Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention for Problem Gambling

Peter Chen, Farah Jindani, and Nigel Turner

This manual is intended for an 8-session mindfulness group, aimed at people experiencing problems with gambling and who wish to add to their relapse prevention skills.  The manual includes lesson plans for the 8 sessions, as well as handouts for clients.  

Download a pdf copy of the manual, or read the manual online. 

Mindfulness Based Relapse Prevention for Problem Gambling Handouts for Clients

Session 1

Handout 1, Session 1: Stepping out of automatic pilot

Session 2

Handout 1, Session 2: Developing awareness and coping with cravings and barriers to practice

Handout 2, Session 2: Mindfulness based relapse prevention for problem gambling

Handout 3, Session 2: Meditation techniques

Session 3

Handout 1, Session 3: Bringing mindfulness to everyday activities

Handout 2, Session 3: The 3-step breathing space or the three B's of presence

Session 4

Handout 1, Session 4: Being mindful when at risk to gamble

Handout 2, Session 4: Walking meditation

Handout 3, Session 4: High risk situations

Session 5

Handout 1, Session 5: Cultivating a different relationship to experience through acceptance and clear seeing

Handout 2, Session 5: Using the 3-step breathing space when at risk to gamble

Session 6

Handout 1, Session 6: Seeing thoughts as passing mental events

Handout 2, Session 6: Relapse process worksheet

Session 7 

Handout 1, Session 7: Being good to yourself

Handout 2, Session 7: Daily activities worksheet

Session 8

Handout 1, Session 8: Maintaining practice after group ends

Mindful Movement/Yoga Practice

Mindful Movement/Yoga Practice Handout

Video Demonstrations

Seated Twist

Seated Mountain

Cat/Cow in a Chair

Resting Pose

Leg Stretch

Bridge Pose

Arm Stretch 

Appendix 1

Appendix 1: Evaluation Material 

Incorporating a mind/body approach into a problem gambling treatment program webinar recording

This webinar recording discusses the development of a problem gambling program incorporating mindfulness as an adjunct to treatment.