Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy for Problem Gambling

Abstract

This article describes treatment of a female problem gambler using mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT). The treatment protocol was adapted for problem gamblers from the manualized MBCT intervention developed by Segal, Williams, and Teasdale. Gambling behavior and mindfulness practice were monitored using daily diary entries maintained by the participant. The Beck Anxiety Inventory, Beck Depression Inventory—II, and the Five Facet Mindfulness Questionnaire were administered at pretreatment, posttreatment, 4-week follow-up, and 10-week follow-up phases. The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire was also used to assess acceptability of the intervention. The participant abstained from gambling, and anxiety and depression scores significantly reduced to subclinical levels over the assessment period. Exploration of mindfulness facets revealed that MBCT for problem gambling (MBCT-PG) may be useful in promoting acceptance of distressing thoughts and emotions. However, the participant did not maintain an intensive mindfulness-meditation practice over the follow-up phase of the intervention. The clinical implications of this case study are discussed.