Leslee Ward
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare
FUNDER: WE-SPARK Igniting Discovery Grant
DURATION: 2024-2025
Gambling is widespread in Canada, with nearly 19 million Canadians participating annually. For most, it is a harmless leisure activity, but for some, it leads to problem gambling, which is classified as a psychiatric disorder. The rise of digital media has exacerbated this issue, with 40% of Ontarians gambling online, leading to digital dependencies and problematic use, which negatively impacts mental health and relationships. Current treatments for problem gambling face challenges such as low treatment-seeking rates, high dropout and relapse levels, and complications from online gambling and digital dependency, which undermine the effectiveness of traditional interventions. In response, the Centre for Problem Gambling and Digital Dependency at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare aims to integrate Congruence Couple Therapy (CCT) into its services. This project will evaluate client experiences, staff perceptions, and institutional barriers. The goal is to enhance service delivery and contribute valuable insights into effective interventions.
The implementation of Congruence Couple Therapy (CCT) at Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare will advance the understanding of its effectiveness for gambling and digital dependency, addressing a gap in the current literature. Insights into the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of CCT - encompasing client satisfaction and lived experiences - will guide its routine implementation and enrich the field with valuable knowledge.
Co-Investigators:
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare
Collaborators:
Hôtel-Dieu Grace Healthcare