Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals
Problem gambling experts have identified a number of counselling
principles and best practices that are particularly effective in dealing
with gambling problems and can complement your work as a helping
professional.
motivating client change
Helping to build motivation to change is an important aspect of counselling.
People who gamble struggle with conflicting motivations.
They may want to stop gambling, but may not want to give up the
hope of the big win. They may still see gambling as a solution to their
problems or fear the emptiness of life without it.
Motivational interviewing helps clients to recognize their problems
with gambling—and do something about them. Through gentle
exploration and presentation of facts, counsellors guide clients to their
own conclusions. Motivational principles include:
Express Empathy
A respectful and compassionate approach helps to facilitate openness.
“You must be feeling overwhelmed with all the challenges you are facing.
How have you managed for so long”
Through the interview process, acknowledge the challenges clients
are facing and the efforts they have made to resolve their problems.
Accept ambivalence towards change as normal.
Help the Client See the Consequences of Gambling
Create a discrepancy between continued gambling and achieving
important goals identified by the client, such as getting out of debt or
improving family relations and health:
“I don’t understand. You’ve said you want to work on things at home, but
you tell me you go out gambling every night.”
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