Dealing with Difficult Dealing with Difficult PersonalitiesPersonalities

The Humane Society of The United States

Animal Care Expo 2012

Dr. Robin Zasio, Psy.D. LCSWThe Anxiety Treatment Center of Sacramento

The Compulsive Hoarding Center of Sacramento

Overview of Animal HoardingOverview of Animal Hoarding

First described as a “hoarding-type” behavior in 1999.

Similarities between hoarding of objects and animal collecting lead to a more accurate and consistent way of framing the problem.

Historically there has been little recognition of the problem which was left up to animal shelters to have to deal with.

Each year, a quarter of a million animals are rescued from hoarders.

What is Animal Hoarding?What is Animal Hoarding?

Accumulates a large number of animals. Fails to provide minimal standards of

nutrition, sanitation, and veterinary care. Fails to act of the deteriorating condition

of the animals or environment. Fails to act on the negative effect of the

collection on their own health and well-being and that of other household members.

Common Demographics of Common Demographics of Animal HoardersAnimal Hoarders

Can strike both men, women, single, married, young and older.

Most common profile is that of an older woman who lives alone, and is socially isolated with financial stressors.

Attribute human characteristics to the animals.

Receive emotional comfort that they are not able to get from other people.

Common Personality Common Personality CharacteristicsCharacteristics

Distortions in the health and welfare of the animals.

Rationalize the collection of animals. Rigidity and extreme views to justify

behavior. Believe that no one else can live up to

their “high standards” of care. Poor insight. Denial of problem.

Psychological Factors Psychological Factors Leading to Animal HoardingLeading to Animal Hoarding

Unstable and inconsistent parentingTraumaNeglect or abuse in childhoodAttachment issuesOccurs in order to serve deep-

seated human needs: Instead of connecting with people they connect to animals

Common Co-morbid Common Co-morbid ConditionsConditions

Compulsive hoarding of objectsObsessive compulsive disorderDepressionAddictionAttachment DisorderDementia

Working Model of How a Working Model of How a Hoarder Might EvolveHoarder Might Evolve

Patronek GJ, Nathanson JN Patronek GJ, Nathanson JN

Understanding the Mind of an Understanding the Mind of an Animal HoarderAnimal Hoarder

Symptom of mental illness rather than deliberate cruelty to animals.

Deeply attached to their pets. Difficulty comprehending that they are

harming their pets. Puts the need of having pets over

self/others. Looking for a sense of security,

irrespective of the consequences.

Types of Animal HoardersTypes of Animal HoardersIOCDF WebsiteIOCDF Website

Who is Affected by Animal Who is Affected by Animal Hoarders?Hoarders?

AnimalsHoarderChildrenElderlyNeighbors

Warning Signs of Animal Warning Signs of Animal HoardingHoarding

Generally, 10 or more animals but can be less: It is about the care not provided.

Unsanitary living conditions. Financial losses to pay for food/shelter. Deteriorating health of animals. Deteriorating health of those living in the

home. Complaints from neighbors.

Animal hoarding is not….Animal hoarding is not….

A legitimate rescueShelteringSanctuary for animalsAltruistic behavior

What Can You Expect to See What Can You Expect to See in the home?in the home?

Excessive animals (30-40 to hundreds), often times unsocialized and aggressive

Excessive urine and feces Insects Extreme smells and high ammonia levels Sick, injured, unkept, and/or dead animals Hoarding of objects Deterioration of the home and personal

property Deterioration of the property

Most Common Animals Most Common Animals HoardedHoarded

Cats (Leads the list)DogsBirdsReptilesHorsesCattleRabbits/Rats

What Can You Expect To What Can You Expect To Feel?Feel?

AngerDisgustResentmentFearDeep emotional turmoilFeelings of nausea

When is it Not Animal When is it Not Animal Hoarding?Hoarding?

Proper care given to the animals including: veterinary care/love and attention

Adequate space for the animals Clean and safe home environment Socialization and discipline of animals Residents are not being negatively

affected by the animals, but rather contribute to their welfare

What’s the First Step to What’s the First Step to Assess for Animal HoardingAssess for Animal Hoarding

See for yourself: home visitStrike up a conversation and

attempt for a glance in the homeTalk to the neighbors about their

observations.

How to Address the Animal How to Address the Animal HoarderHoarder

In the beginning, stay away from the term “animal hoarder” to avoid creating defensiveness.

Avoid making statements about the condition of the animals and home.

Stick to the facts and ask open-ended questions about their situation.

How to Work with an Animal How to Work with an Animal HoarderHoarder

Validate their love for the animalsAcknowledge that they want the

best for the animalsActively listenExpress your concern using non-

judgmental languageMake it clear that you are there to

help and offer support

Helpful Questions to Ask to Helpful Questions to Ask to Understand the Animal Understand the Animal

HoarderHoarder Do you think you have too many animals? Is your life being negatively impacted by the

number of animals in the home? Do you think the number of animals is affecting

others in the home? Do you think the animals are getting the care

they need? How might your life improve if you have less

animals? Do you understand why some might be

concerned about the number of animals that you have?

Motivational InterviewingMotivational Interviewing

Designed to help the hoarder identify reasons why making a change would be a benefit to them, their family, and the animals.

Helps to acknowledge that while there is a cost to change, the benefits of change will serve them and the animals in the long run.

