Gambling addiction
Gambling Addiction Counselling and Therapy
Gambling often starts as a way to change how you feel, and ends up as the thing you feel worst about. Counselling helps you understand the pull and build a life it no longer runs. In Hove or by video.
In short
Gambling addiction counselling is one-to-one support for betting, casino, slots or online gambling that has gone further than you meant. With me it means regular sessions in Hove or by video, working on the urge, the losses and the secrecy, and on what gambling has been doing for you, alongside any free gambling service you use.
How it takes hold
When gambling stops being a bit of fun
The NHS lists some of the signs: betting more than you can afford to lose, needing larger amounts for the same feeling, chasing losses, borrowing or selling things to gamble, and feeling guilty about it. Phones have made gambling constant and private, so it can grow for a long time before anyone else notices.
Underneath, gambling often meets a need: excitement when life feels flat, escape from worry, a sense of control, or a few hours where nothing else matters. Counselling looks at that need as well as the habit, so stopping does not leave a gap you then fill with something else.
Gambling rarely affects only one person. Debt, secrecy and broken trust land on partners and families too, and couples counselling can help with the repair.
Free help and counselling
How counselling fits with free gambling support
There is good free support for gambling in the UK. Counselling with me can run alongside any of it.
Talk to someone today
The National Gambling Helpline, run by GamCare, is free on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, for information, support and counselling.
NHS gambling clinics
In England you can refer yourself to a specialist NHS gambling treatment clinic, or ask your GP. The NHS gambling page lists them.
Blocking the sites
GAMSTOP lets you exclude yourself from UK online gambling sites and apps. GAMSTOP.
Peer support
Gamblers Anonymous runs local and online meetings, and Gam-Anon supports families and friends. Gamblers Anonymous · Gam-Anon.
Regular one-to-one counselling
Weekly sessions with me, in Hove or by video, on the urges, the triggers, the money and the feelings gambling has been managing.
Read first
Gambling addiction: the signs and where to get help sets out the NHS questions and the UK services.
Practical details
Who you'll see, where, and what it costs
Who you'll see
Bradley Riddell, BACP registered member no. 109340 (check the register), and UKCP student member in advanced psychotherapy training.
Regular clinical supervision. About me.
Where
In person at my room in Hove, or by secure video anywhere in the UK. Towns with their own page.
Fees
£80 for 60 minutes, £100 for 90 and £120 for 120. The first 15-minute call is free, with no obligation.
First step
A free 15-minute call. You don't need to have stopped, or to know your goal yet.
Book the free call or ring 07914 681995.
Questions
Gambling Addiction Counselling: common questions
Can counselling help with gambling addiction?
Yes. We work on what sets off the urge, what gambling gives you in the moment, and practical steps such as blocking and money controls, alongside the feelings underneath. You set the goal, and we review as we go.
Do I have to stop gambling before we start?
No. Many people start while still gambling. Blocking tools such as GAMSTOP and your bank's gambling block can help straight away, and we can plan the rest together.
My partner gambles. Can I come on my own?
Yes. Living with someone's gambling brings its own stress, debt and loss of trust. You can come on your own, and Gam-Anon supports families for free. Couples sessions are possible later if you both want them.
Is there free help for gambling as well?
Yes. The National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133, day or night, and in England you can refer yourself to an NHS gambling clinic. Private counselling can run alongside either.
How much does gambling addiction counselling cost?
£80 for a 60-minute session, £100 for 90 minutes and £120 for two hours. The first 15-minute call is free.
Further reading
Guides to read before or between sessions
If you need urgent help right now
Sessions are booked ahead, so for help right now these services answer straight away. If you are in danger or thinking about harming yourself, please call 999 or go to your nearest A&E. For free, confidential support at any hour, contact the Samaritans on 116 123, or text SHOUT to 85258.
For gambling, the National Gambling Helpline is free on 0808 8020 133, 24 hours a day.
Where I see people
In Hove, or by video anywhere in the UK
Sessions are in person at Intergen House, Western Road, Hove, or by secure video. Towns with their own page · Online counselling across the UK