Problem Gambling Pioneer: Julian L. Taber

Julian Taber, Ph.D., a retired clinical psychologist, describes his nearly two decades of work with disordered gamblers as "fun." It's a profession he says he always wanted to do, and although retired for more than 10 years and living on Whidbey Island, Wash., in Puget Sound, his work has been inspirational for both his counterparts and for problem gamblers.

Taber did his most recognizable work as a treatment provider at Brecksville Veterans Administration Hospital in Brecksville, Ohio. First, he oversaw the psychiatry inpatient program for eight years. Later, under the guidance of Robert Custer, M.D. - considered by many to be the father of disordered gambling treatment as well as Taber's mentor - he managed Brecksville's gambling treatment program, which was started by Custer.

As head of the gambling treatment program from 1978 to 1985, Taber instituted radical therapeutic methods for his patients. He organized weekly relaxation sessions of deep breathing and meditation, conducted art therapy, held a daily lecture series and group therapy sessions. In group therapy, Taber introduced the use of the autobiography, in which patients reveal to the group their life story, especially those episodes that perpetuated the disorder.

"[The autobiography] gets the group going real quick," Taber said. Today, Gamblers Anonymous and other problem gambler treatment programs use the autobiography as a key to therapy regimens.

In 1986, the National Council on Problem Gambling awarded Taber the Herman Goldman Award for his outstanding clinical skills with problem gamblers. The award also acknowledged his successful treatment methods for problem gambling documented in several of his published studies. In addition, he served on the first editorial board of the Journal of Gambling Studies as well as sat on the board of directors of the National Council during the 1980s.

One of Taber's greatest personal accomplishments was writing the book In the Shadow of Chance. His initial intent was to write a textbook for those studying to become problem gambling clinicians, but he said that was "too boring." He decided instead to write a text for problem gamblers that was a compilation of his treatment and clinical experiences.

"The real proof in the effectiveness of In the Shadow of Chance is that Gamblers Anonymous folks love it," said Sue Cox, former executive director of the Texas Council on Problem Gambling.

Retired from treating disordered gamblers for more than a decade, Taber admits that he doesn't pay much attention to the field anymore. "I don't want to counsel anyone now but my cat," he said.

Despite his eccentric demeanor and thorough enjoyment of retired life, Taber recalls his days working with problem gamblers with nostalgia, during which time he developed a genuine respect for those he has treated. "The real teachers," he said, "are the patients."