Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals
Pre-contemplation
The person is not considering change and does not recognize the
need for change.
“Yes I gamble and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with that.”
Helping professionals can give clients feedback on the impact that
gambling is having on their life. Encourage clients to reflect on why
others may think there is a problem. Invite clients to use the Gambling
Monitoring Tool provided in the Client Handout section to help track
gambling and the Canadian Problem Gambling Index to enhance
awareness. If clients don’t respond, let them know that you can discuss
the matter in the future.
Contemplation
The person is considering change and may be ready to commit to change.
“Yes, I’ve thought about staying away from the casino, but I’m due for a
big win.”
Helping professionals can help clients weigh the positive and negative
aspects of continuing to gamble. When clients begin to deal with the
reality of their problems, they may begin to link gambling to their
current problems and consider changing their behaviour.
The Gambling Monitoring Tool and the Canadian Problem Gambling
Index may be useful here. Provide information about problem gambling
counselling services, and safer gambling. Discuss perceived barriers
to accessing these services. Help clients explore possible solutions to
the problems they’ve identified.
Action
The person is ready to commit to change.
“Who can I call for help”
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