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. When clients no longer need the group, they move on.
Some clients attend only a few times.
Women who had previously either avoided or dropped out of G.A. are now attending meetings. Many report that their increased assertiveness and self-esteem has improved their relationships with men. Effective treatment of pathological gambling requires a multifaceted approach. A group sensitive to the needs of women is one step towards a more comprehensive program for the problem gambling population.