In Gestalt terms, the therapist encourages them to deal with such issues in the 'safe emergency' of the group. Since clients do not only have gambling problems, but also emotional problems incurred by the gambling, or problems which existed prior to excessive gambling, it is essential that we treat life problems related to gambling. When assertiveness is the topic of discussion, the therapist helps clients to move from the knowledge level to the experiential level. Clients practise this skill in the group, then in daily life situations. The therapist encourages clients to view change as an internal experiential process, not as an externalized intellectual concept.
Clients often feel disenfranchised and disempowered.
They have been told who they 'should be' by family and friends, throughout their lives. As the client grieves the loss of gambling, one of her few joys, the therapist moves to empower the client, encouraging and supporting her through her self-doubt. Each client determines whether her particular goals are being met. Clients have reported decreasing gambling, or complete abstinence, as a result of the group. Several clients have said that they would not have remained in counselling without the support of this group.