Gambling Psychologist Melbourne

Many people can gamble without any impact upon their daily life. Gambling becomes a problem when it starts to impact upon a person’s daily routine and financial circumstances. Gambling related difficulties can then occur, including relationship problems, difficulty paying bills and other personal issues. A person may also experience mood swings and heightened periods of stress related to their gambling.

General Psychologist. John Karamanos is a registered psychologist with over 20 years of clinical experience in assessing and managing anxiety and depressive disorders, management of body image problems, post-traumatic stress disorder, the psychological assessment and management of acute and chronic pain conditions arising from work-related and road trauma injuries, treatment of obsessive. Dr Tania McMahon - Clinical Psychologist Tania is a Clinical Psychologist with several years' experience working in substance addictions, and particular expertise in Internet and Online/Video Gaming Addictions.

Indicators of a gambling problem may include obsessive thoughts about gambling, an increase in betting money when gambling, feelings of being irritable or restless when not gambling, chasing losses and gambling to escape problems. More pressing and serious indicators may also include borrowing money to gamble or pay debts, committing illegal acts to gamble and/or lying to others about gambling habits.

Current research suggests that the motivation for gambling can be related to a wide variety of factors and will depend upon individual circumstance. These include self-esteem and self-acceptance, social approval, emotional release, hope of winning, beating the odds, experiencing excitement, reducing boredom and a way of passing the time. Other factors such as personality, social support, family structure, individual biology may also play a role in gambling behaviour.

What treatments are available for gambling?

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy looks to initially assess an individual’s history of problem gambling. Therapy looks to address issues such as thinking styles related to gambling, challenging unhelpful thinking, relaxation, problem solving, goal setting and relapse prevention. Other support issues include reducing risk and identifying possible emotional issues related to a person’s gambling behaviour.

Where to get help for gambling?

Should you feel unsure about your situation you can contact the confidential Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. You can also contact Inner West Psychology or their GP to discuss your situation and support options. Send us an email or call us today on (02) 9518 1061 to make an enquiry or book an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists.

Meet our team of psychologists

Gambling Psychologist Melbourne Australia

1. Should you feel unsure about your situation you can contact the confidential Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858. You can also contact Inner West Psychology or their GP to discuss your situation and support options. Send us an email or call us today on (02) 9518 1061 to make an enquiry or book an appointment with one of our experienced psychologists.
2. Gambling addiction, also known as compulsive gambling, is a type of impulse-control disorder.Compulsive gamblers sometimes feel they cannot control their impulse to gamble, even when they know their gambling is hurting themselves or their loved ones.
3. Jonathon Walker is a clinical psychologist in Melbourne who is dedicated to providing the highest level of psychological care to all members of society. Jonathon recognises not all people can afford out-of-pocket fees for psychological therapy on a weekly basis (for up to 3 months).