Evidence-Based Treatments for Problem Gambling

This international survey addresses gaps in the knowledge base on problem gambling, emphasizing evidence-based best practices for working with this diverse and notably resistant client population. A detailed introduction offers current findings on behavioral, affective, and neurological manifestations of disordered gambling, with prevalent types of resultant psychological, financial, and social harm. The book’s conceptual discussion examines clinical and sub-clinical presentations as well as the complex interplay of psychological and social factors that create barriers to seeking help. And on the practical side, up-to-date chapters detail widely-used and newer treatment options for compulsive gambling with the best chances of reducing treatment non-compliance and post-treatment relapses, including:

 

·         Psychoeducation.

·         Motivational interviewing.

·         Cognitive behavioral therapy.

·         Metacognitive and mindfulness approaches.

·         Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

·         Dialectical Behavior Therapy.

·         Schema therapy.

·         Pharmacology.

·         Relapse Prevention.

 

Evidence-Based Treatments for Problem Gambling is a ready source of insights, data, and strategies for counselors working in problem gambling treatment centers, and for psychologists and counselors operating in public or private practice who see individuals with problem gambling as a primary or comorbid presentation. Researchers, lecturers, and treatment clinic managers will find this presentationboth informative and immediately useful.

Dr. Cameron McIntoshis currently a clinical psychologist at St. Vincent's Hospital Gambling Treatment Program and a Clinical Psychologist and Director at Unique Minds Clinical Psychology, Private Practice. Previously, he worked as a Clinical Psychologist at Child Behaviour Research Clinic (NSW) and his duties were diagnosis, formulation, and treatment for mood, adjustment to life changes, gambling/addictive and personality disorders, and oppositional defiant and conduct disordered children.

From July 2001 to May 2003 Katy O'Neill was Clinic Supervisor in the Psychology Clinic, School of Psychology, UNSW.  In this role she provided small group and individual supervision through discussion and providing feedback on audio-taped therapy sessions.  Dr. O'Neill was responsible for assuring the quality of treatment provided and for the management of any crises that arose during therapy being provided by the Clinical Masters Psychology interns. While working at the Gambling Treatment Program at St. Vincent’s Hospital she supervised a number of intern clinical psychologists on placement from University of Western Sydney and Charles Sturt University.