Our Team
Debbie Graham
Founder
Meet Debbie, our Founder
With over 30 years of experience in community services and a specialisation in mental health for more than 17 years, Debbie is passionate about advocating for those affected by hoarding disorder and complex trauma. Her journey led her to undertake a year-long project focused on mapping available services for individuals living in hoarded or squalid environments. Through this work, it became evident that significant gaps in support existed, with many participants feeling misunderstood, judged, and traumatized by their experiences.
Having a lived experience of hoarding, Debbie recognized the urgent need for a more informed, participant-led, and research based model of intervention. In July 2016, she founded Inside Out Recovery to fill this gap in specialised support. Over the past seven years, the organization has been dedicated to breaking down the stigma and shame surrounding excessive clutter while fostering a compassionate understanding of those affected.
Debbie's qualifications include an Associate Degree of Counselling, a Diploma of Community Management, a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment, and numerous specialised certifications accrued throughout her career. In 2022, she was honoured to receive the Most Outstanding Addiction Behaviour Counsellor award in Australia, followed by global recognition in London, in addition to receiving the National Enablement Award in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Our team supports people to build skills around choice and control in their lives. We provide education and trauma informed support to develop an understanding of behaviors and the social and environmental factors that contribute to their current situation. As a team, we build a plan focusing on whole-person recovery, not just the clutter.
The in home intervention will intensely focus on trauma informed care with other therapies to help a person achieve their recovery goals.
It is vital to learn strategies to unpack their beliefs. In doing so, we hope that a person knows to challenge their thoughts and behaviours, aiding them in making better decisions about their life and possessions.
Whilst we specialise in Hoarding Disorder, we also offer support in other modalities. Our team is experienced in the following counselling areas
Anxiety
Trauma
Hoarding Disorder/Behaviours
Marriage & Relationships
Addictions
Pregnancy Loss or Miscarriage
Domestic Violence
Complex childhood trauma
Grief & Loss
Living with Dementia
Suicidal Ideation
Neurodivergence (including ADHD and ASD)
Depression
Gender and Sexuality
Family Systems
Life Coaching
PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
Complex PTSD
Chronic Pain
Stress
Eating Disorders
Parenting Challenges
CBT
DBT
Ageing
Migrant & Refugee Challenges
LGBTQI+
Youth Counselling
Interpersonal Therapy
Family Functioning
Psychoeducation
Inside Out Recovery is committed to restoring functionality, health, and safety to clients’ internal environments. Research emphasizes that meaningful change must begin from within. The organization's holistic approach includes skill development, clinical intervention, and psychological assessments tailored to individual needs.
Understanding that hoarding disorder is a complex mental health issue, the first response is not to immediately clean up but to provide the psychological support necessary to understand the underlying causes of hoarding. This process equips individuals with the skills to sort and discard clutter sustainably.
The services offered are not a one-size-fits-all solution; instead, they are tailored to individual needs, including counseling, psychosocial decluttering coaching, recovery coaching, and collaborative engagement with existing support networks. As a registered NDIS provider, Inside Out Recovery is committed to providing comprehensive assistance to those in need.
Additionally, Debbie offers professional development training for workers in the sector to enhance their understanding and effectiveness in providing targeted interventions. The organization also facilitates peer-led support groups, including the 15-week Buried in Treasures Support Group and the 6 week Eating the Elephant Therapy Group, creating a safe, accepting, and non-judgmental environment for change.
At Inside Out Recovery, the belief in the power of community and support drives the mission to help individuals overcome the challenges of hoarding and reclaim a life less cluttered.
Meet Hayley, our Psychotherapist.
We are very blessed to have Hayley a part of our team.
Hayley is a dedicated Psychotherapist specialising in hoarding disorder, with a compassionate approach. Hayley holds a Diploma in Child Psychology and a Master's in Psychotherapy and Counselling. With over 15 years of experience in family therapy, she has worked in both inpatient and outpatient rehabilitation settings, specializing in mood disorders, eating disorders, and addiction. Hayley has also served as a school counsellor and facilitated mental health support groups.Fostering a safe, non-judgmental environment where clients can explore their values and emotions.
Using a therapeutic practice and integrating mindfulness techniques with motivational interviewing together with empowering individuals to make meaningful changes.
Committed to promoting mental wellness, restoring balance and harmony in their clients' lives, guiding them toward a healthier future
Meet our amazing Jo!
Joanne is the Support Coordinator with Inside Out Recovery, linking participants with our experienced and passionate staff.
Before starting with Inside Out Recovery, Joanne worked for St Vincent de Paul at Matthew Talbot Hostel & Vincentian House providing support for men, women and families experiencing homelessness.
Joanne gained her Diploma of Community Services in 2022 after working in the events industry bringing her skills of organisation to Inside Out.
Joanne has a lived experience of hoarding with a close family member and brings this knowledge to help others achieve a safe and functional home environment.
In her spare time, she runs around at the beck and call of three boys and an energetic Jack Russell called Benny.
With a career spanning over three decades, Kersten has been dedicated to helping clients achieve well being and personal growth since 1986.
