Problem gambling continues to be a major concern in Australia, and it is important for researchers to determine effective ways to help reduce gambling addiction rates. Counselling is a common solution to aid problem gamblers, and now some punters are turning to a new method for assistance: hypnotherapy.

The Leader reports that more and more compulsive gamblers are using hypnotherapy as potential means of winning their battle with addiction. Professional hypnotherapist Vyara Kaneva states that about 20% of her clients are problem gamblers. "It's always an emotional problem they are trying to suppress," she says.

"They use it to escape from reality, as a form of 'me time' or to save themselves from the lives they currently lead if they win." Across Australia, there are many different types of assistance available to problem gamblers, but these methods may not work for all punters. Still, many problem gamblers initially seek out more traditional means of assistance. Ms Kaneva states that hypnotherapy is often a last resort for her clients.

They have tried all sorts of other treatment methods and counselling before turning to her services. Hypnotherapy is a popular method for treating a wide range of addictions and personal problems. Many individuals have used this type of therapy to give up smoking and other harmful habits. So, it comes as no surprise that hypnotherapy would also be useful for people who are struggling with gambling addiction.

There is little research to support hypnotherapy as an effective treatment method for problem gambling, but it certainly seems to work for Ms Kaneva’s clients. In the future, we would like to see studies about this particular method and its effects on problem gamblers. If you are interested in trying hypnotherapy, Ms Kaneva will be hosting seminars on addiction and hypnotherapy in Sans Souci and Caringbah in July.

For more information, visit: youcanchangehypnotherapy.com.au. Image source: Olivia Harmon.

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George Anderson
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