Addictions - Online Gaming Family Systems

Addictions - Online Gaming

Online gaming addiction affects people of all ages, including children. As with other addictions, online gaming addicts use computer or video games as an escape from the problems in their lives. Games offer players complete control, and this intoxicating world causes their brains to release endorphins that cause a high similar to what drug addicts experience.

There is a specific danger attached to children with online gaming addiction, as they are often so attached to virtual reality that they have lost their ability to communicate naturally and comfortably with real people. In cases where children become addicted at a very young age, they may never have developed that ability at all.

It is often hard for people to quit something when it's always in front of you and when everyone else is doing it. Online gaming addiction involves players thinking about and wanting to play games all the time, and getting angry when they can't. They may be unable to talk about anything that doesn't involve gaming and as a result, it will impact on relationships. Adults with online gaming addiction may spend a lot of money on buying games and peripherals and enter tournaments and more. It may affect their work and family lives as well.

The therapists below are some of the few who acknowledge this "new" phenomenon, and they use a range of treatment approaches to help people with online gaming addiction. They will challenge beliefs that steer harmful behaviors and help patients to develop coping skills. Behavioral changes are implemented using a step-by-step method while dealing with underlying issues, such as social anxiety, depression and other issues.

Since online gaming addiction often goes hand-in-hand with other conditions, such as pornography addiction or online gambling, it is important to find a therapist who can help with that too.

If you need a counsellor or psychologist to help you address the effects of online gaming addiction, you can search the directory below to find a professional with the approach best suited to your situation.

Family Systems, Existential-Humanistic

Family Systems therapy is a type of counselling specific to helping interpersonal relationships within a family system. Family Systems counselling is facilitated by marriage and family therapists who work with the various family combinations, including siblings, couples, parent and child, or step families.

The principle of family systems counselling is to help each individual to first learn to understand his or her own emotions, and how to manage interpersonal relationships effectively, as that influences all future relationships. Once family members understand themselves and the emotional system within the family, it is easier to be flexible in relationships with family  members, marriages, community, school and other relationships.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Family Systems Therapies, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Existential-Humanistic psychotherapies emphasize a collaborative approach to the understanding of the client's full experience rather than just the symptom, thoughts or behaviour. Psychological problems are viewed as the result of a restricted ability to make authentic, meaningful, and self-directed choices about how to live. Consequently, interventions are aimed at increasing client self-awareness and self-understanding. The key words for existential-humanistic therapy are acceptance and growth, responsibility and freedom.

Note: You may narrow your search by selecting more than one filter below.

    • Online booking
Sunny Singhawachna  (She/They) MCP, RCC. I am a registered clinical counsellor and I am currently offering virtual and in-person counselling from downtown Vancouver. I identify as a cis-gendered, queer female... Read more

Shaila Patel

M.A., RCC
*Please note, I am not taking new clients at the present time.* I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private practice in Coquitlam.  I am also a part-time counsellor at... Read more

Monique Wong

M.Ed., RCC
No one needs to be alone and feel isolated during difficult times. Let’s have a conversation to work together to explore and practice different coping strategies and get the support you need.  Monique is a... Read more

Begum Ozeke

MCP, RCC
Welcome! I support individuals and couples through a wide range of challenging issues and specialize in culturally-sensitive Trauma treatment. I have extensive training and experience working with adult survivors of... Read more

Kevin Gomes

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
A genuine human connection is the most important part of any successful therapy, as it’s from this nurturing relationship that people can begin to heal wounds, make meaning, find purpose, and eventually grow. With... Read more

Clover Zeng

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Clover, with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. She works with clients at where they are and walk side by side with them until they reach the happy... Read more

Gloria McArter

Ph.D., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. McArter has been in private practice since receiving her MA in Counselling Psychology in 1990. She received her Ph.D. in Psychology in 2002. Her research and dissertation focused on the relationship between religion... Read more

Sophie McEntee

M.A., RCC
I have a combined 16 years of training and clinical experience working with individuals and couples. Clients come to me usually when they are feeling stuck, overwhelmed or at a crossroad. My clients are often... Read more

