Valentine’s Day is a day filled with hype about love and chocolate. 

This day can make us feel thankful for those who care for us or it can remind us how alone we feel.

If you are in a relationship, this is a good day to celebrate your partner.  Let him or her know how much you appreciate the small things.  Let your partner know those special things that he or she does  that make you glad you are together.

If you are not currently in a relationship this is a good time to recognize how you are feeling.  If you are grieving over the loss of a previous relationship, this may be a good time to get some help to get you through this difficult time.

Maybe you are satisfied and happy to have your independence.  If this is true for you, consider yourself your own Valentine.  Do something special to take care of you today. 

Either way, this day can be a day of self reflection.  It is a good idea to check in with yourself from time to time to see if things are going the way you want them to or not.  If they are going the way you want them to, great!  If not, this may be a good time to work on making your life more of what you want it to be.

If your goal is to find a significant other ask yourself the following questions:

1. Do I like myself?  If the answer is yes, great!  If the answer is no, working to improve your self esteem is a great place to start. 

2. Do I do things that will help me meet someone?  If you tend to spend time alone at home and/or work, you are not likely to meet someone.  Get out and get involved.  There are a lot of classes and/or volunteer opportunities that will get you closer to meeting someone with similar interests.

If your loneliness has caused you to turn to gambling, spending or compulsive eating to make you feel better, we can help. If you are in a relationship that is struggling we can also help with that.
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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.
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Peace and Power Counseling is starting an Intensive Outpatient (IOP) Treatment program for gamblers.  This program consists of five hours of programming each week.  4 hours of group and 1 hour of individual therapy.

·         12 structured weeks of gambling treatment o   1 no charge gambling evaluation

o   24 two hour groups

o   12 individual sessions

o   Affordable cost

§  $15.00 per group session

§  $30.00 per individual session

§  Cost per week is $60.00 total

§  Payment is due at the beginning of the week client plans to attend treatment.

 

·         Group topics include:

      o   6 sessions of Early Recovery Skills

      o   8 sessions of cognitive behavioral therapy

      o   4 sessions Family Group: family members will be invited to this group with the client

      o   6 sessions Relapse prevention

For more information please contact:

Gina Fricke, LCSW, CCGC, NCGC II at
402-515-7412 or ginafricke@peaceandpowercounseling.com

Peace and Power Counseling LLC
6901 Dodge St., Suite 101
Omaha, NE 68132
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http://www.physorg.com/news/2010-10-reckless-gamblers-streaks.html
This article does a really good job explaining how frequent wins put individuals at a much greater risk for problem gambling behavior.  An interesting research project with an even more interesting result!
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Lost:
Gambling’s impact on older adults.

Do you work with or care about an older adult who is struggling with gambling? 

· Learn some facts about older adults and their gambling.

· Learn how to screen for gambling problems.

· Learn some interventions that help older adults with their gambling problems.

· Learn some financial interventions that help older adults with their gambling problems.

· Learn where to refer if necessary.

Tuesday November 9 at 10:00AM to 11:00AM
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
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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
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From the Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling

A 20-horse field for the Kentucky Derby results in high odds on some capable thoroughbreds. It also creates an exciting race with overtones of a desperate calvary charge. As if that were not enough stimulation, the removal of the supposed prohibitive favorite or a late scratch injects more uncertainty, more excitement and more risk. The normal or casual horse race fan sees this as an exciting event, with the chance for a little reward for picking the winning horse. The problem gambler pays little attention to the potential reward -- the money to be won from the best bet. It is the excitement and the risk that motivates the problem gambler and stimulates him or her to place a bet. With money on the line, the problem gambler obtains the action he or she craves. It is the problem gambler’s opportunity to feel alive. As researchers study whether problem gambling is a result of brain chemistry or a learned habit, talking to recovering pathological gamblers makes it clear that the money only is a means to make another bet, to gamble some more, to stay in action.

“When trying to explain problem and pathological gambling, I think the hardest thing for most people to understand is how little money means to the problem or pathological gambler,” Michael R. Stone, executive director, Kentucky Council on Problem Gambling (KYCPG) explained. “It is the stimulation, the excitement, of putting that money at risk on an uncertain outcome that is the continuing goal of the problem or pathological gambler. When I came to understand the true motivation of the problem gambler is when I grasped the reality and severity of this addiction.

Derby Day

“What I have discovered in interviews with problem gamblers -- and this is supported by research -- is when they are not in action, they posses qualities we often admire in people,” Stone continued. “They are productive on their jobs. They care for others. They are responsible. Of course, that does not excuse their irresponsible gambling behavior. They
are out of control, as is any person in the grip of an uncontrolled addiction. “But it explains their behavior and shows the need for awareness, education and treatment. Everyone needs to understand the real nature of the addiction. Everyone needs to know the basic warning signs. Most importantly, problem and pathological gamblers need access to help. Evidence shows with professional counseling and self-awareness through Gamblers Anonymous sustained recovery from a gambling addiction is more than possible. It can happen,” Stone added. “Addicted gamblers are not just dumb people trying to find a lazy way to get rich. Their addiction demands help.” Studies indicate pathological gamblers have high rates of suicide, bankruptcy and abusive behavior Many are in debt and commit crimes to obtain money. Fortunately, pathological gambling is a treatable disorder. A simple two-question test may indicate whether an individual has a gambling problem. Answering “yes” to either question indicates further assessment by a counselor or clinical professional is recommended.

1. Have you ever had to lie to people important to you about how much you gambled?
2. Have you felt the need to bet more and more money?

If gambling becomes more than a game or entertainment, there is help. Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Or in Nebraska call 1-800-522-4700. (this sentence was added)
“To support anyone who needs help, on Derby Day or any other day, KYCPG provides the 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537) helpline,” Stone said. “The last survey of Kentucky citizens indicated there are 9,000 active pathological (addicted) gamblers in Kentucky, with another 50,000 problem gamblers and an additional 190,000 at risk of developing a gambling problem. Gambling addiction costs the state an estimated $121 annually. Those needing help or those who are concerned about an individual’s behavior and wish more information can call the helpline, speak with a trained telephone counselor, obtain referrals to Gamblers Anonymous or certified gambler counselors, or request more information on the addiction.”
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Treatment group will start on March 25, 2010, 7:00 PM.

We did an extensive survey to determine what time and what type of group to offer to our program participants.  The majority of participants wanted a group that was offered in the evening and one that involved gamblers and individuals with other compulsive behaviors. 

I am happy to announce that the first group's topic will be relapse prevention.  This group topic is appropriate for everyone who is working to prevent any type of compulsive behavior.  We will start with a basic model and each participant will use it to address his or her own compulsive behavior.  Group members will also be asked to contribute to identifying topics for future groups.  Hope to see you there.

If you are not yet a client at Peace and Power Counseling and are interested in participating in this group, please contact Gina Fricke at 402-515-7412 or ginafricke@peaceandpowercounseling.com.
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