Counselling offers a safe and confidential space to explore issues and problems
that are diminishing your well-being and preventing you from living a full and
satisfying life.
The counsellor meets with the client at a regular time and place to examine, amongst
other things, stuck patterns of behaviour, issues from the past that are stopping
you from moving on, and negative self-image, all of which can contribute to low self-esteem, feelings
of anxiety and depression, and loss of purpose and direction.
Counselling can be viewed as a joint venture in which the counsellor works with
you, helping you to make sense of your individual circumstances, identifying choices
for change, and offering support during the process of change.
When a client comes to us with a gambling problem, the first and most important step
is to help them cut down or stop gambling altogether, depending on their goals and
needs. To this end, we examine practical ways of dealing with "triggers"
and urges to gamble, strategies for avoiding temptation, and ideas for managing your
money so as to minimise opportunities to gamble.
Our counsellors adopt a "two-tier" approach by also working with you to
explore the origins of the problem and the underlying reasons why you gamble. Gaining
insight and understanding can help you come to terms with the problem and gradually
master it, setting you on the road to a gambling-free and ultimately more productive
and fulfilling lifestyle.
The most obvious benefit of counselling is working towards a reduction or a complete
cessation of your gambling. This will hopefully become ongoing as you gain insight
into your problem and learn to deal with urges and triggers to gamble and move
into a new, more fruitful lifestyle.
As the counsellor supports and encourages you on your path towards a gambling-free
future, other benefits can include improved feelings of self-worth, better and more
satisfying relationships, a clearer sense of direction and purpose for your life, and
financial stability.
There are no fees for the services of Sussex Breakeven counsellors. However, Breakeven
is funded by GamCare, itself a charity and dependent on outside funding and charitable
gifts.
If you would like to make a donation, or if you would like more information on how GamCare is funded,
please see GamCare's Donate page.
Any donations will be greatfully recieved, but we are concerned that you should not
feel under any pressure to contribute, and we are therefore able to provide our services
at no cost to you.
We understand that it's not always easy to take the first step, so let's make it
as easy as possible. To begin the process, all you need to do is get in touch.
We offer you an initial assessment appointment with one of our experienced counsellors.
Like the rest of our service, this is free.
At your assessment we will discuss your situation with you and suggest ways in which
you might begin to address your problem. We can then offer you a series of counselling
sessions which can be arranged for a regular time and location to suit you.
You can apply online, or contact us by telephone or email
if you prefer.
