Each member has the right to request a topic, and decisions are made by consensus. Client rights, responsibility, sharing and consideration for others are stressed. The women have discussed a wide variety of topics, ranging from abuse issues to relationship problems to guilt. The therapist's role is to create a safe emotional environment, and provide information on topics important to the clients. The therapist must also keep the group focused on its task.
Gamblers are risk-takers and stimulant seekers.
They are talkative, but have learned to avoid dealing with emotionally difficult issues in their lives. 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.