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Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Problem Gambling

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Book cover Evidence-Based Treatments for Problem Gambling

Part of the book series: SpringerBriefs in Psychology ((BRIEFSPSYCHOL))

Abstract

This chapter addresses several difficulties in the application of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) to problem gambling (PG). For a variety of reasons, problem gambling clients may be unable to report their automatic thoughts about gambling. Techniques of assessment can encourage clients’ awareness of their thoughts and beliefs around gambling. Different types of gambling thoughts or beliefs play a role before, during and after gambling sessions. Research supports the use of self-compassion in psychological distress, and this is likely to be also true when challenging gambling urge thoughts. The use of imagery is discussed in two contexts (i) as an implication of Elaborated Intrusion Theory and (ii) in imaginal desensitisation therapy. Despite clinical trials supporting the use of CBT for problem gambling, some unresolved questions remain.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. St Vincent’s Hospital Gambling Treatment Program, St Vincent’s Hospital, 390 Victoria St, Darlinghurst, Sydney, NSW, 2010, Australia

    Katy O’Neill

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  1. Katy O’Neill
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Correspondence to Katy O’Neill .

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O’Neill, K. (2017). Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Problem Gambling. In: Evidence-Based Treatments for Problem Gambling. SpringerBriefs in Psychology. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-62485-3_4

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