This interactive workshop focuses on practical strategies and skill development for supporting individuals experiencing hoarding challenges. This training is Part 2 of a two-part series and builds on the foundational knowledge introduced in Part 1: Understanding Hoarding – Foundations, Trauma, and Assessment. While Part 1 focuses on understanding the behaviour and assessing risk, Part 2 emphasizes hands-on tools, communication strategies, and practical approaches that frontline workers can apply in real-world situations.
Participants will learn harm reduction approaches that prioritize safety and well-being without requiring immediate or complete clean-outs. The workshop explores strategies to reduce fire hazards, injury risks, and health concerns while supporting individuals to make manageable, incremental changes in their living environments.
Through guided exercises and practical demonstrations, participants will practice structured decluttering strategies such as the Three-Box Method, zone-based organization, and decision-making supports for sentimental items. The training also focuses on building effective communication skills, including the use of the LEAP method (Listen, Empathize, Agree, Partner) to build trust and support individuals who may have limited insight into their hoarding behaviour.
Participants will also be introduced to motivational interviewing techniques to encourage change talk, strengthen autonomy, and address ambivalence. The workshop concludes with strategies to help individuals manage emotional overwhelm during the decluttering process, including grounding techniques and approaches that support emotional regulation.
This highly practical training is ideal for front-line workers including case managers, housing workers, outreach staff, peer workers, clinicians, and program managers who support individuals experiencing hoarding challenges in community, housing, and social service settings.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand harm reduction approaches when supporting individuals experiencing hoarding challenges.
- Learn structured and practical decluttering strategies that can be implemented safely and collaboratively.
- Develop communication skills using the LEAP method to build trust and support individuals with varying levels of insight.
- Explore motivational interviewing techniques to support behaviour change and address ambivalence.
- Identify strategies that support emotional regulation during the decluttering and decision-making process.
Learning Outcomes:
- Apply harm reduction strategies to reduce safety and health risks in hoarding situations.
- Use structured decluttering methods such as the Three-Box Method and zone-based organization.
- Utilize LEAP and motivational interviewing techniques to engage individuals experiencing hoarding challenges.
- Support individuals through the change process using trauma-informed and person-centered approaches.
Instructor: Dana Kamin
Mode(s): Live In-Person
Length: One Day
Cost: $140 per person
Target Group: All