Where theory meets practice, and vision drives creativity.
About.
OUR PRACTICE
hoarding academy training is underpinned by the Hoarding Integrated Intervention Model™, incorporating the DESIRE Method.
The model is based on the understanding that hoarding disorder cannot be addressed effectively through enforcement, clearance, or therapy alone. Sustainable change requires an integrated approach that combines practical, hands-on intervention with therapeutic, behaviourally informed engagement, delivered ethically and within professional role boundaries.
An Integrated Approach
The Hoarding Integrated Intervention Model (HIIM) brings together two interdependent domains of practice:
Practical intervention focuses on planning, prioritising, organising and decluttering, alongside risk assessment and relapse prevention. This work supports safety, ability and capability for change, and recognises the importance of working within the lived environment.
Therapeutic intervention focuses on motivation, engagement and emotional attachment, drawing on motivational interviewing, cognitive and behavioural principles, harm reduction, trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches. These techniques support readiness for change and help reduce distress, avoidance and disengagement.
Neither domain is sufficient in isolation. The model recognises that practical action without therapeutic engagement is rarely sustained, while therapeutic work without practical change often stalls.
The DESIRE Method
The DESIRE Method sits at the centre of HIIM and provides a structured framework for translating understanding into action.
It is characterised by planned pragmatism, a compassionate and non-judgemental stance, and a focus on values-led, goal-oriented and action-based learning.
DESIRE supports collaborative decision-making and helps practitioners work at a pace that is proportionate, ethical and responsive to individual circumstances.
The method does not constitute a therapeutic modality in itself. Rather, it provides a practice framework for integrating practical and therapeutic approaches within appropriate professional boundaries.
Ethics, Safeguarding and Behavioural Change
HIIM is grounded in contemporary behaviour change theory and informed by safeguarding principles, human rights considerations and reflective practice.
Emphasis is placed on least-restrictive, proportionate intervention, balancing risk management with dignity, autonomy and compassion.
This framework reflects real-world practice and is designed to support sustainable change, improved engagement and reduced reliance on crisis-led or enforcement-driven responses.
This framework informs all hoarding academy training and practice development programmes.
The Hoarding Integrated Intervention Model™ and the DESIRE Method are proprietary practice frameworks developed by hoarding academy and used within its training and practice development programmes.
COLLABORATION
HOARDING TASKFORCE (SCOTLAND)
In 2024, in collaboration with Iriss (the Institute for Research and Innovation in Social Services), the Hoarding Taskforce in Scotland was established. Linda Fay, hoarding academy, is a founding member who provides advice and guidance for multi-disciplinary professionals on policy, practice and how best to manage hoarding-related situations.
“I have been impressed with Linda’s knowledge on the topic of hoarding, and her generosity and skill in translating and communicating academic knowledge and complex ideas into something that is practical and relatable to practitioners.”
~ Kerry Musselbrook, Iriss
UK HOARDING PARTNERSHIP
In 2025, Linda Fay, hoarding academy joined the steering committee for the UK Hoarding Partnership – a group of professionals drawn from diverse organisations including, local authorities, housing associations, emergency services, NHS, third sector organisations, etc., who have an interest in hoarding and how to help individual’s with lived experience.