Children of hoarders

Being the child of a hoarder comes with challenges. You might be struggling with memories of parents who prioritized objects over you, or made your living space chaotic with their belongings. As an adult, you might have trouble setting boundaries when your parents ask you for help getting rid of stuff or allow their collecting habits to affect your life. Or maybe you’re facing challenges with your own belongings, even if you don’t have hoarding problems yourself.

Recover from a childhood suffocated by your parents’ stuff

If “all” your parent did was collect items, fill your room with their rare tupperware collection, or shop too much, it can be difficult to see that as trauma. Many of our therapists specialize in helping children of hoarders understand the ways in which living with a hoarding family member can create lasting trauma. We also help clients uncouple their identity from their parents’ hoarded home, and work on establishing boundaries (whether they still live at home or not). 

It’s common for children of hoarders to have some tendency to hoard or collect themselves. You might have the same emotional attachment to objects your hoarding parent had, or you might just feel guilty getting rid of things when you’ve been told your whole life that even worthless objects are valuable. Because of this, we frequently help children of hoarders understand their emotional connection to objects, and to gradually build tolerance of letting go of stuff. We also specialize in functional organizational skills.

Connect with a therapist specialized in hoarding

Claim space for yourself and your needs. Request a consultation below, or reach out at (212) 203-7072.

If you’re looking for therapy for hoarding disorder for yourself or someone else, we are here for you.