Psychotherapeutic Support for Concerned Significant Others Impacted by Gambling Disorder

Session Title

Treatment: Family, Training & Support Systems

Presentation Type

Paper Presentation

Start Date

27-5-2026 12:00 AM

Abstract

Gambling disorder (GD) poses hidden yet significant challenges for families and partners, often leaving Concerned Significant Others (CSOs) in states of confusion, distress, and uncertainty. This paper details the case of Mary, whose discovery of her partner’s concealed sports betting triggered acute emotional turmoil and relational disruption. The case illustrates how factors inherent to problem gambling such as secrecy, financial instability, and cultural normalization complicate coping and help-seeking among CSOs. Intervention emphasized comprehensive and ongoing assessment, integrative psychotherapy techniques, psychoeducation, and skills-based strategies to increase emotional processing and promote relational repair. Clinical reflections highlight the ethical dilemmas of disclosure, the balance of empathy with accountability, and the corrective impact of the therapeutic alliance as tailored to the unique relational experiences of CSOs.

Author Bios

Noah Anderson is a doctoral student in clinical psychology at East Tennessee State University, a member of the Tennessee Institute for Gambling Education and Research, and a therapist at The Gambling Clinic. His research interests include rural mental health, help-seeking behaviors, and relational factors that influence effective psychotherapy.

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May 27th, 12:00 AM

Psychotherapeutic Support for Concerned Significant Others Impacted by Gambling Disorder

Gambling disorder (GD) poses hidden yet significant challenges for families and partners, often leaving Concerned Significant Others (CSOs) in states of confusion, distress, and uncertainty. This paper details the case of Mary, whose discovery of her partner’s concealed sports betting triggered acute emotional turmoil and relational disruption. The case illustrates how factors inherent to problem gambling such as secrecy, financial instability, and cultural normalization complicate coping and help-seeking among CSOs. Intervention emphasized comprehensive and ongoing assessment, integrative psychotherapy techniques, psychoeducation, and skills-based strategies to increase emotional processing and promote relational repair. Clinical reflections highlight the ethical dilemmas of disclosure, the balance of empathy with accountability, and the corrective impact of the therapeutic alliance as tailored to the unique relational experiences of CSOs.