At Mindstate Psychology, we understand the profound impact that gambling harm can have on individuals and their families. Our dedicated team offers comprehensive gambling counselling services in Perth, designed to support those struggling with gambling behaviour and its associated harms. Whether you’re dealing with the immediate effects of gambling addiction or seeking long-term strategies to manage your gambling habits, we are here to help.
It often begins with an initial win that creates a false sense of confidence and excitement. Early gambling is fun and exciting and win is exciting.
The gambler starts to experience losses but continues to gamble in an attempt to recoup those losses, leading to increased betting amounts and riskier behaviour. Someone has a problem when they are chasing losses and the loss gets bigger.
Persistent losses lead to feelings of desperation. The gambler may resort to borrowing money, lying, or engaging in illegal activities to fund their habit. Winning now gives a sense of relief not excitement.
The continuous cycle of losing and chasing losses culminates in feelings of hopelessness, depression, and anxiety. At this stage, gambling is no longer about winning but escaping reality.
Recognising the symptoms of a gambling addiction is crucial for seeking timely help. Common symptoms include:
Problem gambling can lead to a range of negative consequences that affect various aspects of an individual's life:
Gambling behaviour can vary widely, from occasional betting to compulsive gambling that leads to significant negative consequences. The thrill of the game, the promise of a big win, and the ease of access to phone wagering services and Australian licensed online gambling platforms can quickly spiral into problem gambling. This can result in financial crisis, mental health issues, and strained relationships.
Gaining control over problem gambling involves several steps:
Recovery from gambling addiction is an ongoing process that requires continuous support:
At Mindstate Psychology, we offer a supportive environment where you can explore your gambling behaviour without judgment. Our therapist's are trained to provide gambling help tailored to your unique situation. Whether you need assistance with controlling gambling behaviour, dealing with gambling-related problems, or seeking support for financial hardship caused by gambling, we are here to provide comprehensive care. Book your session with us today!
Our one-on-one sessions focus on understanding the root causes of your gambling behaviour and developing personalised strategies to manage and control it. We help you identify triggers, build coping mechanisms, and work towards long-term recovery.
Problematic gambling affects not just the individual but also their loved ones. We offer family counselling to help family members understand the nature of gambling addiction and provide strategies to support their loved ones while maintaining their own well-being.
If you are experiencing a financial crisis due to gambling, immediate help is available. Our team can arrange professional face-to-face or phone counselling sessions to address urgent needs and provide immediate support. We can also arrange free professional face-to-face counselling sessions, based on the circumstances.
We can connect you with additional resources, such as the Problem Gambling Helpline and Centrecare's gambling services, to ensure you receive comprehensive care. For those considering broader measures, we provide information on the National Self Exclusion Register, allowing you to exclude yourself from all Australian licensed online gambling sites.
Additionally, we refer individuals to Gambling Help WA, which offers free gambling and financial counselling, face-to-face and phone support, and a supportive environment to discuss the impacts of gambling and learn effective management strategies.
If you or someone you know is struggling with gambling addiction, don't wait to seek assistance. Mindstate Psychology is here to help you regain control over your life and overcome the negative consequences of problem gambling. Contact us today to arrange a professional face-to-face or phone consultation and start your journey towards recovery. Together, we can work towards a healthier, more stable future.
