GA and counselling do they work

Hi Jamie,

I found the 12.counselling sessions by Gamcare very good. It helped me understand the reasons why I turned to gambling. It also made me feel a worthwhile individual and gave me some self respect back and the confidence to move forward.

I only attended GA a couple of times and it wasn't for me. Perhaps it was just the meeting I attended. Once everyone gave there story and advised all we talked about was football and films. The steps weren't really mentioned.

Best wishes

Like most things in life you only get back what you put into it. If you engage with it, you will find it a help but if you don't really want to be there it won't be.

Personally, have never done 1-2-1 counselling but I am a massive advocate of GA. I was a multi-times-a-day gambler in horrific financial and emotional mess. Am now over 18 months into recovery and every aspect of my life is improving.

I've found a great group with people I consider friends and the sense of unity and combined progression is amazing.

Hope that helps.

Thanks everyone really helpful. Im defo gonna give them both a try. Can't do any harm. Councillor is phoning me tomorrow and there is a GA meeting about 20 mins away from my house. I've had that sinking feeling when you lose a bet but it was.nothing like the feeling I have had because I let myself down last week.

GA wasn't for me I agree with earlier comment, I had cbt therapy helped me massively to understand the reason for gambling and not the gambling itself I would recommend it 100% good luck.

The bear

i have been doing both GA and a gamcare face to face councelling. I have found both very useful. especially in the early stages of recovery it was like a double pronged attack. the councelling is actually very good and i personally found it helped me get my head around this illness like i never had before.

Good luck - the hardest part is making the phone call and making an appointment

Hey Jamie ☺

A soldier being missed on the challenge!
Hope all is well with yourself and new found ways to deal with this addiction is helping you! Every little helps for sure and GA plus counselling is really commendable ☺
I had counselling before, painful experience but man...does'nt it help in the long run. Its all about self observation, and we need to know what is causing us to make all sort of decisions in life.

Wish you strength and all the best. Would b good to see you touching the base on the challenge, it is last check in ☺

Sandra x

I have been attending GA for 4 weeks and have found it a great help. It seems like it is well established group. It seems well attended with the least being 15 people there and the most I counted was 22. The advise I have been given has helped me and not just at the meeting but guys have taken my number and contacted me in the week to see how I'm doing. Listening to some who attend other meetings that only have a few members I get the impression that are not as useful as this meeting I attend.

Id say give it a go and see how it is it's free so you have nothing to lose and you might find it a help

I have done both. While some counsellors are great some are also rubbish. The same can also be said of GA groups. So if you don't like the one your going to try a different one. Also the type of counselling you receive varies greatly with the two main ones being cbt or psychodynamic. You will be offered cbt (its cheaper). GA meetings also vary greatly some are specifically centered around the steps & bookwork, while others focus on therapies & some will just talk about how your week has been. Where GA has the edge for me is continued ongoing support. I've heard & seen so many come in & say counselling was great & then they said were finished with you after a few months bye! Good luck! Doors are open to anyone at GA for free. It works, I have seen it, I have lived it