Best Mind Therapy · Betting & Gambling Habit Support
When betting starts taking too much, there is another way forward.
You can want things to change and still find yourself drawn back to the next bet. Let's begin with a conversation that takes your experience seriously.
I'm Gary Smith, a Swindon-based psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist. I offer Solution Focused support, hypnotherapy and NLP-informed approaches, alongside practical strategies and honest guidance about specialist gambling treatment.
In-person in Swindon · Suitable online appointments UK-wide · No obligation
Talk openly about betting, worry and the changes you want.
Hypnotherapy, NLP and CBT-informed elements where appropriate.
Free consultation, with specialist routes discussed when needed.
01 / Understanding the cycle
It's rarely just about the money.
Sometimes it is about anticipation, escape, a moment of hope or the urge to put things right.
Perhaps checking the odds has become automatic. Perhaps you keep thinking about the next match, promise yourself this will be the last bet, or feel driven to recover money you've lost. You may feel anxious, irritable or preoccupied even when you are not gambling.
Sports betting, online casinos, slots, gaming-related gambling and betting-shop habits can affect people in different ways. Gambling can also place pressure on finances, sleep, relationships, trust and self-esteem.
You do not have to arrive with a diagnosis or know how to explain everything. The first conversation is about understanding what is happening and considering appropriate support.
02 / Patterns that may feel familiar
Recognising the pattern can open up choices.
These examples do not diagnose a gambling disorder, but they may help you decide whether it's time to seek support.
Chasing losses
Feeling that another bet might undo the last one, even when it creates more pressure.
Watching the odds
Repeatedly checking results, notifications or gambling apps when you meant to do something else.
Time slipping away
Spending longer betting, scrolling or planning than you intended.
Keeping it quiet
Feeling embarrassed about spending or hiding how much time and money gambling takes.
Stress and uncertainty
Experiencing tension, poor sleep, financial worry or conflict around gambling.
Starting again
Taking a break, then returning to gambling during stress, boredom or a difficult moment.
If gambling has led to serious financial harm, loss of control or thoughts of self-harm, specialist support is particularly important.
03 / How we might work together
Support built around the life you want to reclaim.
A thoughtful combination of Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy, NLP and practical CBT-informed elements, discussed openly and agreed with you.
Solution Focused Clinical Hypnotherapy
We can explore what a more manageable future looks like, draw on existing strengths and, where suitable, use hypnosis and relaxation to support focused, constructive work on your goals.
NLP-informed techniques
We can explore how particular cues, habits and expectations relate to your betting, using agreed NLP techniques such as reframing, imagery and mental rehearsal where appropriate.
CBT-informed practical strategies
We can discuss triggers, thoughts, coping plans, gambling-related beliefs and ways of creating space between an urge and a decision, while recognising when specialist gambling-specific CBT is preferable.
An individual, honest approach: We will discuss the likely suitability and limitations of any approach. There are no promises of a cure, a fixed number of appointments or an automatic outcome. Specialist gambling assessment or treatment may be the best next step for some people.
04 / Your treatment choices
An informed choice is part of good care.
You deserve to know what support is available, including options beyond my practice.
NICE guideline NG248 recommends gambling-specific cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) for gambling that causes harm, with support tailored to the person's circumstances. NHS and community gambling services can assess needs, discuss specialist treatment and offer help where gambling has become difficult to manage.
My practice offers Solution Focused conversations, clinical hypnotherapy, NLP-informed approaches and appropriate practical strategies. We can explore whether this support fits your goals or whether a specialist gambling service, additional financial advice or a coordinated approach would be more suitable.
You can explore NICE gambling-related harms guidance and NHS help for gambling problems.
05 / Practical steps that can help now
Make it easier to choose the next step.
You don't have to rely on willpower alone. Practical protections can make gambling less accessible while you consider support.
Block access to gambling
Explore online self-exclusion through GAMSTOP, remove gambling apps, mute promotions and consider blocking tools.
Protect your finances
Ask your bank about gambling-payment blocks. If debt is causing distress, seek independent financial or debt advice rather than trying to win money back.
Make contact with support
Speak to somebody you trust if safe, and consider a specialist service or peer support. Help is available even if you're uncertain about stopping.
06 / Free, specialist help and urgent support
You can reach out before things get worse.
Specialist services can help with gambling-related harms, and support is available for relatives and partners too.
National Gambling Helpline
Free gambling support, 24 hours a day
Confidential information, advice and help for people affected by gambling.
