“I stopped gambling two months ago with Derman’s talking therapy sessions” said 45 years old man…
Many people with gambling problem are not able to explain why they gamble even though they are aware of the harm it brings to their lives. The initial attraction for them may have been ‘money’. However, it is known that the money made in gambling is also lost in gambling. In Derman’s experience many people use gambling as an opportunity to escape from other problems or pressure of their lives-problems at home or at work, boredom, loneliness or anxiety.
There’s evidence that gambling can be successfully treated in the same way as other addictions.
Derman offers free information, support and counselling for problem gamblers in Turkish language in London.
Derman has been in partnership with GamCare since 2010 to help overcome gambling problem in Turkish, Kurdish and Turkish Cypriot communities in London. Derman is the only organisation in UK, providing specific counselling service for gamblers to Turkish speaking communities who have been directly hit by gambling addiction.
This service offers an opportunity to explore the causes of the gambling behaviour and the effects gambling have on people’s life.
A 45 years old man used this service and quit gambling said:
“This service in Derman helped me to stop gambling. I am able to talk about my difficulties with confidence that whatever I say in this room will stay in the therapy room. People say why go to counselling when you can share your problems with your friends. But is is disheartening when your friends go and tell other people what you told them in confidence. My journey to be able to cope with the gambling wasn’t easy. First few weeks of starting counselling, I immediately stopped playing. I thought giving up was not difficult. However, addiction came back and I started playing again which hit my confidence. But I kept coming to these sessions. Here I talk about the strategies that would help me to stay clear of gambling. I understand better my trigger points why I need to gamble in the first place. Two months ago, I stopped gambling completely. This is the first time I was able to pay all my credit card account. Just a few months ago I was hopeless. Now I ‘ve even managed to save money.”
WHAT DERMAN OFFERS?
If you have a problem with gambling and you’d like to stop, support and treatment is available.
Derman offers individual short-term (6 to 12 sessions) gambling specific and culturally sensitive counselling for gamblers and their families who are affected by gambling problem. Derman also run gambling specific group counselling for gamblers.
Counselling is a space to talk and think about your problems with someone skilled and trained in this area. It is a place to explore thoughts and feelings about yourself and your relationships with others. You will be helped to develop practical coping strategies to be able to control or stop gambling. Counselling can help you understand yourself better and allow you to see what may have been preventing you from fulfilling your potential in life.
GROUP COUNSELLING FOR GAMBLERS
Derman counselling offered in a group environment can have many benefits. It offers a support network and provides the opportunity to meet others experiencing similar concerns. Together with the therapist and the other group members you’ll be encouraged to talk about your experience with other people who have had similar experiences. This can help you with feeling less alone and isolated, and also assist with gradually gaining confidence and building your self-esteem.
WHO CAN USE THIS COUNSELLING SERVICE?
This is a free of charge service for adults (16 onwards) gambling specific and culturally sensitive counselling for Turkish, Kurdish and Turkish Cypriot communities who live in London who are affected by gambling problem as a gambler or as a family member.
Derman accept referrals from health professionals as well as self-referrals for this service.
Download our Counselling Referral Form
Return the completed form by email to: talkingtherapies@derman.org.uk or
Post to: Derman, The Basement, 66 New North road, London N1 6TG
You can also refer yourself by giving us a call on 0207 613 5944 during our working hrs (Monday to Friday between 9am-5pm).