By Aimee Oliveri (Clinical Psychologist) In the wake of the Bondi stabbings, it’s natural to experience a variety of emotions and reactions. During such times, it’s crucial to prioritise our mental well-being. In this blog post, Clinical Psychologist Aimee Oliveri talks practical tips and advice to help navigate the emotional aftermath, particularly for those with children. Understand What to Expect and When to Seek Help First, it’s helpful to know that experiencing a range of emotions including shock, sadness, anger, fear and more, is normal. Heightened alertness, feeling tense and weary or ..read more

By: Dr Anastasia Hronis (clinical psychologist) & Natalie Winiarski (research assistant) Changing your relationship with gambling can be hard when your friends also gamble. For many people gambling is, or at least starts out as a social activity. However, seeing your friends gamble can trigger associations with past gambling behaviour and increase the urge to gamble again. It's crucial to strike a balance between maintaining your relationships and safeguarding your well-being. This article provides some tips as to how to handle social situations and friendships, without compromising on you ..read more

By Dr Anastasia Hronis (clinical psychologist) & Natalie Winiarski (research assistant) Trying to change our relationship with gambling can be hard. Gambling can be addictive, and the urges to gamble can be strong, especially when we are feeling stressed. Stress can impact our relationship with gambling in important ways. It can be a huge risk factor for someone deciding to gamble, and it can trigger a relapse back into gambling. It is very important that when we decide we no longer want to gamble, or want to reduce our gambling, that we also think about how we can manage general day-to-da ..read more

Listen to and share this episode of the Foundation's new podcast, Let's talk gambling. This episode features clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and VRGF Lived Experience Advisory Committee member Nicholas Bloom - watch their discussion about values, how they are related to our behaviours, and how we can use them to create meaningful goals ..read more

Listen to and share this episode of the Foundation's new podcast, Let's talk gambling. This episode features clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and VRGF Lived Experience Advisory Committee member Nicholas Bloom - watch their discussion on how to find the right therapist for your needs ..read more

Listen to and share this episode of the Foundation's new podcast, Let's talk gambling. Featuring clinical psychologist Dr Anastasia Hronis and VRGF Lived Experience Advisory Committee member Nicholas Bloom, this episode offers useful insights and practical tips on how to have a conversation with someone about their gambling. Find out more, download resources and get involved at https://responsiblegambling.vic.gov.au/reducing-harm/awareness-campaigns/gambling-harm-awareness-week/ #GHAW2023 #TalkShareSupport ..read more

By Dr Anastasia Hronis (Clinical Psychologist) One common concern expressed by people seeking help for gambling, is their uncertainty about what therapy actually involves and how it might help. Several different types of therapies can be beneficial for overcoming gambling difficulties, with one of the most common and evidence-based therapies being Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT for short. In this article, we delve into explaining what Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is and how it can assist you in dealing with your gambling struggles. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is an extensively resear ..read more

By Aimee Oliveri (Clinical Psychologist) & Dr Anastasia Hronis (Clinical Psychologist) One of the most unique human experiences is our ability to think. Humans have thousands of thoughts per day. Sometimes these thoughts might be fleeting, popping in and out of our minds with no major impact, while other times it can be hard to detach from a thought. For those trying to quit or reduce gambling, it can be common to have a thought such as “what if I just place one more bet”. However, when this thought starts to become more involuntary, persistent, and disruptive, it is known as an intrusive ..read more

By: Georgia Ashworth (Clinical Psychology Registrar) & Dr Anastasia Hronis (Clinical Psychologist) We all know the feeling of payday. It’s the day we might treat ourselves to an extra coffee, buy that new item we’ve been eyeing off, or put money towards a trip we’ve been planning. However, when struggling with gambling, payday can be difficult. It might mean mixed emotions, strong urges, and ultimately a higher chance of relapse. Below are a few strategies that might help to make payday easier to manage. Allocating Money Accessibility is a major risk factor for gambling. The easier it is t ..read more

By: Aimee Oliveri (Clinical Psychologist) & Dr Anastasia Hronis (Clinical Psychologist) The journey of gambling recovery (much like life) is filled with ups and downs, and it's not uncommon to experience fluctuations in motivation. At times, you may feel determined and ready to conquer your goals, while at other times the temptation to give in can be overwhelming. In order to stay on track with your recovery journey, it's important to find ways to maintain motivation. Below are some strategies to help you stay committed to your recovery, regardless of what challenges you may face. 1. Take ..read more