Gambling addiction therapy
Quit your gambling addiction
Counselling for compulsive betting
Looking for help with a gambling problem, obsessive sports betting, an online gaming habit, or an uncontrollable urge to play the pokies?
As a recovered gambler, and specialist in gambling addiction therapy, I can help you quit your compulsive risk-taking and rebuild a life with financial and emotional wellbeing.
My gambling recovery program provides the structure and support you need to address both the psychological aspects behind gambling addiction and its real-world consequences, and achieve a lasting recovery.
"Freedom from gambling starts with understanding the powerful psychological hooks that mess with your mind - and what you can do about it."
What is gambling addiction therapy?
Gambling Recovery Therapy is a specialised treatment approach to help people overcome compulsive gambling behaviour and develop healthier relationships with money and risk.
Unlike general addiction counselling, my therapy specifically addresses the unique challenges of gambling addiction, including financial recovery, debt management, and rebuilding trust with loved ones.
This comprehensive approach helps you to not just break free from gambling, but create a stable and fulfilling life free from the urge to bet.
Who can benefit from gambling recovery therapy?
My service is designed for anyone who:
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Feels their gambling has become problematic or out of control
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Has tried to cut back or stop gambling but struggled to maintain changes
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Experiences financial difficulties due to gambling losses
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Finds themselves preoccupied with thoughts of gambling
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Hides their gambling activities from friends & family
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Uses gambling to escape problems or relieve distress
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Has experienced relationship or work problems due to gambling
My therapeutic approach to gambling recovery
My approach to gambling recovery is based on understanding that gambling addiction involves powerful psychological drivers that hijack your brain's reward system. It is not a moral failing or lack of willpower. I teach you to rewire these pathways for healthier functioning using:
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- Financial Therapy: developing a healthy relationship to money management & addressing financial trauma
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Transformational identity shift: developing awareness of triggers and cravings of a version of yourself who 'previously’ used gambling as a coping mechanism, as well as creating a whole new self-identity where your needs and wants are met
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Solution-focused brief therapy: identifying strategies for specific triggers and resolving them, making you more resourceful and less inclined to revert to your old way of being, or coping habits
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Subconscious Dynamics™: addressing unconscious patterns and creating new associations
"True recovery means not just stopping drug use, but building a life that makes drugs unnecessary."
The Gambling Recovery Program
A typical recovery program runs for 6-8 weeks, with a series of 60-90 minute sessions occurring weekly during the initial phase, then decreasing in regularity as you build confidence in yourself and your recovery.
Assess & plan
1-2 sessions
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Evaluate your gambling patterns & history
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Assess your financial situation & immediate needs
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Identify your triggers & high-risk situations
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Develop specific recovery goals & plan
Core recovery work
2-6 sessions
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Build motivation & commitment to change
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Develop effective strategies to manage gambling urges
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Address underlying issues contributing your heavy drinking
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Create healthy routines & support systems
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Learn relapse prevention techniques
Maintain & grow
2-4sessions
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Reinforce new habits & thought patterns
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Develop long-term financial wellbeing strategies
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Build a fulfilling drug-free lifestyle
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Plan for ongoing support & growth
Outcomes
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Freedom from compulsive gambling urges
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Improved financial stability and money management skills
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Better relationships & communication
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Enhanced stress management
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Greater self-awareness & personal growth
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Renewed sense of control & direction
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Practical strategies for long-term financial recovery
Book an appointment
Appointments are available at my private practice in Hamilton, Newcastle or online via a secure Zoom session at these times:
In person: Tue, Wed, Thu 8.00am - 6.30pm
Zoom: Mon, Wed, Thu 8.00am - 6.30pm
Whether we meet online or in-person, I will provide a confidential, safe, non-judgemental space for us to work together.
Success story
Max started gambling online during lockdown to relieve the boredom, but it spiraled out of control. Within six months, he had maxed out three credit cards and was lying to family about where the money was going. He couldn't seem to stop.
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We worked on understanding the psychological hooks that keep people gambling, and explored the reasons for his anxiety, boredom, and need for excitement. We also did some practical things like blocking access to gambling sites, developing a realistic plan to pay off his debts and figuring out healthier ways to meet his needs.
I’m proud of Max’s journey. He hasn't gambled once in 8 months, is steadily reducing his debt and has rebuilt trust with his family by being transparent about finances. The best thing is he no longer feels controlled by gambling urges, and has new hobbies that provide genuine fulfillment rather than the empty promise of a big win.