Diploma in Gambling Addiction Counselling - Synopsis

Module 1: Introduction to Gambling Addiction Counselling

Lesson 1 – Gambling and Addictions
Types of gambling – types of gambling behaviour – active listening skills – defining gambling and problem gambling – why do people gamble too much? – know thyself – gambling terms and glossary.

Lesson 2 – Key Counsellor Skills and Qualities
Exploring Rogers’ key counsellor qualities – respect as a fundamental value – the thermometer of trust – listening skills questionnaire – a summary of basic counselling skills.

Lesson 3 – Problem Solving Approaches (CBT and Egan)
The key principles of cognitive-behavioural therapy – automatic thoughts and core beliefs – the A-B-C model – common errors in thinking – typical thoughts and beliefs in problem gambling – Egan’s skilled helper model.

Lesson 4 – Types of Gambler and Phases of Gambling
Phases of problem gambling – types of problem gambler – frequently asked questions.

Lesson 5 – Compulsive Gambling
What is an addiction? – what is compulsive gambling? – general indicators of a gambling addiction – a high price to pay – what are the causes of a gambling addiction? – models of addictions etiology – prognosis – case study: a father’s story.

Lesson 6 – Male versus Female Gamblers
Student self-awareness exercise – female gamblers – case study – male gamblers – case study – a personal viewpoint: when trading gets out of control.

Lesson 7 – Underage Gamblers and Senior Citizen Gamblers
Chen-wei’s story – getting started – the phases of underage gambling – identifying the underage problem gambler – risk factors – characteristics of young people who gamble – the legality of underage gambling – questionnaire – senior citizen gamblers – gambling establishments and senior citizens – indicators of problem gambling in senior citizens.

Lesson 8 – Online Gamblers
The appeal of online gambling – the dangers of online gambling – tips for safe and sensible online gambling – Bill’s story – the gambling addictions counsellor and SMART goals – forms of online gambling.

Lesson 9 – Gambling and the Workplace
Problem and compulsive gambling – how problem gambling affects the workplace – empathy exercise – work related signs of problem gambling – the gambling addictions counsellor and management – helping to create an informed and supportive work environment – addressing specific concerns – the role of employee internet monitoring – Chenglei’s story.

Lesson 10 - Professional Responsibilities and Boundaries
Creating a safe and accepting environment – the responsibility to listen well – providing a high standard of practice and care. 
 

Module 2: Gambling Addiction : Working with the Client

Lesson 11 – Identifying a Gambling Addiction
What is a problem gambler? – before, during and after gambling – the DSM-IV criteria for compulsive gambling – problem gambling assessment tools: Gamblers Anonymous ’20 questions’; the South Oaks gambling screen (SOGS) questionnaire; Gam-anon questionnaire for partners and spouses – the high cost of denial.

Lesson 12 – Gambling: A Family Problem
How problem gambling affects the family – enabling the problem gambler – indicators of problem gambling in a family member – living with a problem gambler – phases of coping with a problem gambler – when someone you love gambles too much – Jinghua’s story.

Lesson 13 – Confronting a Gambling Problem and Responsible Gambling
Getting real – what to say and how to say it – some Dos and Don’ts for partners of problem gamblers – common myths about gambling – guidelines for responsible gambling – tips for parents.

Lesson 14 – Devising a Plan for Success
Reviewing Egan’s skilled helper model – identifying gambling-related goals – getting the support you need – keeping a journal – managing money – gambling triggers – challenging self-talk – filling the void.

Lesson 15 – Maintaining a Positive Lifestyle and Regaining Financial Control
Lapses and relapses – formulating plans for high risk situations – taking care of yourself and looking after your health – attending to stress in your life – regaining financial control – improving your money management habits.

Lesson 16 – Continuing Professional Development and Supervision
Continuing Professional Development – what is supervision? – why is supervision necessary? – the key characteristics of supervision – what is involved in counselling supervision? – supervision and confidentiality – supervision models – peer supervision.

Note: Each module has a comprehensive list of useful website plus a list of references and further reading.

There are 4 assignments to complete, including two case studies.