In addition to attending GA, many women gamblers seek the help of a professional
counselor. A well- trained mental health professional, who is experienced in the treatment
of problem gambling, can make significant contributions to the growth and recovery of the
compulsive gambler. After an extended time in the throes of compulsive gambling, most
women gamblers enter recovery in a "fog." Many women state, "I feel like
two different people … I used to be so responsible … and then I started gambling
. . . what happened to me?" Many report that when they look in the mirror they
no longer recognize themselves. Women in early recovery often feel depressed, fearful,
wounded, and ashamed. They may also feel hurt and anger toward family members and friends
who no longer trust them.
A good Counselor provides support, a safe place to open up, and education and knowledge
about compulsive gambling, identified as "pathological" gambling by mental
health professionals. When appropriate, the Counselor involves family members of the
gambler in the counseling process.
From counseling the gambler learns effective recovery strategies, including combating
urges and establishing and maintaining abstinence from gambling. During therapy the
recovering woman gambler identifies patterns of thinking and behavior that stand in the
way of long-term recovery. She receives training in how to prevent a relapse. The client
focuses on alternatives to gambling, and she learns new coping skills. Together, the
Counselor and the client explore spiritual development.
Gradually, the woman gambler emerges from the fog. She realizes she is not a bad
person; she recognizes and accepts that she is a person with a problem—compulsive
gambling.
Frequently, women gamblers have suffered traumatic experiences such as abuse or major
personal losses, like the death of someone close. Sometimes the feelings resulting from
these experiences contribute to the development of a gambling problem. The
Counselor assists in identifying unresolved issues, and with the Counselor's help and
support the client begins to address and work through painful feelings she has avoided and
numbed by gambling.
Many women gamblers have spent so much of their lives taking care of and pleasing
others they have lost sight of their own identities. These women ask "who am I?"
The Counselor helps the gambler explore the answer to this question and arrive at a clear
sense of self-identity. A woman may need to address various issues such as career
development or assertiveness in relationships in the process of self- exploration.
By the time the woman gambler completes counseling, she has a strong commitment to her
well-being and a clear roadmap for ongoing recovery. She no longer feels confused about
who she is. Perhaps she has begun to repair and rebuild relationships damaged by gambling.
In addition to coping well with various stressors in her own life, she frequently
chooses to reach out and offer support to others who have a gambling problem. She may
assume a leadership role in Gamblers Anonymous or serve as a sponsor to others in the
program. By the completion of counseling, the recovering woman gambler experiences
stronger feelings of self-esteem and self-worth; her life is balanced—with time for
work, relationships and fun. |
Are
you Losing Your Life to Gambling?