Ep 1. Augustine

In the premiere episode of season 2 of Hoarders, titled "Augustine," viewers are introduced to the compelling story of Augustine, a 62-year-old woman who has been struggling with hoarding for many years. In this emotionally charged episode, the expert team of therapists, organizers, and cleaning specialists unite to help Augustine overcome her hoarding disorder and reclaim her life.

As the episode begins, we catch a glimpse of Augustine's living space, which is filled to the brim with an overwhelming amount of clutter, junk, and personal belongings. The clutter is so severe that Augustine can hardly navigate through her own home, forcing her to sleep on a small corner of her bed covered in miscellaneous items. With every wardrobe and corner crammed, Augustine's hoarding tendencies have left her isolated and trapped within her own living space.

A voiceover introduces Dr. Robin Zasio, a clinical psychologist who specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorders and is one of the featured therapists on the show. Dr. Zasio explains that hoarding is a complex psychological disorder characterized by the difficulty of letting go of possessions, often resulting in extreme clutter and unsanitary living conditions. Through her extensive experience and compassionate approach, Dr. Zasio aims to help Augustine confront the underlying emotional factors that contribute to her hoarding behavior.

We are introduced to Augustine's family, including her concerned daughter, son-in-law, and grandchildren, who all offer their unique perspectives on the severity of Augustine's hoarding problem and its impact on their lives. They express the worry, frustration, and embarrassment they feel when interacting with friends and family due to Augustine's living conditions.

Dr. Zasio arranges a meeting with Augustine at her cluttered home, where she compassionately explains the hoarding disorder and encourages Augustine to consider the potential negative consequences, both physical and emotional, that her hoarding habit has on her well-being. Augustine admits that she feels trapped, overwhelmed, and ready for change.

Next, we meet Augustine's organizing specialist, Matt Paxton, an experienced professional who understands the challenges and sensitivities involved in helping hoarders declutter their homes. Matt discusses his strategy for approaching Augustine's situation, emphasizing the importance of working together as a team and finding a balance between discarding unnecessary items and preserving those with sentimental value.

With the team in place, the daunting task of clearing Augustine's home begins. The crew, along with Augustine's family, sift through an assortment of items, carefully deciding which items to keep, discard, or donate. Each decision is meticulously evaluated, ensuring that Augustine feels comfortable with the process and that her emotions are respected throughout.

Throughout the episode, the viewers witness Augustine's struggle to part with her belongings, as each item carries a sentimental attachment or an emotional memory. The process becomes an emotional rollercoaster as she confronts the underlying issues that have fueled her hoarding tendencies for so long. However, the team remains patient and supportive, offering her guidance and reminding her of the ultimate goal—to regain control of her living space and find inner peace.

As the episode nears its conclusion, the remarkable transformation of Augustine's home becomes evident. The once chaotic and cluttered space gradually evolves into a clean and organized environment. Augustine’s joy and relief are palpable as she revels in her newfound freedom from the weight of her possessions.

In the final scenes, the team gathers to celebrate Augustine's accomplishments and reflect on the profound impact that the process has had on her life. Augustine expresses her gratitude to the Hoarders team, her family, and the professionals who helped her overcome her hoarding disorder.

"Augustine" serves as a poignant reminder of the significant challenges that individuals with hoarding disorders face, as well as a testament to the transformative power of compassion, patience, and therapeutic intervention. Through Augustine's journey, viewers are presented with an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of hoarding and the complex emotional factors that contribute to this debilitating disorder.