Phase 1: Coping with Today

Duration

Phase 1 is a period of approximately eight weeks of preparation for therapy/treatment and time management skill training.

Foundation Group

There is a 1.5hr weekly Phase 1 foundation group meeting that concentrates on preparing residents so that they can make the most of their counselling and support and encouraging the realisation that for them to avoid problem gambling they have to change the very way they think and act.

Prior to starting with the group each individual will have prepared a structured piece of written work entitled 'My Gambling Story' which they will read out at their first meeting with the group. This helps them settle into the group and introduces their background in gambling to the others in the group. There are 7 separate topics covered by the foundation group. The session titles are:

• Who gambles?
• A model of problem gambling
• Reducing the risk
• Managing gambling cues
• What shall I change?
• Remaining open to change
• Personal Shield

Time Management

Encouragement is given, during Phase 1 in particular, for residents to focus on new or re-awaken old constructive ways of filling time. This is seen as particularly important as prior to coming to Gordon House the gambler is likely to have spent up to 80% of their waking day gambling, planning to gamble or 're-living' old gambling experiences. Residents often express the boring and depressing void created when they stop gambling as the 'cold turkey' of giving up gambling.

Support Worker

The support worker, who worked with the individual whilst they were in the Assessment phase, continues to work with the individual still meeting formally at least once a week. During these sessions the resident will complete written exercises including 'honesty' and 'distorted thinking' exercises. Also, if appropriate, they will complete a home 'leave' exercise to prepare for the pressures of visiting their families during treatment.

Individual Treatment Plans

Individual action plans are reviewed and updated as appropriate, but with the maximum intervening period of six weeks. This ensures the plan remains relevant and progress accountable. At the first of these reviews the 'Self Esteem' questionnaire from the 'Emotional Health' section of the Life Audit is repeated to measure and demonstrate relative progress.

Through the individual's 'Action Plan' and subsequent reviews it will be agreed as to the best timing for the individual to start their 12 weeks of individual confidential counselling. Entering into that counselling marks the move of the resident from Phase 1 into Phase 2.