Compulsive Gamling Gambling Addiction Counseling

Regaining Control. Rebuilding Life. Restoring Hope.

Compulsive gambling can feel like an overwhelming force — one that affects not only your finances but also your relationships, emotional well-being, and sense of self. If gambling has become a source of stress, secrecy, or conflict, therapy can help you regain control and rebuild a healthier, more balanced life.

At Life Balance Counseling Peoria, we provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore the root causes of gambling behavior, develop effective coping strategies, and restore stability in your life and relationships.

Understanding Compulsive Gambling

Compulsive gambling, also called gambling disorder, goes beyond occasional risk-taking. Signs may include:

  • Frequent urges to gamble despite negative consequences

  • Inability to stop or control gambling

  • Lying or hiding gambling behavior from loved ones

  • Financial difficulties caused by gambling

  • Irritability, anxiety, or depression related to gambling

  • Strained relationships or social withdrawal

Gambling can also be a coping mechanism for stress, trauma, or emotional challenges — and therapy addresses both the behavior and underlying factors.

Our Approach to Gambling Addiction Counseling

At Life Balance Counseling Peoria, we use evidence-based methods to support clients struggling with gambling, including:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – to identify and change harmful thought patterns

  • Motivational Interviewing (MI) – to strengthen motivation for change

  • Relapse Prevention Strategies – to develop long-term coping skills

  • Family Therapy – to repair relationships and rebuild trust

  • Stress Management and Emotional Regulation – to reduce the need to gamble as an escape

Our therapists work with you to create a personalized plan that addresses your goals, challenges, and circumstances, helping you regain control and confidence.

Supporting Families Affected by Gambling

Compulsive gambling impacts not only the individual but also loved ones. Our counseling services support families in:

  • Understanding the nature of gambling addiction

  • Setting healthy boundaries

  • Repairing trust and communication

  • Developing strategies to cope with stress and uncertainty

Family involvement is often an important part of recovery, fostering stronger relationships and accountability.

Why Choose Life Balance Counseling Peoria?

Our clinicians offer compassionate, confidential, and nonjudgmental care for anyone affected by gambling. We understand the emotional toll gambling can take and provide strategies to overcome urges, rebuild stability, and restore hope.

Recovery is possible — and seeking help is a courageous first step.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If compulsive gambling is impacting your life or your family, therapy can help you regain control and rebuild a healthier future.

Meet the Team of Specialists that work with Betrayed Partners

  • Melissa McAuley, LSW, CSAT-Candidate, EMDR Trained, APSATS Multidimensional Partners Treatment Model (MPTM) Trained

    As a person training to become a CSAT and Compulsive Gambling certified counselor, Melissa sees her role to help you stop the compulsive behavior, break through denial, navigate the negative impacts of compulsive gambling, and get on the road to recovery, growth, and healing.

    Melissa works from the Multidimensional Partner Trauma Model (MPTM) developed by the Association of Partners of Sex Addicts Trauma Specialists (APSATS). This model views you, the partner, as someone who has experienced significant wounding and trauma as a result of events completely out of your control. This is not your fault! Reach out for help now.

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  • Alan Moreland, LMFT, CSAT-Supervisor, CMAT-Financial Disorders & Tech Addiction, EMDR Certified, & ERCEM Trained

    As a Marriage & Family Therapist, Alan worked for years with many sex/porn addicts, betrayed partners, and couples struggling with these and related issues. As gambling machines began popping up all over the area, in every gas station and restaurant, it became clear that many were suffering from compulsive gambling to slot machines, casino gambling, and now with online sports betting—the crack cocaine of gambling.

    Thought the International Institute of Trauma & Addiction Professionals (IITAP), Alan completed the Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist training with Bonnie DenDooven in the Summer of 2017 and again with Deb Kaplan in Fall 2020. To further focus specifically on Gambling issues, Alan completed the Problem Gambling Basic Training offered by the Illinois Council for Problem Gambling in the Fall of 2022. And completed supervision and Certification with the International Problem Gambling & Gaming Certification Organization (IPGGC) and became an International Certified Gambling Counselor in the Spring 2025.

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  • Leslie "Les" Perrera, AMFT, CSAT-Candidate, EMDR & ERCEM Trained

    Les has completed the CSAT Training and Compulsive Gambling Training. He sees his role to help you break through denial, navigate the negative impacts of compulsive gambling, and get on the road to recovery, growth, and healing. His approach is direct yet empathetic, action-oriented yet grounded, strength-based and non-shaming, and, most importantly, founded on the understand of the profound traumatic abuse that betrayed partners experience.

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  • Josh Williamson, NCC, LCPC, EMDR Trained

    Josh is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor with well over 15 years of counseling experience.

    Josh’s diverse working with people who are having personal struggles that are common in life’s journey: addiction, trauma, depression, anxiety, anger management problems, parenting issues, and with kids, adults and families involved

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