Motivational interviewing is a technique designed to:

• Discuss gambling issues with your client in an accepting, constructive and non-confrontational manner
• Talk about the pros and cons of your client's gambling behaviour
• Examine the pros and cons of your client changing their behaviour
• Highlight the difference between the client’s current situation and the changes they would like to make

What does it involve?

Expressing empathy

• Recognise and appreciate that a client’s problem gambling behaviour has often developed from a misguided (and often unconscious) attempt to ‘fix underlying problems’
• Focus on the person, not on the problem
• Give your client the freedom to explore
• Let the client know that the door is open to them next time

Asking permission to explore your client's lifestyle

• Discuss the client’s lifestyle to examine harmful behaviours
• Use exploratory and open questioning

Developing Discrepancy

• Highlight the discrepancy between the client’s current situation and how they would prefer things to be
• Show sensitivity and acceptance of the gambler’s situation. If your questioning meets with resistance, it is better to retreat than to push your client. It is important that your client feels that they can come back to you, rather than that you disapprove of their behaviour.

Leaving the door open

• Increase the client’s awareness of the impact their behaviour has on their life
• Make it easier for the client to return should they need further support or information

• Email