The role of counseling with a psychologist and financial counselor in controlling gambling expenses

Professional support is a key element of a comprehensive strategy to protect against gambling losses. Consultations help not only to limit costs, but also to eliminate the roots of the problem: impulsiveness, stress, misperception of risk and the lack of a clear financial plan.

1. Psychological counseling

1. Diagnosing gaming addiction

Special questionnaires (for example, SOGS, PGSI) identify the degree of involvement and the risks of developing compulsive behavior.
Triggers are determined: stress, emotional instability, the desire to "recoup."

2. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

Working with irrational beliefs ("I have to win today").
Practicing self-control skills: delayed reactions, awareness at the moment of temptation.

3. Develop customized support plan

Structured tasks: keeping a "betting diary," assessing emotions before and after the game.
Group or family sessions to increase social support.

4. Prevention of breakdowns and relapses

Teaching rejection strategies: stop-thinking technique, alternative leisure activities.
Regular meetings with a psychologist to monitor progress and correct the plan.

2. Financial advice

1. Analysis of the current financial situation

Data collection: income, expenses, debts, loan obligations.
Building a "money card" with the allocation of a "risky" account.

2. Building a tight budget

Definition of fixed items of expenditure (housing, food, transport).
Setting the maximum share of "entertainment" (no more than 5-10% of net income).

3. Set up rules for replenishing a "game" account

Transfer to a separate account or card strictly according to the schedule and amounts recorded in the budget.
Translation automation: one tool, one amount, no manual changes.

4. Control and reporting

Weekly or monthly reports of actual costs versus plan.
Budget adjustments based on objective data, not impulses.

3. Synergy between psychologist and financial advisor

An integrated approach combines emotional and rational components:

The psychologist works with motivation and attitudes.
A financial adviser structures money and the rules of the game.

Joint sessions:

Discussion of financial reports taking into account the emotional background.
Coordinate rate waiver strategies and budget use.

Crisis support:

In case of a breakdown, the psychologist helps to prevent the "dispersal episode" (doubling of bets after a loss).
The financial adviser promptly adjusts the budget and suspends automatic transfers.

4. Practical steps to contact specialists

1. Search and selection of professionals

Lustration of experience: certificates in dependence and financial planning.
Feedback and recommendation from specialist clinics or independent consultants.

2. Preparation for initial meeting

Collection of account statements, list of bets and losses for the last 3-6 months.
A short questionnaire with questions about motivation, goals and current difficulties.

3. Setting goals and indicators of success

Specific KPIs: 50% reduction in the game budget, complete abstinence or limiting sessions to no more than 1 time per week.
Clear timelines and criteria for assessing progress.

4. Meeting regularity and reporting

Compliance with the schedule is important for both parties: at least 1 meeting per month.
Recording results in writing: psychological insights and financial reports.

5. Efficacy evaluation

Qualitative indicators: reducing anxiety, disappearing obsessive thoughts about the game, improving the emotional background.
Quantitative indicators: a decrease in the amount of rates, the absence of budget overruns, and an increase in savings.

Regular monitoring of both groups of metrics ensures that the process is going in the right direction: you not only save money, but also regain control over your decisions and life in general.

Conclusion
Counseling a psychologist and financial adviser is not a luxury, but a necessary tool for those who want to stop disorderly betting and avoid serious financial losses. A balanced combination of work on emotions and tight budget planning ensures long-term results and protects against relapses.