Gambling Harm in Australia – How Social Workers can help 28 Nov 24

This presentation will focus on gambling harm in Australia, its prevalence, risk factors, neurological changes, and the social impact of gambling harm on individuals and affected others.

The presenters will provide an introduction to gambling harm treatment options, informing social workers of assessment, motivation for change and relapse prevention. They will also discuss some evidence-based therapy options to assist in gambling harm recovery.

About the presenters

Vicky Northe

Vicky Northe is an Accredited Mental Health Social Worker with over 20 years of experience in New Zealand and Australia.

Vicky has experience working in private practice and public mental health services. She has expertise in the area of treatment of Mental Health and Gambling Harm, working for several years at 'Gambling Minds' - a statewide gambling and mental health service in Victoria.

Vicky currently runs her Private Practice which includes a contract CQ University and QLD Health. She has participated in research in the area of Gambling Harm treatment outcomes and works together with Dr Jane Oakes to support recovery from Gambling Harm.

Vicky is a skilled practitioner working with several therapies which include Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, EMDR and Narrative Therapy.

Dr Jane Oakes

Dr Jane Oakes has well-established roles in gambling leadership, treatment, engagement, helpseeking, and research and has held numerous senior clinical positions, including the Gambling Services Coordinator for Turning Point’s National Telephone and Online Services, a clinical consultant role at Alfred’s Gambling Minds program, clinical leadership roles at the South Australian Intensive Gambling Help Service (SAIGHS), and the State-wide Gambling Therapy Service in South Australia.

Providing evidence-based treatments for people experiencing problematic gambling behaviours has been the cornerstone of Jane’s clinical practice. Jane has also worked as part of a specialised team of addiction specialists using her expertise in gambling to be a clinical lead in re-developing the National Gambling Help Online Service and developing the Gambling Harm Online Help Service and Training project at the Gambling Minds Unit at the Alfred Hospital with Vicky Northe.

Jane has collaborated closely with Vicky Northe over many years to establish best practices in assessing, treating, and preventing relapse in gambling disorders. She utilises effective therapies such as behavioural therapy, cognitive therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing.

Date: 28 November 2024

Time: 1.00 pm – 2.00 pm AEDT

Where: Live online (Zoom link to be provided the day of the webinar)