Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Problem Gambling Treatment Services
By focussing on clients’ identified concerns, strengths and solutions—
and by helping them set short-term, achievable goals—counsellors
inspire hope and a sense that change is possible. When ambivalence
is high, a brief solution-focussed approach may be most effective in
increasing awareness, building trust and engaging the client in a
therapeutic relationship.
Harm reduction is a common counselling approach. Counsellors help
clients assess their gambling and reduce the negative impact it is
having on their lives. This is a method of reaching clients who are at
all stages of change, and it respects clients’ right to choose their own
goals. Some people who gamble choose to set time and money limits,
or to stay away from gambling activities that cause them the most harm.
Others decide that the only solution to their problem is abstinence
and stop gambling completely.
Using motivational interviewing, problem gambling counsellors provide
accurate information, advice and support that helps clients assess the
harm gambling is causing and decide what is right for them. Problem
gambling counsellors will often encourage clients to take a break
from gambling in order to assess its impact and gain control.
Problem gambling counsellors can help clients:
Gain Control over Gambling
Using cognitive and behavioural techniques, clients learn to control
gambling triggers, patterns and urges and to plan ways to stay in control
of their gambling. Counsellors may help clients identify faulty beliefs
about gambling, such as the role of skill, the odds of winning, randomness
and their ability to influence outcomes. Counselling helps clients
uncover and explain those faulty beliefs in a way that helps them
understand their urge to gamble and gain life-long control.
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