The short answer: hypnotherapy can be a helpful part of support for problem gambling, especially when it’s combined with counselling that looks at what is driving the urge. It isn’t a quick fix or a guarantee, and how it goes depends on the person, how long gambling has been a problem and what else is going on in their life.
Need help now?
Gambling Help Online: call 1800 858 858 (free, 24/7) or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.
Lifeline: if you’re in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call 13 11 14, text 0477 13 11 14 or visit lifeline.org.au (24/7). If life is in danger, call 000.
What problem gambling looks like
Problem gambling is when betting keeps going despite the harm it’s causing to money, relationships, work or wellbeing. Common signs include:
- spending more time or money than you meant to
- chasing losses to try to win money back
- hiding or downplaying how much you gamble
- feeling restless, irritable or low when you try to cut back
- gambling to escape stress, pain or difficult feelings
Gambling harm often sits alongside anxiety, low mood and relationship strain, and for some people it can lead to thoughts of suicide. If that’s you, please reach out to Lifeline on 13 11 14 today.
What usually sits underneath it
In my work, gambling is almost always connected to something deeper. Most often that’s past trauma, or the emotional impact of what’s happening in someone’s life right now. Gambling can become a way to numb, escape or feel a rush when other feelings are too much.
That’s why I don’t just focus on the urge to bet. If we only target the behaviour and ignore what’s driving it, the pressure often finds another outlet.
How I work with gambling at Bloom
I use both hypnotherapy for addiction and counselling, tailored to you.
- First session: we go through your history, what tends to trigger gambling for you, and how you currently manage stress and big emotions.
- Emotional regulation: we build practical skills for riding out urges and handling the feelings that sit behind them.
- Hypnotherapy: used to help you feel calmer, strengthen new responses to triggers and practise them in a focused, relaxed state.
- Counselling: to work through the trauma or current stresses that gambling has been covering.
How many sessions? Typically three to four, but it varies depending on how entrenched gambling has become and the skills you already have.
What the research says
Research on hypnosis for gambling is still limited, so it’s best seen as one part of a broader plan rather than a stand-alone treatment. One controlled study of 49 people found that adding self-hypnosis to cognitive behavioural therapy led to similar results to CBT alone in fewer sessions (7 compared with 11), and the authors suggested self-hypnosis can be a supportive technique in brief treatment (International Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hypnosis, 2014).
Support for partners and family
Gambling affects the people close to you too, and it can put real strain on a relationship (see couples counselling). I also see partners and family members who are dealing with the impact of someone else’s gambling, whether or not that person is ready to get help themselves.
Getting started
Sessions are available in person in Yarrabilba, near Logan, Jimboomba and Beenleigh, or online anywhere in Australia. No referral is needed.
