Looking after your wellbeing while supporting clients with Hoarding Disorder
Supporting clients with hoarding disorder can be really rewarding, you play such a massive part in their journey to getting a handle on their hoard. However, it can also be emotionally taxing, as professionals dedicated to helping others it is crucial to prioritise your own emotional wellbeing. Here are some essential self-care strategies to consider as you navigate your role in supporting clients with hoarding disorder:
Establish Boundaries
Boundaries are essential for maintaining your emotional health. Clearly define your role and limitations in your interactions with clients. While empathy is vital, remember that you are not responsible for “fixing” your clients’ challenges single-handedly.
Seek Supervision and Support
Don’t hesitate to seek supervision or consult with colleagues when faced with challenging situations. Discussing your experiences and emotions with trusted peers can provide valuable perspective and support.
Prioritise Self-Reflection
Take time to reflect on your cases and emotions related to them. Doing a weekly ’emotional brain dump’ on written paper can help you process your feelings and identify any signs of burnout or compassion fatigue, it is surprising how much it can help to empty everything onto paper and visually work through it.
Set Realistic Expectations
Recognize that progress in supporting clients with hoarding disorder may be slow and non-linear. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your clients, celebrating small victories along the way. Remember that change takes time, and every step forward is meaningful.
Engage in Self-Care Activities
Make self-care a priority in your life by engaging in activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s exercising, spending time in nature, pursuing hobbies, or simply enjoying a hot bath, find what allows you to switch off and make time for it regularly.
Educate Yourself
Continuously educate yourself about hoarding disorder and evidence-based practices for supporting individuals with this condition. The more you understand the complexities of hoarding, the better equipped you’ll be to provide effective support while safeguarding your own wellbeing.
Know When to Seek Help
This should be utilised in any vocations of work but especially when you work in emotionally heavy positions, be vigilant for signs of burnout, compassion fatigue, or vicarious trauma. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or experiencing symptoms of distress, don’t hesitate to speak to management or even consider professional help from a therapist or counsellor.
The Scientific Benefits of Self-Compassion – Stanford Medicine
The centre for compassion and altruism research and education at Stanford have a fantastic visual resource outlining the benefits of self compassion which can be displayed in offices and shared workspaces.
Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish—it’s essential. By prioritizing your own emotional wellbeing, you’re better equipped to provide the compassionate and effective support your clients need.
Support with Hoarding Case Management
Our Case Management course offers practitioners valuable insight into how to manage hoarding cases all while being mindful of their own wellbeing.
The one day course covers –
- Clarity of Role & Responsibilities
- What agencies should be involved? How to challenge when there is inaction by agencies
- Risk and how to mitigate this
- Impact
- Support – What should this look like?
- Enforcement
- Aftercare
Offered in-house, it allows our trainers to structure the session around your specific organisations needs.
Contact knowledgespace@cloudsend.org.uk for more information.
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