CBT Therapy for Gambling Addictions
Understanding Gambling Addictions
Problem gambling can gradually begin to influence far more than the act of placing a bet.
You may find yourself thinking about gambling frequently, chasing losses, increasing the amount you spend, hiding the extent of your gambling from other people, or using gambling as a way of escaping boredom, stress or difficult emotions.
Winning or gambling itself can provide excitement, relief or a temporary change in how you feel, while losses may create a strong urge to continue in an attempt to recover the money. This can create a repeating cycle in which gambling becomes increasingly difficult to step away from, even when you recognise the financial, emotional or relationship consequences.
Therapy can help you understand what gambling is doing for you psychologically, identify the situations and patterns that trigger the urge to gamble, and begin developing different ways of responding without relying on gambling to change how you feel.
AVAILABLE FACE-TO-FACE OR ONLINE
We're Ready to Help You
We offer all prospective clients an hour long, informal and confidential chat to discuss your gambling-related concerns for just £30.
There's no pressure to undertake any therapy going forward, no judgement from us and we're very friendly and easy to talk to!
♦ Ongoing sessions:
Typically weekly or fortnightly, tailored to your needs.
♦ Location:
Comfortable private setting near Wolverhampton / Wombourne, with free parking.
Secure online therapy available with Paul across the UK.
♦ Fees:
Ongoing sessions: £90/hr
Why You Might Have Developed a Gambling Addiction
Experiences that can lead to the development of a gambling addiction often stem from a combination of psychological, social, and environmental factors.
For instance, individuals may engage in gambling as a way to cope with stress, anxiety, or feelings of inadequacy, finding momentary relief in the excitement and potential rewards.
Additionally, early exposure to gambling within a family or peer group can normalise the behaviour, creating a pathway to compulsive patterns.
Situations such as financial difficulties or relationship problems can further exacerbate these tendencies, with gambling appearing as an escape or a misguided attempt to solve money-related issues.
The thrill of winning can also create a powerful psychological hook, leading individuals to chase their losses despite escalating consequences.
This intricate interplay of personal experiences and external influences highlights the complexity of gambling addiction and the importance of understanding it within a broader context.
Gambling Addiction Symptoms
There are a number of gambling addiction symptoms and behaviours to look out for if you think your gambling is becoming problematic, including:
- Preoccupation with gambling
- Need to gamble with increasing amounts of money
- Failed attempts to quit
- Chasing losses
- Lying or hiding gambling behaviour
- Using gambling as a way to escape problems
- Risking relationships or careers
- Borrowing money to gamble
- Mood swings
- Illegal behaviours
You may have some, all or very few of these symptoms or behaviours and still have a gambling problems, so don't hesitate to get in touch to find out if we can help.
Psychological therapy with paul
CBT Therapy Options for Gambling Addictions
ABOUT PAUL
Meet Paul Lee MSc
Hello, I'm Paul and I've been working with people as a psychologist, psychotherapist and coach since 2009. I have expert knowledge of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and adopt a non-medicalised philosophy when helping people overcome mental health challenges. This means that I will frame your current difficulties as being the result of what has happened to you rather than what is wrong with you.
What to Expect from Therapy
Therapy isn't something that is simply done to you. Although your therapist can provide understanding, guidance and practical psychological strategies, meaningful change usually develops through what you discover, practice and begin to do differently in your everyday life.
At Tranceform, we see therapy as a collaborative process. We'll work together to understand the patterns of thinking, feeling and behaviour that may be keeping the problem going, while helping you explore different ways of responding. Sometimes this involves questioning long-held assumptions, reducing avoidance or experimenting with behaviours that initially feel unfamiliar.
The aim isn't to make you dependent upon therapy or to promise a quick fix. It's to help you develop greater understanding, confidence and agency so that, over time, you become better equipped to manage difficulties for yourself.
Therapy provides the guidance. You provide the practice. We create the change together.
TAKE THE FIRST STEP