Geralin Thomas' Metrozing Blog

Today’s post is a book review, written by Dr. Renae Reinardy of Lakeside Center for Behavioral Change. This book is a valuable tool for hoarders who have mild to moderate symptoms, without serious comorbid disorders, and who are ready to take action on their hoarding problem.

Today’s post is written by Dr. Scott Hannan, a psychologist, from the Anxiety Disorders Center. I’ve worked with Dr. Hannan twice while filming Hoarders (Gail and Kim episodes) and was hopeful that he would help me understand (and you too!) why so many mental health professionals are discussing the possibility of hoarding being it’s own, “official” diagnosis in the new Fifth Edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders or DSM-V.

Below is his response.

I’m especially excited about this week’s post written by Dr. Marla Deibler of The Center for Emotional Health of Greater Philadelphia, LLC because it’s a topic confusing to many. At least a dozen times, well-meaning loved ones have asked me, “Why not remove the hoarder from her home, put her in a rehab unit, clean out the house while she gets counseling and then return her to a clean home like they do on Intervention?” I think it’s a common mistake to confuse a compulsive behavior with an addictive behavior and Dr. Deibler has graciously agreed to explain the differences below.

Recently I’ve invited several of the doctors, from A&E TV’s, “Hoarders,” to answer a question (or two) about hoarding, from their perspective.

This week my guest blogger is Dr. Renae Reinardy and my question to her is, “Viewers want to know why are many homes of hoarders so filthy? Are they lazy or are (some) hoarders truly unable to wash dishes and laundry, take out the trash and clean up after their pets?”

Dr. Reinardy told me she had co-written an article that addresses this topic and agreed to let me share it with you; so, here it is.

When asked if I “really do” work with teams of organizers (like I do on the TV show, “Hoarders”) the answer is, “YES, when working with a hoarding client, I really do bring in teams of people to help me; I can’t do it alone.” (Note: this “team approach” is my technique but there is no right or wrong way to do it. If another Professional Organizer does it differently, meaning she/he prefers to work quietly, without a team, it means it suits her/his style better. You should work with an organizer that is a good fit for YOU, personally.

Have you been watching “Hoarders” and wondering whether you, or someone you know, might be a hoarder?

This week, I bring you a handy chart that will allow you to see at a glance the main differences between hoarding, chronic disorganization, and collecting.

The popular A&E Network television series, "Hoarders," has made thousands of people aware that there is help available for their loved ones or themselves. In response to the many inquiries I’ve received, today I’m sharing a list of the professionals seen on the show.

Since the A&E Network series “Hoarders” began, I’ve been contacted countless times by hoarders, friends/families of hoarders, and Professional Organizers wondering if I have a supply list I’m willing to share with them. Many of these people simply don’t have the time or resources to research a list of products that are necessary and helpful to take to a job site. For those folks, I’m posting a few of my “favorites” or “must-haves.”

Today’s post is written by Ellen Delap. Ellen is located in Houston, Texas and she recently assisted me, along with Janice Simon and Christina Frisbie, on a recent Hoarders shoot for A&E TV. Ellen is a Certified Professional Organizer and Family Manager Coach who enjoys working with busy people who want to simplify their lives. You can learn more about her and her work at www.professional-organizer.com, follow her on Twitter at TexasOrganizer and join her Facebook Fan Page.

I am SO happy with how many readers are interested in my progress! (Thank you all) There has been a lot of progress since the original post.

Kara and Charlotte, from the Metropolitan Organizing team, have been tremendously helpful & supportive; I would not be where I am without them; they're gems!