Asking for support can be challenging even though all the evidence says that you are much more likely to be able to overcome a gambling problem if you have at least one person who can support you. One of the challenges is talking to your support person about a lapse – which of course we [...]
The magic wand question
“If I could wave a magic wand and gambling was no longer a problem for you, how would your life be different?” This might seem like a strange question, considering there is no such thing as a magic wand and gambling is a very serious issue. Counsellors ask this type of question, because focusing on [...]
The gambler’s fallacy – a risk for relapse
If you have been gambling for some time and you find you are having more trouble controlling the amount you spend, you might notice that you often have thoughts that make you want to gamble more urgently. Many people battle with these thoughts and try different strategies to distract themselves from focusing on them. For [...]
Thinking about gambling!
Scientists have known for a long time about the link between thoughts and behaviour - Thinking about past wins may be enough to send you straight back to gambling. Identifying when you are having those thoughts, and how they lead you back to gambling will be an important part of your stop gambling plan. Here [...]
Part 4: Jessica’s story: surviving the gambling experience
A lack of knowledge and understanding by migrants about help- services within the Australian can be a significant barrier to seeking help and the function and purpose of western counselling is a considerable barrier for migrants to seek help (Feldman, S. et al 2014). Jessica talks about what worked for her and what she recommends [...]
Jessica’s Story Part 3: Family, Community and the difference between Gambling in Australia and China
The open and accepted nature of gambling within the Australian cultures can be at odds with Chinese policies and practices around gambling. For example, gambling in Jessica’s home country gambling is restricted unlike Australia where may forms of gambling are freely accepted. This more open-minded view of gambling and its emphasis on individual ‘responsible gambling’ [...]
Jessica’s Story: culture and gambling problems – Part 2
The idea of seeking any form of assistance in many immigrant communities is often considered taboo. The issues of stigma and ‘saving face’ means that rather than seeking professional help these people with gambling problems often turn to family or close friends for help. This can be a problem for many who do not have [...]
