Susan Ratcliffe has a well established private practice in Surrey, where she provides a comprehensive psychotherapy and counselling service. One of her specialisms is problem gambling. She has six years experience as a counsellor for Gamcare, the UK's leading charity for problem gamblers.

Possible Signs of a Gambling Problem

• Do you often gamble more than you intend?
• Is gambling interfering with your work or relationships?
• Do you ever lie about the extent of your gambling?
• Do you often find yourself trying to win back money you have lost?
• Do you ever gamble to escape from difficulties in your everyday life?
• Has gambling become the main focus in your life?
• Are you in debt because of your gambling?
• Have you done things you later regret because of your gambling?

If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions then you may have a gambling problem.

What To Do Next?

You may wish the problem would just go away and be reluctant to take the next step, but wishing a problem away is rarely an effective solution. There are self-help groups such as Gamblers Anonymous, which many people find helpful and supportive. You may, however, find groups a little intimidating and prefer to discuss your difficulties on a one to one basis with a psychotherapist experienced in treating problem gambling.

Click here to contact Susan to discuss whether she may be able to help you.