Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Talking about Gambling
Use a non-judgmental tone when pointing out discrepancies. If clients
feel attacked or confronted, they may withdraw or become defensive.
Try to assume a “not knowing” stance.
Avoid Arguments
Arguments do not help and can lead to defensiveness:
• Provide information so that clients can draw their own conclusions
and identify their own reasons for change.
• If your approach isn’t working, change it.
• Labelling the client as a “problem gambler” is not helpful or necessary.
Roll with Resistance
Accept clients’ right to choose:
“You may decide after our discussion that you would rather continue as
you are. That is your choice. Should you wish to work on these problems,
I am here to help.”
Support Self-Efficacy
• Help clients identify their own solutions.
• Tell clients that you believe that they can change, cope and overcome
obstacles without gambling. Point out examples of success.
• Match your intervention to the client’s stage of change (see below).
Stages of Change
Some people seeking help respond quickly when a concern is identified,
while others resist. If you suggest that a client go for problem gambling
counselling when they have not yet identified that their problems
may be related to gambling, you will probably meet with resistance.
You may even discourage the client from continuing to work with
you. Your influence will be greater if you understand and match your
support to the client’s stage of change.
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