Gambling – The Hidden Addiction with Richard Stephenson​

This workshop will look at why gambling is called The Hidden Addiction and will examine:

• The attractions of gambling
• When Gambling becomes a Problem
• Gambling Dependency and its Effects
• Young People and Problem Gambling
• The increase in Women Gamblers
• Why Don’t They Just Stop?

Richard has a wealth of experience in providing evidence-based interventions, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Motivational Enhancement Therapy, Psycho-educational workshops. Group therapy and Transactional Analysis (TA).

He has also developed a programme to support gambling addiction, which has become one of his areas of speciality, using a relational behavioural approach.

Richard has a private practice and has worked in multi-disciplinary teams in different capacities as a Deputy Manager, Counsellor, Senior Counsellor, Group Facilitator and Team Leader.

Richard has been working in North London with the ultra-orthodox Jewish community with a Hasidic background, for 5 years, both as a clinical supervisor and counsellor, providing 1-2-1 sessions. In addition, he co-facilitates group therapy sessions with a therapist from the orthodox Jewish community itself.

Through this experience, Richard has gained insight into the cultural scripting (beliefs, values and practices) within the community. This has enabled him to establish the trust which is a vital component for any therapeutic relationship. His culturally sensitive approach takes into consideration the impact of transgenerational trauma on these individuals’ thoughts, feelings and behaviours.