Hypnotherapy for Gambling Addiction

Professional hypnosis treatments for gambling addictions at the Wombourne Clinic in Wolverhampton

Gambling addiction is fast becoming a significant problem in our society and the NHS estimates that as many as 250,000 people in the UK are addicted to gambling, spending a combined total of £7 billion every year and yet only about 5% (approx 12,000 people) of gambling addicts actually seek help for their problem.

There are a variety of options available for those suffering with a gambling addiction and hypnotherapy is an increasingly popular option.

Hypnotherapy aims to tackle both the addiction itself and any underlying problems that may have triggered the addiction (such as trauma, stress, lack of self-confidence or depression), in an attempt ease the addict out of the ‘need’ to gamble.

Why Do People Gamble?

Clearly, gambling is something that appeals to the human mind, as it has done for thousands of years.

So why do we do it when it is common knowledge that ‘the house always wins’?

This means that betting shops and casinos calculate the odds so as to make a profit from losing gamblers.

The bottom line therefore is that gamblers are more likely to lose than to win.

However, gamblers tend to believe that they are MORE likely to win following a run of losing bets whereas in reality, the number of times that you lose has absolutely zero bearing on the likelihood of winning.

Do you have a Gambling Addiction?

There is a big difference between a person who enjoys an occasional bet at the races a few times a year, and a person who can’t get through the day without betting on something.

This has been made much easier, of course, by the licensing of on-line gambling apps and casinos.

Signs of a Gambling Addiction

There are a number of signs to look out for if you think you may be developing an addiction to gambling, including:

• finding it difficult to stop gambling
• spending too much money – often more than you have
• increasingly argumentative or defensive about money
• becoming increasingly reclusive
• losing interest in socialising
• always thinking about gambling
• lying or hiding habits from other people
• gambling to get out of financial trouble
• borrowing money, selling items or ignoring bills to fund gambling
• needing to risk larger amounts of money to get enough of a ‘buzz’
• neglecting relationships or responsibilities

Find out if you are experiencing the symptoms or behaviours that are commonly linked to addictions by taking the addictive behaviour quiz on the Tranceform Psychology site here (opens a new window).

What Could Cause a Gambling Addiction?

Gambling addiction can often develop from a range of past or present experiences that shape an individual’s relationship with risk and reward.

For some, early exposure to gambling within family settings, where it may have been seen as a normal or entertaining activity, can lead to a blurred understanding of its consequences.

Emotional factors such as stress, anxiety, or depression may drive individuals to seek an escape through gambling, offering a temporary thrill that masks deeper issues.

Additionally, significant life events such as loss, trauma, or changes in social status can create a vulnerability, where the allure of potential financial gain provides a false sense of control in an otherwise uncertain environment.

Peer influences, too, can play a role, as social circles may normalise or encourage gambling behaviour, further entrenching the cycle of addiction.

Understanding these underlying experiences is crucial in addressing not only the addiction itself but also the context from which it arises.

Hypnotherapy for Gambling Addiction

Hypnotherapy can be particularly effective for helping people to locate and then use many of their own inner strengths and resources to combat the problems associated with Gambling Addiction.

In this respect, hypnotherapy helps a person to ‘help themselves’ in very much the same way as other therapeutic approaches.

Taking anywhere between 6 and 10 sessions, hypnotherapy for Gambling Addiction involves understanding how your earlier experiences, core beliefs and values have played a role in forming and reinforcing your phobia.

Hypnosis itself is very relaxing and allows you to explore memories and experiences related to Gambling Addiction that you might want to re-think in order to produce more positive responses and outcomes.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) Options with Paul Lee MSc at Tranceform Psychology

If you’re unsure about undertaking a course of hypnotherapy for your gambling addiction then you might like to consider a structured programme of CBT with Paul who runs our main applied psychology business Tranceform.

Initial Consultations

Joan offers all prospective clients a low cost (£30) initial consultation to discuss your mental health concerns.

During this 50 minute consultation Joan will discuss the various options that are available to you and make a considered recommendation based on your individual personal circumstances.

At Wolverhampton Hypnotherapy we understand the importance of the therapeutic relationship and so place a great emphasis on being able to meet PRIOR to agreeing any kind of help.

Our policy is to help people make a fully balanced & considered decision about undertaking therapy with us, including both the financial, work-load and personal implications.

E-mail joan at:

Joan@WolverhamptonHypnotherapy.co.uk