Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals

Problem Gambling: A Guide for Helping Professionals
Some of the common faulty beliefs about money that may be addressed
in counselling include:
• money lost through gambling is not “lost” and, with time, it will be
won back
• gambling is a good “investment” and persistence will eventually pay off
• gambling is a quick and easy way to “earn” money
• if you gamble enough, you will eventually win
• past gambling losses indicate that a win is due
• debts can only be paid off as a lump sum.
Counsellors can help clients understand that once money is lost, it is
lost, that future gambling is not affected by past gambling, that the more
they gamble, the more they are likely to lose and that debts can be
paid off in stages.
Deal with Feelings
Some people use gambling to cope with abuse, sickness, loss or caregiver
burden, or to avoid difficult feelings such as depression, anger
or anxiety. Counselling helps clients understand and cope with those
challenges in other ways. Learning to identify feelings and accept them
as normal and healthy can help to reduce the urge to gamble, restore
intimacy, health and a sense of well-being.
Address Health Problems
Clients may also be struggling with other serious health problems
including problems with alcohol or other drugs, physical illness and
emotional or mental health concerns. Problem gambling counsellors
can help link clients and families to the services they need.
Heal Family Relationships
Through individual, couple or family counselling, counsellors help
the family understand what has happened and explore ways to restore
trust within the family or to deal with the impact of separation.
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