Description
This weekly virtual processing group is designed for adults struggling with gambling, sports betting, compulsive spending, or other impulse-control and reward-driven behaviors. We especially encourage young adult participation, as many current clients are in or recently graduated from college and navigating the rapid growth of online betting, digital gambling platforms, and easily accessible sports wagering.
Many people who join may be high-functioning in other areas of their lives but feel increasingly stuck in cycles of betting, spending, and/or chasing losses. What may have once felt recreational, social, or exciting can begin to feel stressful, distracting, and difficult to manage. You may notice yourself thinking about it more than intended, struggling to “turn off” the thoughts, or repeating patterns despite genuinely wanting change.
In this group, we focus on understanding the underlying emotional and behavioral patterns that drive these cycles. Together, we explore impulse and reward systems, thrill-seeking, emotional regulation, avoidance, and the pull of immediate reinforcement. We also address the emotional and relational impact these behaviors can have, including financial strain, secrecy, shame, anxiety, depression, substance use, and challenges in relationships, work, and self-esteem.
Group Therapist
George Embiricos, LCSW, CPTT specializes in supporting those struggling with intimacy, relationship issues, addiction recovery, vulnerability, and life transitions. He offers a safe and judgment-free space where the healing process can begin collaboratively. His main goals are to help you rebuild your emotional wellbeing and to move forward toward a healthier, more purposeful life. In early work, you and he will center on how you take care of yourself; tracking immediate and tangible progress while also exploring and addressing the deeper roots of issues. Only when self-esteem and confidence are actively being built can one seek properly to help with the wants and needs of others. His latest work has focused on treating gambling addiction and compulsivity, which is a rapidly growing epidemic.
George has near a decade of experience as a psychotherapist. He is a lifelong New Yorker and earned his Master’s Degree in Advanced Clinical Practice from Columbia University, graduating at the top of his class. He worked for four years at NYC's Center for Intimacy Recovery, where he helped individuals and led groups overcoming barriers to connection and emotional closeness. A large percentage of his clients struggle with addictions and impulsive behaviors. He uses a two-pronged approach, asking, "How do we measure progress and how can we get there?" and "What are the roots of this issue?" The two blend to create a more promising journey ahead; one that wrestles free from repetitive patterns and starts to build more rewarding and healthier relationships — both with yourself and with others.
George is one of only a few male practitioners in New York to hold a CPTT (Certified Partner Trauma Therapist) Certificate, trained to help partners navigate the complex emotions and challenges that arise from betrayal trauma.
