Addiction Specialism
Gambling Addiction Therapy
Understand compulsive gambling patterns and work towards greater choice with non-judgemental, specialist psychological support.
Presenting Challenges
Are you or a loved one experiencing these patterns?
- 01.Compulsive urges to gamble despite negative financial, relationship, or professional consequences.
- 02.The exhausting cycle of chasing losses and feeling trapped by secretive behaviours.
- 03.Feelings of intense shame, anxiety, and self-blame that reinforce the urge to escape.
- 04.Using gambling as an emotional regulator to cope with stress, boredom, or underlying trauma.
Therapeutic Approach
How we work together to restore agency:
- ✓Identifying the core psychological hooks and behavioural triggers that maintain the gambling loop.
- ✓Applying specialist Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) techniques to examine thinking biases around luck, probability, and control.
- ✓Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to handle intense urges without acting on them (urge surfing).
- ✓Exploring emotional triggers and practising ways to respond to distress without automatically gambling.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your approach to treating gambling addiction?
I use an integrative evidence-based approach, combining Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) to address thinking biases about winning/control, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to develop skills like 'urge surfing' to ride out cravings. We also explore the underlying emotional functions of gambling, treating it as an attempted solution to stress, trauma, or emotional escape rather than a moral failing.
Do you offer online sessions for gambling therapy?
Yes, I offer secure online sessions nationwide. For some people, online therapy provides a private and accessible way to begin treatment. It can also help us introduce practical 'friction barriers' in the home or digital environment where urges typically happen. We would discuss whether online work is suitable for your circumstances.
Can I use health insurance for addiction therapy?
I am a recognised provider with Bupa, WPA and Vitality Health. Many insurance packages cover psychological consultations for behavioural issues, though you should check with your specific insurer regarding mental health cover details.
Let's discuss how we can work together
I offer a free, no-obligation 15-minute phone conversation to explore your needs, answer your questions, and see how we might work together.