Ann Holroyd

Ph.D., RCC
Introduction People seek counselling for a wide variety of reasons. Sometimes a crisis has arisen in your life that feels unresolvable without professional help; Or it maybe a significant events that has long since... Read more
My years of experience as a counsellor and a clinical supervisor have taught me that when a person is ready for change, change is possible. So if you are ready to seek insight, expand your personal growth, build... Read more

Robin Willis

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
It takes courage to reach out and seek help - to not go it alone. If you have found your way here, you have taken a brave first step. Life might not offer a clear handbook, and at times, our internal stories may... Read more

Monique Silverman

M.A., RCC
  My Approach My work is primarily relational, experiential and emotion-focused. This approach is called Accelerated Experiential Psychodynamic Therapy (AEDP) and seamlessly encourages you to engage with your... Read more

Candice Seligman

MCP, CCC
    • Online booking
Are you feeling ready for a deeper layer of healing? I am a somatic soul-based therapist who approaches therapy and healing from an embodied, compassionate, empowering, trauma-informed, and holistic perspective. By... Read more

Esther Oh

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I’m Esther (she/her). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Vancouver, BC. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I was a tax and estates lawyer at one of Canada’s leading... Read more

Jeff Darcy

M.S.W., RCSW
Are you feeling stuck? Is your life out of balance? Would you like to experience more joy, passion, and productivity? In a friendly, nurturing environment, I will guide you on a journey of self-discovery where you can... Read more

Annu Dha

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  About Me I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor born and raised in Vancouver. I have a Masters Degree in Counselling (MA) and over a decade of related experience. I've worked in diverse... Read more

Stanley Cornfield

M.Ed., RCC
  Thanks for checking out my profile. If you are looking for a counsellor, chances are you are feeling stuck and frustrated with a personal or relational issue. This can cause ... Read more

Jeff Morley

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am an experienced Registered Psychologist (#1577), as well as a Board Certified Expert in Traumatic Stress.  In my practice I help people working through different challenges in their life from relationship and... Read more

Eva DeHaas

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Eva DeHaas, Registered Psychologist (#2074) Eva brings warmth, compassion, and self-awareness to the therapy room. She draws from a broad skill set ranging from shorter term, skill based interventions to more in-... Read more

Azula Houghton

M.Ed., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
Azula holds her Masters in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Psychologist  with over 20 years experience in private practice. She has also worked as a clinician with Mental Health Services for 16 years... Read more

Larissa Szlavik

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Humans are amazing, complex beings. Life is messy. I am prepared to talk about all of it. Often the conversations I am engaged in with folks include topics of trauma, abuse, colonial violence, sexual assault, and... Read more

Reza Roodi

M.Sc., RCC
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor/Psychotherapist with 25 years of experience working with individuals, couples, and families, I use a client-centred, integrative approach to address the therapeutic goals of... Read more

Delyse Ledgard

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
To be understood, seen, feel the comfort of another’s presence is the heart of therapy.  With over 30 years of experience, I have encountered and worked with people from all walks of life helping... Read more

Michelle Mann

Ph.D., RCC
Michelle Mann (PhD RCC) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a therapist providing counselling, therapy and coaching to children, youth, adults and families. Trust, respect, warmth and empathy are key... Read more

Kathryn Hall

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that therapy is space that can be helpful for anyone and everyone. Some people come to therapy to work through significant life events or traumatic experiences they have been through, while some people come to... Read more

Hannah Curwin

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
What would it take to remember our worth? How complete and loving and lovable we are? Welcome and thank you for being here. I am a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy... Read more

Anda Vintila

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I incorporate a diverse range of somatic (body-centered) therapies into my practice, drawing on extensive training and personal growth experiences that have significantly shaped my therapeutic approach. My work... Read more

Toby Macklin

M.A., RCC
My primary focus is on helping men live more satisfying and meaningful lives, often in the face of trauma. We men often try to push problems aside, but some are hard to ignore. You may feel painfully anxious or... Read more

Colette Mrazek

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
My counselling career began over 20 years ago and since then, I have worked in a variety of settings with many different populations, such as youth at risk, children who have been orphaned, young parents,... Read more

Lida Izadi

M.A., RCC
  I am a registered clinical counsellor, an approved clinical supervisor, and an educator with extensive experience. My broad range of professional qualifications has enabled me to work with a range of mental... Read more