Free CEU presentation for LMHP and LCSW
“Basic Information About Gambling Addiction.”

April 7, 11:30 to 12:30 at Peace and Power Counseling 6901 Dodge St., Suite 101.

Program Content: Participants will learn about compulsive gambling/pathological gambling.  They will learn about resources in the community for low to no cost gambling evaluations and treatment.

Objectives:
1. Participants will learn the difference between problem gambling and pathological gambling.

2. Participants will learn the two different types of pathological gamblers.

3. Participants will learn the similarities and differences between pathological gambling and drug dependence.

4. Participants will learn about the South Oaks Gambling Screen (SOGS) and the Lie/Bet Screening.

5. Participants will learn how to score these screening tools.

6. Participants will learn a harm reduction/way to address clients in the precontemplation stage of the change process.

7. Participants will learn where to refer clients for low to no cost gambling treatment services in Omaha.


Please contact Gina Fricke for more information and/or to register at 402-515-7412
Add Comment
 
 
Did you know that 4-6% of adolescents have experienced problem gambling? That is double the number of adults. Yikes!

Gambling has recently been pushed into the spotlight with Michael Jordan’s son tweeting about losing $35,000 in one night. With the stress of being an athlete he is already more likely than his peers to struggle with gambling addiction. Michael Jordan’s son (and you!) are part of a generation growing up in a world where gambling is socially acceptable. Gambling is so intertwined in pop culture, it even made an appearance in the hit movie Toy Story 3 and the short film preceding the blockbuster! Luckily there are shows like A&E’s Intervention and MTV’s True Life to depict the some of the awful realities of the compulsive gambler.  Hitting it big and living easy seems to be a widespread goal, but pursuing this fantasy is not worth the risk. Those addicted to gambling are up to 20x more likely to commit suicide so, especially as a teen, you’re betting on more than your money.

If you or someone you know has an addiction (don’t count anyone out- everyone is at risk!) he or she may lie to cover up how much money or time is spent gambling, miss important events to gamble, use gambling jargon frequently, try to win back money from previous losses or perhaps express a desire to quit or cut back on gambling.

With National Problem Gambling Awareness Week upon us, remember to play for fun, not for money. It’s just a game. Don’t let it become more.

For more information or confidential help call 1-800-522-4700.
Information shared by the National Council on Problem Gambling for Problem Gambling Awareness Week.
Add Comment
 
 
I am looking for someone who is a gambler or the family member of a gambler who would be willing to be interviewed on a special I am preparing for that will be aired on CTI 22, public access channel.  I would ask the individual to share parts of his or her story.  If you or someone you know is interested please have them call me at 402-515-7412.  If you have any questions you can respond to this blog or you can email or call me directly at ginafricke@peaceandpowercounseling.com.  I look forward to hearing from you.
Add Comment
 
 
Collateral Damage:
Gambling’s impact on family members of those with a gambling problem.

Do you have clients on your caseload whose main problem seems to be their relationship with a gambler?

· Learn some interventions that work to help the family member realize that he/she is contributing to the problem

· Learn some interventions for family members that help the gambler realize the seriousness of the gamblers behavior, and that decrease the likelihood of blaming behaviors.

· Learn where to refer If necessary.

Tuesday November 9 at 9:00AM to 10:00AM

At Peace and Power Counseling
6901 Dodge Street, Suite 101, Omaha
RSVP: Gina Fricke, LCSW, CCGC, NCGC II
At 402-515-7412 or
Ginafricke@peaceandpowercounseling.com
1 CEU will be offered for LCSW and LMHP
1 Comment
 
 
Yvette Garcia has recently joined Peace and Power Counseling.  Yvette brings with her a fresh perspective on gambling addiction treatment and excitement about working with those who need support in their recovery toward a more healthy way of living.  Please check out her bio on the "staff" tab at the top of your screen.  Yvette currently has openings for clients who are struggling with gambling addiction, family members of gamblers, spending compulsion, relationship problems, grief and loss and depression and anxiety.
At this time she has evening appointments available, please give Peace and Power Counseling a call for more information or email Yvette at ygarcia@peaceandpowercounseling.com.
Add Comment
 
 
Do you live far enough out of Omaha that you really dread the thought of driving to treatment every week?  Have you been thinking about gambling treatment but not sure if you can afford the gas to get into the middle of Omaha from your rural location?  I might have the answer for you.  Distance treatment is an opportunity to come to an appointment around one time every 4 weeks rather than weekly and still get the benefit of weekly contact.  There would be handouts, readings and assignments in between the sessions.  There might be email/mail/internet contact in between the sessions.  This is not for those living close enough to a treatment facility to meet in person, it is for those who have been wanting to attend treatment but have been talking themselves out of it because of the distance to services.  Nebraska has quite a lot of services for those with a gambling problem and their family members but there are sometimes long distances like an hour or more drive between clients and the services they need.  Give me a call and you can learn how we can help you with our new distance treatment service. 402-515-7412
Add Comment
 
 
If you love someone with a gambling problem then you know how it feels to be exhausted and angry much of the time in your relationship.  You have done so much to try to get the gambler that you love to see the error of his or her ways.  Why can't he or she see that your financial lives are being ruined?  How will you ever be able to trust him or her again after all the lies you have heard?  It is devastating to see the one that you care so much about become a different person because of gambling.

There is hope for you, it is possible that if you begin to approach the gambler in a different way things will get better for both of you.  I am not saying the gambling is your fault!  I am saying that by changing just a few little things you can make a difference in both of your lives!  I can teach and support you in becoming the healthy you, that you know you are capable of being. 

Please give me a call, I am happy to speak with you about your options in a no charge session so you can learn some new ways to approach the gambler who you love that might give both of you the hope that you are looking for.  402-515-7412
Add Comment
 
 
It can be scarey to meet a counselor and to start working on changing a behavior that has been such an important part of your life for so long.  At Peace and Power Counseling we don't tell anyone they have to stop gambling/shopping etc.  We work with our clients toward the goal that he or she sets.

If you are unsure if treatment is the right step for you, please just email or call me with your name and address.  I am happy to put some literature in the mail to you, at no cost.  I have a workbook that I can send you that will help you decide whether treatment would be helpful or not. 

I wish you success in your life and I want you to know that Peace and Power Counseling is here to help you when or if you need us.

Sincerely,
Gina Fricke, LCSW, CCGC, NCGC II/Owner of Peace and Power Counseling
Add Comment
 
 
Tonight I was interviewed on Cox channel 22 from 5:00 PM to 6:00 PM on a local program called God in My Corner.  If you had a chance to watch it please let me know what you thought.  If you did not have a chance to watch the interview there may be replays of the show in the near future.  I really enjoyed doing this interview and increasing community awareness of treatment that is available for individuals suffering from gambling and their family members.  I hope to have this interview available through this website soon. 

As of May 29, 2010 the video is now available on the Links and Video page of peaceandpowercounseling.com.  Please feel free to leave me comments about the videos. Thanks, Gina
Add Comment