What Motivates People to What Motivates People to Change?Change?

Identification of the importance of the problem.

Having the confidence in the ability to change.

Internal desire- It cannot be imposed by others.

How to Address AmbivalenceHow to Address Ambivalence

Expect it, even if they recognize that there is a problem.

Encourage them to express their ambivalence and fears.

Facilitate resolution of ambivalence with gentle encouragement.

Remind them you are in partnership to get the problem resolved in the least distressing manner possible.

Factors Influencing MotivationFactors Influencing Motivation

Social supportHome visitsDepressionAnxietyAbility to tolerate discomfort

Principles of Motivational Principles of Motivational InterviewingInterviewing

Express empathyIdentify discrepanciesMove with the resistanceSupport self-efficacy

Create a Decision Balance Create a Decision Balance SheetSheet

If you continue to hoard:Benefits: Keep the animals, avoid making

tough decisions, don’t experience loss, avoid dealing with factors leading to hoarding.

Costs: Animals and relationships with family members continue to suffer, can’t have people over, house smells and continues to deteriorate.

Decision Balance Sheet Decision Balance Sheet ContinuedContinued

By letting go of the animals:Benefits: Animals get the care and

attention they need, house can get cleaned, able to have people over, relationships can improve.

Cost: It will be difficult parting with the animals, will have to make hard decisions, painful feelings will surface.

Talk About the GoalsTalk About the Goals

Create safety for animalsImprove the condition of the homeIncreased social contact with othersImproved relationships with familyIncreased time to do other activitiesImproved finances

Problem Solving StepsProblem Solving Steps

Identify problemGenerate solutions-be creativeEvaluate solutions and pick oneImplement solutionEvaluate outcomeRepeat

This is Going to Be Difficult!This is Going to Be Difficult!

Remind them to take one step at a time. Encourage them to patient with the

process Be aware of their tendency to

catastrophize. Think of the “Greater Good.” Gently suggest that what they have

been doing hasn’t been working.

What Doesn’t WorkWhat Doesn’t Work

CriticismConfrontationThreats: To remove animals or to

call law enforcementBadgeringBelittling

What is Likely to Be Most What is Likely to Be Most EffectiveEffective

Give positive encouragement.Validate that you know they love their

animals.Acknowledge that you understand

they want the best for their animals.Let them know you want to work with

them.Express that you are not judging

them.

Dealing with The Difficult Dealing with The Difficult PersonalityPersonality

Keep conversation neutral rather than adversarial.

Accept the reality of who they are. Know what’s under your control to change. Watch your tone and facial reactions. Stay calm, non-reactive, and unemotional. Identify their positive qualities. Remember who you are dealing with! Don’t let them get to you.

Keep the Focus!Keep the Focus!

Get the facts and work toward generating solutions.

Use the power of graciousness.Listen-listen-listen!Be patient. Expect to feel frustrated.Try to remain optimistic.Communicate in a way that helps

them feel understood.

Prepare the HoarderPrepare the Hoarder

Acknowledge their distress. Be empathic to their difficulty letting go of

their animals. Acknowledge their anxiety and feelings of

loss. Validate that they are going to feel sadness

and that you are they to help them deal with their feelings.

Remind them that their distress over giving up the animals will get easier as time passes.

Giving Up ControlGiving Up Control

Remember there are psychological factors which have lead to the problem.

Be as personal as you feel comfortable and explore if you can learn more about who they are as a person.

Keep in mind that it is likely that they have not had control in other areas of their life and having animals is one way they feel control.

Encourage them to identify ways to mitigate the problem.

Moving ForwardMoving Forward

Do not bring home stray animals.Neighbors need to be informed

that their home is off limits for stray pets.

Do not visit shelters or other animal facilities: Too tempting!!!

Relapse PreventionRelapse Prevention

Therapy to address the factors leading to the animal hoarding.

Identification of other ways to get interpersonal needs met.

Activities to connect with others.Ask them about their resources.Follow-up home visits.

Rules for Bringing Pets into Rules for Bringing Pets into HouseHouse

Comply with county guidelines with regard to number of pets.

Pets must have adequate space. Adequate food, water, and medical

attention. Financial resources to care for pets. Decisions made with other family

members consent. Adequate time to care for the pet.

Further Recommendations for Further Recommendations for the Animal Hoarderthe Animal Hoarder

Instruct owner to take a class on organization.

Find an online or local animal support group.

Contact an animal caregiver consultant.

Therapy to address the underlying psychological factors leading to the hoarder.

What Can I Expect For a What Can I Expect For a PrognosisPrognosis

Recidivism is very high! PERIOD!

What Are Your Resources?What Are Your Resources?

The Humane Society of The United States Local animal shelter Local humane society Local animal hoarding task force Child Protective Services Adult Protective Services Fire department Law enforcement

Resources for Animal Resources for Animal HoardersHoarders

www.humansociety.org www.aspca.org www.childrenofhoarders.com www.ocfoundation.org www.1800gotjunk.com www.hoardingcleanup.com www.compulsivehoardingcenter.com Media: A & E Network- HOARDERS

For More InformationFor More Information

The Compulsive Hoarding Center

Dr. Robin Zasio, Psy.D.Drrobin@sierrabg.com

916.366.0647