Hi Lily
Firstly well done on going to counselling- it takes courage to open up – and the fact that you are open with your husband and best friend will be of enormous help to you.
It sounds like your counsellor doesn’t have experience of gambling addiction- I do think it is useful to compare addictions from a medical or research point of view- however the consequences of smoking addiction rapidly reduce after stopping. Gambling addiction can take years or decades to finally fix all the financial problems – there is such huge difference in the aftermath of these addictions I feel it unhelpful for a counsellor to compare . Also unless she is practicing what she preaches I’m not sure how she can help you with your addiction! Surely she has all the tools to stop !
I think Johnny has given you some sound advice – – perhaps if you see the counsellor as just helping you to rebuild you. I’m not sure where you live but gam care can advice you of suitable counsellors
.well done on your journey so far
You said it Lily
Onwards and upward s!