Help Yourself

You can change your life.

The Problem:

If you're living with extraordinary amounts of clutter and chaos in your home you may feel flawed, damaged and hopeless. I'm guessing you've tried to help yourself by reading all the books or asking a trusted friend's advice, even taken them up on offers of help; but, it didn't work.  Now you're left with a mountain of decluttering books, no progress has been made and you feel more despondent than ever.

The Solution:

In order to make progress you need to look closely at the emotions buried underneath the stuff and accept that it might be necessary to talk about your problems with a compassionate professional in order to gain insight into the function of the behaviours that have led you to this place. Hoarding expert Dr Jan Eppingstall can help you get out from under your stuff and live your life open and free.

What to expect when working with Dr Jan Eppingstall

Collaboration

Working in partnership with you, Jan can offer concrete solutions to create new and adaptive habits so you can pivot towards what matters to you and live a full, rich life.

Empowerment

Clear outs are not the answer. Jan will put you in the drivers seat of the process and help you make informed decisions about what you need and what no longer serves you.

Compassion

Dr Eppingstall comes from a place of  non-judgement, compassion,  empathy and believes everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.

How Does Dr Jan Work?

what can you expect from a counselling session? 

Therapeutic Approach

Jan is a hoarding & chronic disorganization expert trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and has experience as a Professional Organizer. 

Sessions

Sessions are action orientated.  Jan will encourage you to try more effective ways to tackle difficult thoughts and feelings so they have less influence over your behaviour and allow you to take control of your clutter.

Treatment

The purpose of working with Jan is holistic and aims to help you live a more fulfilling and meaningful life. Clarification of values, developing strengths, overcoming weaknesses and getting you unstuck is the primary goal. 

Expectations of You

Those who tend to benefit from counselling are open to change and willing to implement learnings outside sessions.  If you do the work not only will your physical environment improve, other  areas of your life will prosper.

Time is now

for new beginnings!


faq

Can hoarding be cured?

Like many mental illnesses, hoarding is something that can be managed. Symptoms are reflections of coping mechanisms developed over a lifetime and are reflexive.  Because behaviours are deeply encoded in the brain even after many years without significant saving and acquiring behaviours a crisis can trigger these to reoccur and clutter can accumulate.

However, there is hope and you can improve your home environment and your mental health.

What qualifies you to help me?

I have a PhD level understanding of the psychology of stuff, a Master of Counselling and  experience as a professional organiser. I get you and am able to counsel you towards a new and hopeful future.

I think I'm chronically disorganized can you help?

If you have always found it difficult to get your act together, you may be chronically disorganized. Chances are you're a creative and innovative person with endless ideas for exciting new projects.  I have so many tips and strategies to help you use your strengths and limit the impact of you weakness on your living environment so you have the time and space to realise more of your dreams and simplify your life.

My family wants to help can they?

Family are a wonderful support and can be extremely helpful; however, the psychological and environmental impacts of your hoarding can have a lasting impact on those around you. Before family members help you they need to understand hoarding. You may need to realise they are too emotionally close to be objective and non-judgemental and helping you may impact their own psychological health. Seeking out a counsellor can be a better strategy.

What the heck is ATLAS?

Aha! You have read my website thoroughly I see. ATLAS stands for Accountability Though Listing Action Sessions. This is an evidence-based technique used to facilitate observation and description of your experiences and thoughts when making discarding decisions. The goal is to notice your underlying beliefs and assumptions that make it difficult for you to let go of items.

Will you make me throw everything away?

No! Every decision is yours. In fact, empowering you to make decisions so you can gain mastery over your possessions is my goal.

Do you come to my home?

If you live in Melbourne, Australia I can come to your home and work with you. Those outside of Melbourne I am available via Zoom.

How much do sessions cost?

In-home coaching sessions are $180 AUD (GST incl) and Zoom sessions are $150 AUD (GST incl). 

I'm on a fixed income do you offer reduced rates?

For those who are unable to afford my fees I can offer a sliding scale for some clients and would be happy to discuss this when you're ready to make an appointment.

Do you offer short accountability sessions?

Yes, I do offer short accountability sessions using  ATLAS via Zoom; however, only for existing clients. I find it necessary to establish rapport, understand a client's circumstances, and make some progress before we can attempt accountability sessions. Contact me if you'd like to discuss this further.

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