Case Conceptualization with Clients Presenting with Disordered Gambling

This chapter defines Integrative Disordered Gambling Case Conceptualization (IDGCC) particularly as applied to working with clients presenting with disordered gambling and discusses the rationale and utility of engaging in case conceptualization. The contributions of various clinical theoretical perspectives and evidence-based practices to disordered gambling case conceptualization will be considered with the ultimate aim of developing a multidimensional, integrated conceptualization in collaboration with the client. The chapter considers the utilization of theoretical and empirical perspectives to inform the data gathering and descriptive process of case conceptualization. This begins with the description of the gambling problem and then considers how to integrate relevant biopsychosocial and spiritual factors. A discussion of some examples of relevant research in each area is included to illustrate how familiarity with empirical findings can help guide the case conceptualization.