Buried in Treasures: The Nature and Treatment of Compulsive Hoarding
David Tolin, Ph.D., ABPP
Founder and Directors of the Anxiety Disorders Center at the Institute of Living
Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine
Description of the Program:
The aim of this workshop is to familiarize you with compulsive hoarding, a common and potentially severe mental health problem characterized by acquisition of, and failure to discard, a large number of possessions to the extent that living spaces become uninhabitable. We will review emerging data investigating the nature of hoarding, associated mental health features, and new research findings regarding brain function in people who hoard.
To date, compulsive hoarding has frustrated mental health and social service workers due to its apparently chronic and treatment-resistant nature. Many hoarders are reluctant to seek help, and even those who do seek help frequently resist efforts to intervene. Clinical studies, therefore, have consistently shown a poor response to psychological and pharmacologic treatments. Recently, however, a new model of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has emerged based on our increasing understanding of hoarding. In this workshop, you will learn specific skills to increase clients' motivation and compliance, challenge maladaptive ways of thinking, and learn new behavior patterns.
Objectives: Following this workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Discuss the epidemiology and features of compulsive hoarding.
2. Outline a cognitive-behavioral model of compulsive hoarding.
3. Implement motivational interviewing and cognitive-behavioral strategies for patients who hoard.
Dr. David Tolin is the founder and Director of the Anxiety Disorders Center at The Institute of Living. He is also Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Yale University School of Medicine. Dr. Tolin received his Ph.D. from the University of Arkansas, and completed a predoctoral internship at Tufts University School of Medicine/VA Medical Center, Boston. Dr. Tolin’s research and clinical interests include: 1) Cognitive-behavioral therapy for anxiety disorders in adults and children, particularly obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and panic disorder; 2) The nature and treatment of compulsive hoarding; 3) The nature and treatment of body-focused repetitive behavior disorders such as trichotillomania; 4) The interaction between psychotherapy and pharmacotherapy in the treatment of anxiety disorders, and 5) Cognitive processes that underlie anxiety disorders, particularly dysfunctional beliefs and mechanisms of information processing. Dr. Tolin is board certified in clinical psychology by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and is a Fellow of the American Academy of Clinical Psychology.
Continuing Education: PBTA is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PBTA maintains responsibility for this program and its content. PBTA is also an authorized provider for Continuing Education credits for Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists and Clinical Social Workers licensed in the state of Pennsylvania. CE credits are free for PBTA members ($40 for non-members). Number of CE Credits Offered: two (2).
PHILADELPHIA BEHAVIOR THERAPY ASSOCIATION