Initially trained as a physiotherapist, Kersten began by addressing physical health but, over time, developed a broader, more holistic approach to understanding and treating dysfunction.
This evolution led her to expand her expertise into counselling and declutter coaching, blending physical, emotional, and mental well-being. Today, Kersten brings a wealth of experience and a unique, integrative perspective to support clients in overcoming challenges and creating lasting positive change.
Sharon is a dedicated Assistant Declutter Coach and passionate advocate for individuals struggling with hoarding. With a personal understanding of clutter – from a vast craft collection to countless photos, albums, memorabilia, and paperwork – Sharon is deeply committed to supporting others facing similar challenges. Her journey began as a participant in the Buried in Treasures (BiT) workshop, which she completed twice, before becoming a volunteer in both the BiT workshops and support groups.
Over the past seven years, Sharon has worked alongside Debbie Graham, first volunteering and later co-facilitating BiT workshops. Recognizing Sharon’s dedication and passion for helping others, Debbie invited her to join the Inside Out Recovery team, where she now serves as an Assistant Declutter Coach. Sharon also co-facilitates the Life Less Cluttered face-to-face support group and the KAOS online Peer Support Group, providing a safe and compassionate space for individuals to find support and make progress in their decluttering journeys.
With her lived experience and commitment to helping others, Sharon plays an essential role in empowering individuals to overcome hoarding behaviors and create a more organized, peaceful life.
Bel has a unique and valuable perspective on supporting individuals affected by hoarding, drawing from her own lived experience. With a strong academic foundation, she holds a Diploma of Mental Health, a Diploma of Community Services, and holds a certificate in Mental Health First Aid. Currently, Bel is pursuing a Bachelor of Social Work & Youth Mental Health First Aid, further expanding her knowledge and skills.
Bel is committed to applying learned theories to her practical work, with a focus on minimising social injustice and fostering a supportive environment. Her approach is grounded in being friendly, holistic, and professional, ensuring that individuals receive compassionate, well rounded care and support.
Pip has a diverse background in both Occupational Therapy and Counselling, with a particular focus on helping individuals navigate the challenges of daily living. Initially trained in Occupational Therapy, Pip specialized in supporting clients to overcome barriers to performing everyday tasks, helping them regain independence and enhance their overall quality of life.
More recently, Pip has expanded her expertise through training in Counselling, integrating various therapeutic approaches into her practice. One of her unique methods is "Play of Life," a form of psychodrama using Mobilo figures to explore life scenarios, alongside traditional talking therapy and interpersonal strategies.
Currently, Pip works casually with Inside Out Recovery, where she enjoys collaborating with clients to develop practical strategies that empower them to achieve their goals and lead more fulfilling lives. She finds great satisfaction in meeting people, understanding their challenges, and helping them create meaningful solutions for personal growth.
James Lightfoot
(Bachelor of Social Work (Hons), Certificate IV Training and Assessment, Diploma of Counselling)
James is an experienced caseworker/investigator, counsellor, consultant and psychosocial declutter coach.
James has over 30 years experience providing child protection and family support as well as other adult related services across child and family services, health systems, government watchdogs and other review agencies, including young people in residential care and disability supported accommodation.
James has also led and supervised Social Work Departments, Child Protection Units and specialist teams in hospitals and government agencies.
He is a qualified presenter and trainer and has delivered training and education to thousands of attendees through workshops, conferences and specialist induction. James also has extensive experience auditing agency practices and developing policies and practices for organisations.
Dona has been a valued member of Inside Out Recovery since January 2023, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise in counselling and psychotherapy.
Dona has been supporting individuals facing addiction, trauma, and neurodivergence since 2018, with a deep understanding of the unique challenges these struggles present.
Her career journey spans over a decade, with prior experience in a variety of settings, including prisons, addiction clinics, halfway houses, and youth programs, starting in 2012.
Originally pursuing a teaching degree, Dona made a bold career shift and graduated with a Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy from the Australian College of Applied Psychology in 2017. Her passion for helping others and her diverse background make her a compassionate and skilled professional in the field.
Kelly is a compassionate and skilled Psychosocial Declutter Coach and Counsellor who helps individuals in the Armidale area navigate the emotional and psychological challenges of decluttering. With a deep understanding of how our surroundings impact our mental well being, Kelly works one on one with clients in their homes to explore the root causes behind their clutter, helping them create a healthier, more intentional living space.
Through a gentle, supportive approach, Kelly guides clients to reflect on their behaviours, make mindful decisions about what to keep, and let go of items that no longer serve them. Whether it’s a space filled with sentimental objects or overwhelming piles of things, Kelly’s counselling expertise empowers individuals to process emotions and regain control over their environment.
By blending practical decluttering strategies with emotional support, Kelly helps her clients find clarity, reduce stress, and build confidence as they transform their homes and their lives.
If you're in the Illawarra region and looking to make meaningful changes in your space (and mind), Kelly is here to help you every step of the way.
Meet Chris, Our Lawn Maintenance and All Round Support Hero!
