If you’re dealing with compulsive gambling, the idea of recovery can feel like a lot to take on. But with the right support, it’s possible. One of the most effective ways to heal is through a program that combines group therapy and individual therapy.
As a certified gambling counselor and founder of Algamus, I’ve seen firsthand how one-on-one therapy strengthens the work done in group sessions. It helps clients address personal challenges more deeply while also building connection and accountability through shared group support.
That’s why individual therapy is an important part of our gambling addiction treatment program. In this post, I’ll break down what individual therapy is, how it works, and what you can expect when you begin your healing journey from gambling addiction.
Individual therapy, also known as one-on-one or talk therapy, involves meeting privately with a licensed mental health professional to explore thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences in a safe, confidential setting. The goal is to better understand yourself, work through challenges, and develop strategies to improve your mental and emotional well-being.
There are several types of therapy commonly used in individual sessions, including:
A therapist for gambling addiction will often tailor these approaches to help uncover and address the specific emotional and psychological triggers that drive gambling behavior.
In a group therapy setting, clients often uncover shared experiences and receive peer support—but individual therapy creates space to dive deeper into personal challenges that may not arise in a group context. The two formats complement each other and reinforce long-term progress.
While group support and 12-step programs like Gamblers Anonymous are valuable, individual therapy for gambling addiction offers a unique set of benefits:
When combined with group therapy, individual sessions help reinforce the lessons learned in a shared setting by giving clients the chance to reflect, internalize insights, and receive targeted support.
At Algamus, we integrate gambling therapy into a comprehensive treatment model, ensuring that each client receives both personal and community-based support.
Therapy for gambling addiction goes beyond simply telling someone to stop gambling. It focuses on:
These are not quick fixes—but over time, therapy helps individuals replace destructive patterns with healthier, more empowering choices.
Working through these topics in individual sessions allows clients to process what comes up in group therapy on a deeper level. It also gives therapists the opportunity to tailor guidance based on what each person is going through personally.
Both individual therapy and group therapy are essential components of a well-rounded gambling treatment program—but they offer different types of support.
Group therapy provides a space for clients to build connection, reduce isolation, and practice vulnerability in a safe, peer-supported environment.
Individual therapy, meanwhile, offers the privacy and focus needed to work through specific challenges, mental health concerns, and behavioral patterns that may not be fully addressed in a group setting.
At Algamus, we don’t see it as a choice between one or the other. We know from experience that our clients achieve the best outcomes when both forms of therapy are integrated into their recovery plan.
At Algamus, individual therapy is an integral part of every personalized treatment plan. From your first day, you’ll be paired with an experienced therapist who specializes in gambling addiction. Together, you’ll identify goals, explore challenges, and develop practical tools for managing life in recovery.
Our individual therapy sessions are structured but flexible. We meet you where you are—whether you’re still actively gambling or already on the path to recovery. Your therapist will coordinate with other members of your care team to ensure you receive well-rounded support, including group therapy, holistic practices, and aftercare planning.
By attending both individual and group sessions, clients are able to deepen their progress, maintain accountability, and apply what they’ve learned in different formats.
You can read more about our full treatment experience on our What to Expect page.
Individual therapy isn’t just about stopping gambling—it’s about understanding yourself on a deeper level, healing past wounds, and learning how to live a more fulfilling life.
When paired with group therapy, it becomes a powerful part of a holistic recovery plan—offering structure, support, and self-discovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling, therapy for gambling addiction can be the first step toward lasting change. At Algamus, we’re here to help guide you every step of the way.
Ready to start your recovery journey? Contact us today to learn more about our comprehensive treatment programs.