With increased accessibility and the rise of online gambling, people are more frequently reporting problematic levels of gambling which impacts upon their finances, quality of life and relationships.

Many people concerned about their level of gambling find it helpful to have a space in which to think about their gambling behaviour. In a counselling session you will have the opportunity to:

• Identify the signs of a problem;
• Understand your gambling behaviour;
• Learn to identify what triggers your wish to gamble;
• Learn to manage the urge to gamble;
• Develop practical strategies to modify your gambling behaviour;
• Consider what you might bring into your life to replace gambling.

Underlying issues common to people with problematic gambling include anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts, work and relationship difficulties. It is not unusual for bereavement and other major life events to trigger a shift from social gambling to problem gambling. Talking through significant issues allows you the opportunity to process such difficult events and also understand the relationship between emotional distress and the need to gamble.

If you feel ambivalent about reducing or giving up gambling, you are not alone. The majority of those attending a counselling session for gambling report reluctance or uncertainty about their wish to change. You are in control of what you would like to achieve. However you may find, as many do, that once gambling and its negative consequences reduce, and quality of life improves, you will be encouraged to modify your gambling and to enjoy the freedom of life without the compulsion to gamble.