I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and a National Certified Gambling Counselor and Board Approved Clinical Consultant. I am currently serving as a private practitioner working with a broad spectrum of clients. I treat adolescents and adults in individual, couples and family therapy. With over 39 years experience as a Marriage and Family Therapist, I specialize in the treatment of problem and compulsive gambling and sex addiction.
In addition to being a prominent relationship therapist, I am internationally recognized as one of the leading experts in the field of pathological gambling and have been the keynote speaker at numerous state and international conferences. I have been retained and/or testified in over 50 State and Federal Court cases as a forensic expert, and have been influential in the passage and implementation of both state and federal initiatives regarding pathological gambling. I have been featured on numerous radio/television shows and documentaries.
My therapeutic goal is to provide support and practical feedback to help clients effectively address personal life challenges. I integrate complementary methodologies and techniques to offer a highly personalized approach tailored to each client. With compassion and understanding, I work with each individual to help them build on their strengths and attain the personal growth they are committed to accomplishing.
Professional Highlights
Education
University of Texas at Austin, B.A. in History, 1975
Our Lady of the Lake University, San Antonio, M.S. Clinical Counseling, specialization of Marriage and Family Therapy 1979
Professional Affiliations
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Illinois #166-000285
International Certified Gambling Counselor, Level II
Board Approved Clinical Consultant (for the International Gambling Counselor Certification Board)
American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, Clinical member since 1982
Illinois Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, since 1987
Texas Association for Marriage and Family Therapy, since 1980
Professional Experience
Gambling Recover Center, Private Practice, Austin, TX, 2015 to present
Gambling Recover Center, Private Practice, Evanston, IL, 1988 to present
Executive Director, Illinois Council on Problem and Compulsive Gambling 1994-1999
Institute for Problem Gambling, Inc., Senior Faculty
Expert Testimony
National Gambling Impact Study Commission, Chicago, 1998; Illinois Gaming Board, Special Hearing on Problem Gambling, 2000.
Special consultant to the Illinois Gaming Board, governor appointee, 2006
Legislative Action:
Co-author of HB 1270 Compulsive Gambling Program; became law Jan. 1, 1997
National Gambling Impact Study Commission Legislation -1996
National Council on Problem Gambling
Board Member, 1994 – 2000
National Helpline Committee
National Conference Chair, 1997
Initial NCPG Website implementation
For more information please visit my website at: www.christopherwanderson.com/