0808 8020 133This independent support is available whether or not you decide to book private therapy.
Learn about assessment, specialist clinics and access to treatment.
NHS gambling supportIndependent debt advice can help you understand your options.
Citizens Advice: debt and moneyImportant: Gambling-related distress can sometimes become severe. This private practice is not an emergency or crisis service. If you feel unable to stay safe, seek urgent help now rather than waiting for an appointment. The NHS urgent mental health guide explains the options.
07 / A considered way to begin
One conversation. Clear choices.
No pressure to commit to a programme or decide everything before you speak to me.
Talk through what's happening
A free initial conversation about your worries, what you want to change and what is important to you.
Consider suitable support
We'll discuss what I offer, practical safeguards and whether specialist gambling services may be helpful.
Choose an appropriate next step
If we agree to work together, we'll review what is useful. You remain free to ask questions, pause or seek other help.
08 / Swindon and UK-wide online
Local conversations. Support wherever you are.
One real Swindon clinic, welcoming enquiries from the surrounding region, plus suitable online appointments across the United Kingdom.
In person · Swindon
North Swindon clinic
Northbourne Road, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN25 4YE. People may enquire from approximately 50 miles around Swindon, including Cirencester, Royal Wootton Bassett, Marlborough, Chippenham, Devizes, Gloucester, Cheltenham, Bath and nearby communities.
All in-person sessions are at the Swindon practice, by appointment.
Online · United Kingdom
Private online appointments
Where appropriate, support is available online to people in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. We'll discuss privacy, suitability and practical arrangements at the first consultation.
There are no additional clinics in the towns listed. The 50-mile catchment is an approximate straight-line enquiry radius, not a driving-distance guarantee.
09 / Meet your therapist
Hello, I'm Gary.
A psychotherapist and clinical hypnotherapist based in Swindon.
I offer a thoughtful, Solution Focused approach that draws on hypnotherapy, NLP-informed techniques and appropriate practical psychological strategies. I also lecture and supervise other hypnotherapists.
I believe you deserve to feel respected when discussing something personal. We'll be clear about what I offer, when specialist gambling treatment is needed and how you can make informed choices about your care.
10 / Frequently asked questions
Questions you might be wondering about.
Clear answers to help you consider your next step.
Can hypnotherapy help with a betting or gambling habit?
Hypnotherapy may be part of supportive work exploring habits, stress and personal goals, alongside Solution Focused conversations and practical techniques. Suitability varies. For gambling disorder or more serious harm, gambling-specific CBT and specialist services are important options to consider.
How do you use NLP for gambling habits?
Where appropriate, I may use NLP-informed reframing, imagery and mental rehearsal while exploring triggers and the choices you would like to make. We'll agree on any techniques and review what is useful for you.
Will I have to discuss every bet or loss?
No. We can begin with what's happening now and what you would like to change. We may need to discuss the practical effects of gambling to consider suitable support, but you can ask questions and make informed choices about what to share.
What if I keep gambling to recover money I've lost?
Chasing losses can increase financial and emotional pressure. Specialist gambling support, bank gambling blocks, self-exclusion and independent debt advice can all be useful steps. Trying to win back losses is not a reliable financial solution.
Do I need a formal gambling disorder diagnosis to make contact?
No. You can discuss a gambling habit or concerns about betting without a diagnosis. A specialist service can assess gambling-related harms if that would be helpful or necessary.
Can I have appointments online?
Yes, where suitable. I offer online appointments throughout the UK as well as in-person appointments in Swindon. We can discuss your needs, privacy and whether online support is appropriate.
How many sessions will I need?
There is no guaranteed number. Your circumstances and the kind of support you need guide any plan. We can review suitability and progress together and discuss alternative or specialist services if needed.
Can I contact you about a partner or family member?
You're welcome to ask about support options, but the person receiving individual therapy needs to make an informed decision to take part. GamCare and specialist gambling services also provide support for people affected by someone else's gambling.
Is the first consultation free and how do I find the fees?
The initial consultation is free and without obligation. Current individual session prices and arrangements are on the fees page.
11 / Your next step
You don't have to know all the answers to begin.
A calm, confidential conversation can help you understand your choices and decide what feels appropriate.
Book a free initial consultation to discuss your betting or gambling habit and what you're hoping will change. No obligation to proceed.
Not a crisis service. If you need immediate help, please use the specialist and urgent support details above.