Family support and group therapy
Introduction
One person's game affects the whole family - conflict, loss of trust, emotional burnout. Family and group therapy help spread the load, develop common strategies and get support from those facing the same challenges.
1. Family counselling
Format: face-to-face or video sessions with a consultant psychologist Gamblers Help, participation of a dependent and at least one loved one
Objectives:
2. Gam-Anon Support Groups
For relatives and partners: anonymous meetings once a week in the format of 12 steps
Format: 10-15 people, moderator-psychologist or senior participant with experience
Discussion topics: emotional reactions to addiction, personal boundaries, self-help
Pros:
3. Group therapy for players
Format: therapeutic course in a small group (6-8 people) under the guidance of a clinical psychologist
Methods: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), role play, coping skills training
Stages:
4. Online groups and forums
Gambling Help Online Forum: 24-hour access to thematic branches
Webinars and chats: weekly video conferences and chat rooms for families and players
Advantages: flexible hours, anonymity, recording materials
How to connect: at gamblinghelponline. org. au under Support Groups
5. Participation Guidelines
1. Regularity: Participate for at least 4 consecutive weeks to build habit and trust.
2. Being active: Share your experiences and listen to others - this speeds up your own recovery.
3. Homework: Do exercises between appointments (diary, tests, stopping practices).
4. Support loved ones: Participate in family and group sessions together to enhance the effect.
Conclusion
Family and group formats are a powerful resource for gaming addiction. Consultations involve everyone involved in the process, and play and parenting groups provide a sense of community and specific skills. Book your first appointment via the 1800 858 858 hotline or online at gamblinghelponline. org. au and start working together on your recovery.
One person's game affects the whole family - conflict, loss of trust, emotional burnout. Family and group therapy help spread the load, develop common strategies and get support from those facing the same challenges.
1. Family counselling
Format: face-to-face or video sessions with a consultant psychologist Gamblers Help, participation of a dependent and at least one loved one
Objectives:
- 1. Restore communication: a safe format for expressing grievances and fears
- 2. Develop family rules: a clear plan of financial boundaries, responsibilities and sanctions for violation
- 3. Distribute roles: who and how supports the dependent, who controls the implementation of the agreements
- Duration: 4-8 appointments of 60 min each
- Entry: via Gamblers Help by 1800 858 858 number or on the gamblinghelponline website. org. au
2. Gam-Anon Support Groups
For relatives and partners: anonymous meetings once a week in the format of 12 steps
Format: 10-15 people, moderator-psychologist or senior participant with experience
Discussion topics: emotional reactions to addiction, personal boundaries, self-help
Pros:
- Feeling "not alone" and sharing work practices
- Constant group creates trust and responsibility
- Contacts: Check the Gamblers Help website for schedule information or call 1800 858 858
3. Group therapy for players
Format: therapeutic course in a small group (6-8 people) under the guidance of a clinical psychologist
Methods: cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), role play, coping skills training
Stages:
- 1. Evaluation: individual PGSI tests, formation of personal goals
- 2. Training: limit setting practice, timeout, dealing with emotional triggers
- 3. Anchoring: homework, sharing experiences, co-strategizing
- Duration: 8-12 weeks, one 90 min meeting per week
- Entry: via Gambling Help Online → "Group Programs" section
4. Online groups and forums
Gambling Help Online Forum: 24-hour access to thematic branches
Webinars and chats: weekly video conferences and chat rooms for families and players
Advantages: flexible hours, anonymity, recording materials
How to connect: at gamblinghelponline. org. au under Support Groups
5. Participation Guidelines
1. Regularity: Participate for at least 4 consecutive weeks to build habit and trust.
2. Being active: Share your experiences and listen to others - this speeds up your own recovery.
3. Homework: Do exercises between appointments (diary, tests, stopping practices).
4. Support loved ones: Participate in family and group sessions together to enhance the effect.
Conclusion
Family and group formats are a powerful resource for gaming addiction. Consultations involve everyone involved in the process, and play and parenting groups provide a sense of community and specific skills. Book your first appointment via the 1800 858 858 hotline or online at gamblinghelponline. org. au and start working together on your recovery.
