Objectives

Disordered gambling is a pervasive problem that affects individuals, families, and communities. As accessibility for gambling increases, prevalence rates are also on the rise with global estimates as high as 5% of adults at increased risk for developing a gambling problem. Concomitantly, current treatment trends caution cognitive behavior therapy as the ‘standard’ for disordered gambling, given relatively low rates of maintenance of treatment effects overtime. In contrast, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an emerging treatment for a range of mental health disparities, including substance use disorders and problem gambling specifically. ACT is considered a ‘third wave’ of behavioral psychology, based on cognitive and behavioral approaches that focus on client acceptance, present moment awareness, and values-based committed action. The current webinar will discuss the ACT treatment model, and highlight how to use metaphor and experiential exercises during therapy to gain maximum potential for client success.