Overview

Gambling harm is a significant public health issue, affecting not only individuals who gamble but also their families and communities.

With the growing accessibility of online betting and the normalisation of gambling in everyday life, psychologists are increasingly likely to encounter clients impacted by gambling-related issues, whether directly or indirectly.

Funded by the Office of Responsible Gambling NSW, this webinar will provide psychologists with the opportunity to increase their understanding of gambling harm, learn how to identify it in clinical practice, and apply evidence-based treatment strategies to effectively support their clients.

Assessment and treatment clinical guidelines developed by the APS recommend holistic, multidisciplinary care, involving family, setting clear goals, providing evidence-based therapies, addressing co-occurring conditions, and ensuring empathic treatment is delivered by trained professionals.

Cognitive-behavioural treatment (CBT) and motivational interviewing are effective for treating harmful gambling. While evidence for other treatments is limited, clinical consensus suggests mindfulness-based therapies, solution-focussed brief therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, narrative therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, dialectical behaviour therapy, and family interventions may also be effective. This webinar will outline these effective treatment strategies for this client group.

Level of Learning

Foundational. This activity is targeted to those who are new to the topic.

Duration of access

Access to the recording and presenter slides is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality. Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process.

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity Details

On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this webinar, participants should be able to:

• recognise the prevalence and impact of gambling harm,

• identify common psychological and mental health considerations in the assessment, treatment, and management of people experiencing gambling harm, and

• identify evidence-based resources and support organisations to inform practice when working with people experiencing gambling harm.

Presenter(s)

Professor Nicki Dowling

About the presenter(s)

Professor Nicki Dowling is a Professor in the School of Psychology at Deakin University. She is a registered clinical psychologist and a member of the Australian Psychological Society and its Clinical College. She has had significant experience in the treatment of people experiencing gambling harm and their family members. Nicki has been involved in gambling research for over 25 years, with expertise in the identification, prevention, and treatment of gambling-related harm.