How a professional consultant can help with problems with the game

1. Problem level diagnostics

Assessment according to standard scales: the use of internationally recognized questionnaires (DSM-5, ICD-11) to objectively determine the degree of game dependence.
Analysis of the history of the game: finding out the frequency, duration of sessions, exceeding limits and financial consequences.
Psychological interview: identification of concomitant emotional and behavioral problems - anxiety, depression, stress.

2. Develop an individualized treatment plan

1. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

2. Motivational interviewing

Support internal customer motivation for change, setting real and achievable goals.
3. Impulse control skills

Techniques to curb the desire to put: the rule of "10-minute pause," breathing exercises, distracting strategies.
4. Setting strict limits

The consultant helps to set up financial and temporary barriers, monitor their compliance.

3. Work with family and environment

Family therapy: restoring trust, redrawing financial flows, creating support mechanisms (support, reminders).
Training of loved ones: advice on identifying recurrent patterns, encouraging the client to comply with the plan, preventing "roof" assistance with loans.
Group support: Referrals to Gamblers Anonymous meetings, family support groups where relatives share experiences.

4. Support in crisis situations

Emergency interventions: assistance with suicidal or aggressive impulses, organization of a crisis plan (helplines, hospitalization if necessary).
Relapse control: regular sessions to analyze thwarted limits, strategy adjustments, work with guilt and shame.

5. Financial literacy training

Budget planning: joint drawing up of a "game" and "life" budget, separation of mandatory expenses.
Spending monitoring: setting up bank notifications, keeping a financial diary under the control of a consultant.
Alternative ways to make money: Tips on legal and safe sources of additional income to reduce the temptation to "catch up" losses.

6. Available help formats

Face-to-face consultations: an appointment with an addictologist psychologist in a clinic or private office.
Online sessions: convenient for remote regions of Australia, remains anonymous.
Hybrid format: a combination of face-to-face and remote meetings on an agreed schedule.

7. How to choose a consultant

1. Licence and experience: A specialist registered with AHPRA or a member of the Australian Psychological Society (APS) with experience with gambling addiction.
2. Methodological framework: preference for CBT users, motivational interviewing and family therapy methods.
3. Feedback and recommendations: real experience of other clients, willingness to provide brief case stages (anonymously).
4. Cost and subsidies: The ability to receive partial compensation through Medicare or charitable programs.

8. What to do after the first sessions

Follow the planned plan: a clear schedule of meetings, homework and exercises.
Evaluate progress: monthly report on key indicators: compliance with limits, the number of disrupted sessions, emotional background.
Adjust strategy: if necessary, the consultant makes changes to techniques and restrictive measures.

Conclusion

A professional gaming addiction consultant is not just a listener, but an active assistant in diagnosing, developing self-control skills, financial planning and restoring relationships with loved ones. Timely contact with a specialist allows you to interrupt the pathological cycle, build reliable barriers and preserve the quality of life.