AN increasing number of compulsive gamblers are turning to hypnotherapy to help beat their addiction.
Brighton-Le-Sands clinical hypnotherapist Vyara Kaneva said one in five of her clients was a compulsive gambler.
"It's always an emotional problem they are trying to suppress," she said.
"They use it to escape from reality, as a form of 'me time' or to save themselves from the lives they currently lead if they win."
Ms Kaneva said most of her gambling clients tried everything else before turning to hypnotherapy.
"They come in very broken, but we can work on them. But they have to be ready for that change in order for it to work."
The NSW government's Gambling Help website recommends counselling for problem gambling.
It also advises gamblers to limit access to funds, use Gamblers Anonymous, self-exclude from gaming venues and keep a gambling diary.
Ms Kaneva said the internet gave people the opportunity to gamble at any time.
"A lot of people do use the pokies.
"I've seen a woman who goes on a lunchbreak and blows $1000."
Ms Kaneva is holding seminars on addiction and hypnotherapy next month in Sans Souci and Caringbah.
Details: youcanchangehypnotherapy.com.au.
Gambling helpline:1800 858 858; gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au.