Why Tough Love Doesn’t Work for Hoarding | Chia-Ying Chou

In this episode of Compassion in a T-Shirt, I sit down with Dr. Chia-Ying Chou, a UCSF-trained psychologist and leading specialist in hoarding and cluttering. Chia-Ying combines Compassion Focused Therapy with years of clinical and research expertise to help people move beyond shame, self-criticism, and avoidance.

Together, we explore:
. What hoarding really is — beyond just “too much stuff.”
. The emotional roots of hoarding, including shame and fear.
. How Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) can build the courage and inner strength needed to face these challenges.
. Practical skills and strategies for creating a kinder, more supportive relationship with ourselves.

Chia-Ying also shares details of her upcoming CMT workshops, offering hope and practical guidance for anyone struggling with clutter, or supporting a loved one who is.

✨ If you’ve ever wondered how compassion can transform the way we relate to ourselves and our possessions, this conversation is for you.

Timestamps:

00:00 Welcome to Compassion in a T-Shirt
01:00 Understanding Hoarding: Beyond the Clutter
02:25 The Emotional Roots of Hoarding
10:41 Compassionate Mind Training for Hoarding
18:01 The Role of Drive and Soothing Systems
28:39 Challenges and Misconceptions in Self-Compassion
41:25 Workshop Details and Final Thoughts

Links:

Dr. Chia-Ying Chou at The San Francisco Center for Compassion-Focused Therapies
https://www.sfcompassion.com/

Compassionate Mind Training for Hoarding
https://sfcompassion.regfox.com/compa...

If you would like to learn more about compassion focused therapy, you can find Dr Stan Steindl's book The Gifts of Compassion here: https://www.ausapress.com/p/the-gifts...

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Video hashtags:
compassionfocusedtherapy, hoardinghelp, selfcompassion, compassionatehealing, mentalhealthawareness, clutterfree