways to Help with Ceci Garrett, MSW, LICSW

Earn Continuing Education Credits (CEs): By listening to this episode, you can earn CEs if you join the Affirm Academy! To learn more and register, visit affirmmentalhealth.com, and click on the "Join the Affirm Academy" button.

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Episode Summary: Hoarding disorder doesn’t just affect the individual—it ripples through families & relationships. In this episode of The Affirming Minds Podcast, host Shaina Siber, LCSW, speaks with Cecilia “Ceci” Garrett, MSW, LICSW, a clinician and national speaker specializing in hoarding disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Together, they explore how hoarding behaviors develop, the difference between clutter, collecting, and hoarding, and why forced cleanouts often cause more harm than good.

Listeners will gain insight into the emotional toll on family members, common misconceptions among clinicians, and practical strategies for supporting loved ones while maintaining healthy boundaries. Whether you are a mental health professional, a family member, or simply curious about this often-misunderstood condition, this conversation sheds light on compassionate, evidence-based approaches to hoarding disorder.

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Topics Covered:

  • How to distinguish clutter, collecting, and hoarding
  • Why hoarding disorder is ego-syntonic and how that impacts treatment
  • Common misconceptions among clinicians and the public
  • The emotional and relational toll on families and loved ones
  • Why forced cleanouts don’t work and what harm reduction looks like
  • Practical steps clinicians and families can take to set boundaries with compassion
  • Resources and support networks for individuals and families navigating hoarding

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About Our Guest: Cecilia “Ceci” Garrett, MSW, LICSW, specializes in treating hoarding disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Her unique blend of personal lived experience and professional expertise informs her clinical practice, advocacy, and training efforts. Ceci is passionate about destigmatizing hoarding disorder and advancing mental health treatment as a critical part of addressing hoarding behaviors. She has presented nationally, contributed to peer-reviewed publications, and developed resources for families and clinicians.

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Resources: 

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Conflict of Interest Disclosure: The host, Shaina Siber-Sanderowitz, LCSW, is the Founder of Affirm Mental Health, an accredited CE provider. She receives financial compensation from Affirm Mental Health for the development and delivery of continuing education content. There are no other conflicts of interest to disclose.

Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for clinical training or treatment. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, please reach out to a licensed professional.

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