Gambling Addiction Support 

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Face to face sessions available in Redcar TS10. Therapy room with panoramic sea view. Now also available in Leeds city centre LS1.

Skype or WhatsApp on-line video support for UK/Global clients. Limited sessions available - Book now - 07769156076

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I am a Gamcare trained Gambling Addiction Counsellor with over 15 years experience supporting over 1000 gamblers and their families. In 2008 I was working for NECA - North East Council for Addictions in Middlesbrough. I also travelled to Sunderland, South Shields & York to support clients in established centres. I was re-located to Leeds city centre to set up a new practice as the company was expanding it's support to West Yorkshire. I researched all the casinos. bookies, addiction support centres and offered my services. I started off with 1 client and ended up with a full-time caseload and a long waiting list. After 2 years of commuting from Redcar, 150 mile round trip, I moved to Leeds to offer support to my clients. I became a private practice psychotherapist in 2013. I have continued to support gambling addicts for a further 11 years. 

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One-to-one counselling sessions. Group sessions by request. I am dedicated to helping clients with gambling addiction problems work towards a more successful way of living. Sessions include assessment, careplan & relapse prevention, & strategies to deal with debt, career, mental health and relationship issues. I also offer support for partners & parents.

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What is compulsive gambling? 

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Gambling addiction is a form of impulse-control disorder where sufferers cannot control their urge to gamble - even when they are aware of the consequences and the hurt it may be causing themselves and their loved ones. They will be constantly seeking the natural high that comes with placing bets, and may often find themselves doing things they never thought they would, like stealing money to fund their habit. Unfortunately, rather than confront their problem many people who compulsively gamble will go to great lengths to hide it. Failing to recognise and get help for a gambling problem can cause a lot of disruption and harm to the lives of the gambler and those around them. Unlike other addictions such as alcohol or drug addiction, people who compulsively gamble will not have easily visible physical effects. This means you are unlikely to know someone has a gambling problem unless they tell you. Although some people with gambling addiction think they can stop when and if they want to, often this is not the case and professional support is needed to help them overcome their negative habits in order to build a healthier lifestyle and make better choices. 

 

 

Signs of gambling addiction

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Evidence suggests up to 2% of adults who gamble will develop a gambling-related addiction, and they will typically display a number of common signs that indicate they have a problem.People who have a gambling addiction are likely to:

• miss work and school in order to spend more time gambling

• lose interest in usual activities or hobbies like seeing friends or spending time with family

• withdraw from social activity and neglect relationships

• have arguments with friends or family about money and gambling

• lie about their gambling and attempt to hide it from others

• borrow money, sell possessions or steal in order to gamble

• continue to gamble despite negative outcomes

• suffer frequent mood swings

 

 

Do you have a gambling addiction?

 

Recognising and acknowledging the signs of gambling addiction is vital if a sufferer wants to prevent their disorder from getting worse. If you are worried that you have a gambling problem, take a look at the following signs which are common in those who compulsively gamble:

• Are you spending more time and money on gambling than you can afford?

• Are you finding it hard to manage or stop your gambling?

• Are you increasingly taking larger risks to satisfy your urge to gamble?

• Are you losing interest in usual activities and hobbies?

• Is gambling constantly on your mind?

• Do you gamble until all of your money is gone?

• Are you feeling constantly anxious, irritable, guilty or depressed?

• Do you feel the need to be secretive and lie about your gambling?

• Do you gamble even when you don't have the money?

• Have family and friends expressed their concerns?

 

 

If you can relate to a number of these, you should consider seeking help. Just remember that it is not a sign of weakness asking for help, it is a strength. I can provide effective treatment to promote your recovery.  

 

 

Treatment for gambling addiction 

 

Treatment for gambling addiction is centred mainly on counselling (talking therapies) such as cognitive behavioural therapy which can help people to understand their addiction and learn new, sustainable ways of managing their urge to gamble. Medication can also be provided for people whose gambling problem is linked to mental health issues such as depression, while additional treatment will be required to tackle substance abuse if this is a further concern. The treatment I provide will look to address a range of issues that may be underlying a person's compulsion to misuse substances and gamble. 

 

 

Each person will have their own unique gambling problem, and so treatment is tailored to ensure it meets the individual needs of each client. A key aspect that counselling focuses on is the triggers of the addiction - what it is that compels people to compulsively gamble even when they are aware of the negative consequences. Understanding the reason behind gambling urges - whether it's to numb unpleasant feelings, solve money problems, escape stress or simply out of boredom or loneliness - can help people to focus on healthier and more constructive ways of coping, without having to resort to gambling. Cognitive behavioural therapy is ultimately designed to guide clients through a process of change - helping you to rewire their thoughts and beliefs and encouraging you to aspire towards a future free from their addiction.  

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Overcoming a gambling addiction can be a tough process, and extra support may be needed following counselling to ensure the recovery is maintained. I find that my clients benefit from both one-to-one sessions plus group support from GA meetings. Treatment however - particularly cognitive behavioural therapy - has proven highly successful in providing people with alternative means of dealing with their problems. It equips you with the necessary tools and support to reframe thoughts and behaviours for the long-term.   

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Is gambling causing problems in your relationship or finances?

6 sessions recommended £300 - this amount can be lost gambling in

1 second

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Call me today to discuss how I can support you 07769156076