We’re so grateful to have Chris on our team! Not only does he help keep our clients' lawns looking pristine, but he's also our go to guy when it comes to taking away items that no longer serve a purpose. Whether it's that old garden furniture that needs a new home or just some clutter that’s accumulated over time, Chris is always ready to lend a hand.
As a true all rounder, Chris adapts to whatever the client needs, offering flexible, hands on support that helps make life just a little bit easier for everyone he works with. He’s always ready to go the extra mile, whether it's sprucing up the yard or clearing away things that have outlived their usefulness.
Houseproud Cleaning Camden: Restoring Clean, Restoring Peace
Inside Out Recovery partners with Houseproud Cleaning Camden, as they understand that a clean home or workspace is more than just a tidy space, it’s a sanctuary. For the past 7 years, this duo has been proud to serve our community as a husband and wife team, dedicated to bringing warmth, clarity, and peace to every environment they touch.
In partnership with Inside Out Recovery, they provide a specialised forensic cleaning service that transforms every area into a fresh, inviting place to live or work. After Inside Out Recovery clears the clutter, they step in with precision, ensuring that every corner is cleaned, restored, and revived with the highest standards of care.
They believe in making a difference, one clean space at a time, and we’re honoured to help our clients create environments where they can feel truly at home.
Meet Kalala, one of our Psycho Social Declutter Coaches
Kalala is a skilled Social Declutter Coach at Inside Out Recovery, specialising in working with individuals in cluttered living environments. With extensive experience supporting tenants, Kalala helps develop personalised strategies to create safer, more organised spaces. This hands on experience has equipped her with practical skills to facilitate effective decluttering efforts.
With over two years of experience working closely with individuals facing mental health challenges, Kalala brings valuable insight into managing environmental stressors, such as clutter, while fostering a supportive and empathetic environment for each individual.
Meet Maddi, Inside Out Recovery Psycho Social Declutter Coach
Maddi is a qualified counsellor and group facilitator specialising in Gestalt therapy. With over seven years of experience in community counselling, public health education, and maternal-child health advocacy, she brings a compassionate, relational approach to client support.
Tamara is a mother, artist, and adult survivor of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, and homelessness. With 25 years in community services, she specialises in youth development, homelessness advocacy, and complex casework, supporting individuals facing AOD, mental health, and domestic violence challenges. She works with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and those impacted by the justice system.
Since 2011, Tamara has used a trauma-informed, culturally safe approach to support clients in their journey to healing, independence, and justice. Skilled in advocacy, case management, AOD counselling, and legal support, she empowers those she works with to thrive. Tamara holds a Masters in Social Development and International Aid and continues to build her expertise to create lasting change for vulnerable communities.
Sharon is a dedicated co-facilitator of the Life Less Cluttered face to face support group and the KAOS Online Peer Support Group, both of which provide a compassionate and non judgmental space for individuals struggling with clutter and hoarding behaviours.
Through her lived experience, empathy, and commitment to helping others, Sharon empowers individuals to take meaningful steps toward a more organised and peaceful life.
Her journey serves as a testament to the power of personal transformation, and she continues to inspire and support those seeking positive change.
With over 25 years of experience in the Health and Community Sector, Lusia is deeply committed to providing person centred, holistic support that respects the unique needs and dignity of every individual. Lusia approaches her work with compassion and empathy, offering non judgmental guidance to empower individuals on their journey toward wellness and self discovery. Specialised training in trauma informed care enables Luisa to create a safe, empowering space where individuals can openly share their stories. As a registered counsellor and experienced Care Manager, Lusia possesses the skills to coordinate comprehensive support services that prioritise individual well-being.
Outside of work, Lusia is a proud mum of three adult children and enjoys spending time in nature, taking long walks. A lover of music, singing, cooking, and baking, Lusia also enjoys unwinding by watching favourite shows on Netflix or reading.
After many of her own life challenges and uncomfortable transitions including dealing with her own hoarding behaviours, Catherine moved from commercial oriented work into Community Services as she had become acutely aware of the fragile tight rope people (often) can be walking as they navigate to find the strength to move forward from the pain of yesterday to the joy of the future.
In her career in Community Services spanning over 15 years she worked in Employment Services supporting people in diverse life circumstances in her roles such as jobs trainer, One on one consultant and mentoring.
Catherine’s more recent Advanced Coaching certification training have added to the coaching/mentoring techniques she has learnt over the past 20 years and have thus enhanced her already practical hands on approach with a caring and enthusiastic personable style.
Pam holds a Diploma of Counselling and a Bachelor of Counselling and Psychotherapy, with professional experience in the field since September 2024. She was drawn to this work because she recognises that hoarding and squalor are often misunderstood. These issues are not just about clutter, but deeply connected to life circumstances, isolation, and complex challenges.
Pam takes a strength-based approach, focusing on what clients can do, rather than what they struggle with. She meets each client where they are, both physically and emotionally, recognising that small steps still represent progress. Pam approaches her work with patience, respect, and non judgment, understanding that change is a process that looks different for everyone.
Rather than seeing herself as a guide or fixer, Pam considers herself a companion in the journey. She is here to offer support without pressure, believing that true change happens when it occurs in a way that feels right for the individual.