Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Gambling Disorder: Practice Examples for Clinicians
Abstract
Access to gambling has expanded alongside technological advances and gambling-related policy liberalization. Individuals experiencing gambling disorder symptoms experience psychological distress, impaired occupational functioning, and substantial harm across financial, interpersonal, and psychological domains. Current empirical evidence supports the use of cognitive-behavioral therapy in the treatment of problem gambling and related harms. However, mental health professionals report lacking direct training and instruction in the treatment of gambling disorder. The present paper outlines the application of the seven cognitive behavioral techniques most frequently included within randomized clinical trials of cognitive-behavioral therapy for gambling disorder – relapse prevention, behavioral substitution, cognitive restructuring, psychoeducation, stimulus control, goal setting, and motivational enhancement. Clinical considerations for the use of these techniques in problem gambling treatment are discussed, and their application is demonstrated through the presentation of client-therapist dialogue.
Publication Title
Cognitive and Behavioral Practice
Recommended Citation
Andersland, M., Dow, C., Ginley, M., Whelan, J., & Pfund, R. (2025). Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Techniques for Gambling Disorder: Practice Examples for Clinicians. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cbpra.2025.10.004
