Motivational Interviewing (MI) is particularly valuable for hoarding when ambivalence about change is blocking recovery.
Ambivalence in Hoarding
People with hoarding are often ambivalent about change — part wants relief, part fears the unknown of being without familiar hoarding patterns. This is normal, not resistance.
How MI Addresses Hoarding Ambivalence
MI uses specific techniques to help people explore and resolve their ambivalence about hoarding treatment:
- Reflective listening: Hearing and naming both sides of hoarding ambivalence
- Decisional balance: Exploring pros and cons of changing vs. staying the same with hoarding
- Evoking change talk: Drawing out the person's own reasons for addressing hoarding
- Affirming strengths: Highlighting past capacities relevant to hoarding recovery
MI in Hoarding Treatment Settings
MI is integrated into many hoarding treatment approaches as an engagement tool. It's particularly useful at the beginning of treatment and when motivation fluctuates.