Find a Gambling Therapist

What gambling is and how it can affect people

Gambling involves staking money or something of value on an event with an uncertain outcome. For many, it is a recreational activity, but for some the behaviour becomes persistent and begins to affect everyday life. The impacts of problematic gambling commonly include financial strain, tension in relationships, difficulties at work or study, and feelings of shame or isolation. Those affected may also experience mood changes such as anxiety or low mood that are linked to gambling behaviour and its consequences.

The ways gambling affects people vary widely. For some the problem emerges after a single big loss, for others it develops gradually. Triggers can include stress, boredom, loneliness, or the pursuit of excitement. Family members and partners are often affected too, and it is common for people to seek help when the consequences become hard to manage alone.

Signs that someone might benefit from therapy

If you are reading this because you are worried about your own gambling or about someone close to you, there are practical signs that therapy may help. You might notice that gambling takes up increasing amounts of time, that you chase losses by gambling more, or that you have difficulty stopping when you intend to. Financial problems, borrowing money, hiding bets or lying about how much you gamble are important indicators that the behaviour is becoming harmful. You may also feel preoccupied with thoughts about betting or experience mood swings tied to wins and losses.

Therapy can also be useful if gambling is causing stress in relationships or affecting your performance at work or study. Family members who are affected may benefit from support to manage the impact and to learn communication and boundary-setting skills. Reaching out early can reduce harm and help you create a plan to regain control over daily life.

What to expect in therapy sessions focused on gambling

When you begin therapy for gambling, the first sessions usually focus on building rapport and understanding the pattern of behaviour. Your counsellor will ask about your gambling history, what happens before and after gambling episodes, the impact on finances and relationships, and any coexisting issues such as low mood or anxiety. This assessment helps to shape a personalised plan and clear goals.

Subsequent sessions often explore triggers, beliefs about gambling, and practical strategies to reduce risk. You will work collaboratively with your counsellor to identify immediate steps - such as limiting access to gambling funds or changing routines - along with longer term strategies to manage urges and rebuild activities you value. Many people find that setting achievable, measurable goals and reviewing progress regularly helps maintain motivation.

Therapy may also include work with family members where appropriate, to improve communication and to address the effects gambling has had on loved ones. It is common to revisit financial planning and to integrate relapse-prevention techniques as therapy progresses, so you have a clear plan for handling high-risk situations after the therapeutic programme ends.

Common therapeutic approaches used for gambling

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy - often abbreviated to CBT - is one of the most frequently used approaches for gambling-related problems. CBT helps you identify and challenge unhelpful thoughts and beliefs that maintain gambling, and to develop alternative coping strategies. Motivational approaches are also common, especially when ambivalence about change is present. These techniques focus on strengthening your own reasons for change and increasing commitment to practical steps.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, sometimes used alongside CBT, encourages you to clarify values and to take action aligned with those values even when uncomfortable feelings arise. Family or systemic approaches look at patterns within relationships that may contribute to or maintain harmful behaviour, and they can be helpful when partners or family members are involved in the recovery process. Group therapy and peer-support programmes provide opportunities to learn from others with similar experiences and to practice new skills in a supportive setting.

How online therapy works for this speciality

Online therapy is an accessible option for many people seeking help for gambling. Appointments typically take place by video call or telephone, from a quiet personal space where you can talk without interruption. Some counsellors also offer messaging or email contact between sessions as part of a structured programme. Initial assessments and regular reviews happen in the same way as in-person work, with the counsellor checking progress and adjusting the plan where necessary.

When using online services it is helpful to prepare a place where you feel comfortable and able to focus for the session. Practical considerations include ensuring you have a stable internet connection and that you will not be interrupted. If finances are a concern, some therapists offer sliding scale fees, low-cost clinics, or will be able to point you towards free or low-cost specialist charities and NHS services that provide help for gambling problems.

Tips for choosing the right therapist for gambling

Choosing a therapist is an individual process. Start by looking for someone who explicitly states experience with gambling-related work, and check that they are registered or accredited with recognised UK bodies such as BACP or HCPC, or listed with relevant professional registers. This gives reassurance that the practitioner follows professional standards and ethical practice. Read therapist profiles to see what approaches they use and whether they mention working with financial or relationship consequences of gambling.

Consider practical matters such as availability, location if you prefer face-to-face appointments, fees, and whether the counsellor offers online or telephone sessions. You may find it useful to contact a few therapists for a short initial conversation to get a sense of how they work and whether you feel comfortable speaking with them. Ask about their experience with gambling, typical session structure, how long a course of therapy might last, and what support is available between sessions if you need it.

Think about the sort of support you want - whether you prefer a short programme focused on behaviour change and relapse prevention, or a longer, more exploratory therapy that looks at underlying issues. If family members are involved, check whether the counsellor offers couple or family sessions. Finally, trust your instincts about the therapeutic relationship - finding someone you feel heard by and able to work with will often make the difference in achieving meaningful change.

Finding the right next step

Seeking help is a practical step that can reduce harm and open up new ways of managing gambling-related difficulties. Use the listings above to compare counsellors, review their qualifications and therapeutic approach, and contact those who match your needs. Whether you choose short-term work to address immediate risk or longer-term therapy to explore deeper patterns, professional support can help you regain control, rebuild routines, and repair relationships affected by gambling.