Values and Slip Plan: A Free ACT and Relapse Prevention Worksheet for Gambling
Behavioural Addiction · ACT · Practice-informed
A two-part worksheet. Part 1 turns two or three values into small commitments linked to high-risk times. Part 2 is a written slip plan covering warning signs, the first hour, who to tell, the coach words and what to do with money in the first 24 hours.
Underlying mechanism: ACT-Informed Values Clarification and Relapse Prevention Slip Planning for Gambling Disorder
What it helps with
- Giving the change a direction worth moving towards.
- Linking small commitments to the high-risk times already mapped.
- Treating a slip as a lapse and not a collapse.
- Having people, words and money steps ready before they are needed.
How clinicians use it
- Use Part 1 at Session 7, after the compassion session by design.
- Keep to two or three values and one small step each.
- Write the slip plan at Session 8 and give the client a copy.
- Agree the booster date and revisit the plan at that session.
Clinical Implementation Guide
- Pick two or three values and one small step for each.
- Write the slip plan: warning signs, first hour, people, words and money.
- Agree the booster date.
What the worksheet looks like
| A value | What it asks of me with money and time | One small step this fortnight | A high-risk time it helps with |
|---|---|---|---|
| Being a trustworthy partner | Being open about money | Share my balance with my partner on Sunday | Payday evening |
Clinical cautions
Not a diagnostic or risk-assessment tool. Ask directly about suicidal thinking at every session and follow local risk procedures, because suicidal thinking is a recognised risk in people with gambling problems. Deal with debt emergencies, coercion and financial abuse first, and refer to debt advice or legal services. Do not involve a concerned other if there is any sign of coercive control. Screen for alcohol and drug use, depression, ADHD, bipolar disorder and trauma. Avoid shaming language. The National Gambling Helpline (GamCare) is free and open 24 hours a day on 0808 8020 133. Handing money management to another person must always be the client's free choice. Values are directions and not rules to be broken. Check the safeguards in the plan against what the client has actually put in place.
References
- Megnin-Viggars, O., Mavranezouli, I., Downing, B. C., Welton, N. J., Fricke, A., Francis, J., Reeves, T., Pilling, S., Bowden-Jones, H., Sahakian, B. J., Rahman, M. S., Dawson, R., Geel, A., & Gaskell, M. (2026). Psychological interventions for harmful gambling: Systematic review and network meta-analysis. Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 15(3), 971-980. https://doi.org/10.1556/2006.2025.00445
- A-Tjak, J. G. L., Davis, M. L., Morina, N., Powers, M. B., Smits, J. A. J., & Emmelkamp, P. M. G. (2015). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of acceptance and commitment therapy for clinically relevant mental and physical health problems. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 84(1), 30-36. https://doi.org/10.1159/000365764
- Rolvien, L., Buddeberg, L., Gehlenborg, J., Borsutzky, S., & Moritz, S. (2024). A self-guided internet-based intervention for the reduction of gambling symptoms: A randomized clinical trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(6), e2417282. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.17282
- Hitch, C., Leightley, D., Murphy, D., Trompeter, N., & Dymond, S. (2023). Acceptance and commitment therapy for co-occurring gambling disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder in veterans: A narrative review. European Journal of Psychotraumatology, 14(1), 2178203. https://doi.org/10.1080/20008066.2023.2178203
- Riley, B. J., Battersby, M. W., Baigent, M. F., & Smith, D. (2026). Helping Others Promote Engagement in Gambling Support (HOPE-Gam): A feasibility randomised controlled trial. Journal of Gambling Studies, 42(1), 109-130. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10899-025-10468-x
Copyright and use in research
© 2026 Dr Richard Pomfret and Third Wave Therapy Tools. May be used in research with the author and site cited. Version 1.0, approved 20 October 2026, revised as the evidence develops.
Suggested citation (APA 7th edition): Pomfret, R. (2026). Calm the Chase: A CBT-anchored, shame-aware protocol for adults with harmful gambling (Version 1.0) [Therapist guide and worksheets]. Third Wave Therapy Tools. https://thirdwavetherapytools.com/
Part of
Calm the Chase
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