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

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..

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

Teresa Moseley

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you tired of thinking that everything sucks? Nothing will change and your Hogwarts letter will never come! Are you laying in bed with your junk food, not wanting to get up, downing Starbucks and Red Bulls like it... Read more

Heike Dumke

Ph.D. (cand), RCC
    • Online booking
Individual as well as caregiver counselling to help you regain your footing in life: Depression Anxiety Stress Management Acquired Brain Injury Cognitive Wellness Brain Health & Aging Caregiver... Read more

Viviane Houle

M.S.W., RSW
Viviane Houle is a Registered Social Worker (#10977) with the British Columbia College of Social Workers, an EMDR and Integrative Voicework Therapist, and a Certified NeurOptimal® Neurofeedback Trainer.... Read more

Sally-Anne Haug

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Certified EMDR Therapist (Eye Movement & Desensitization Reprocessing) and my practice focuses on Adults With Complicated Lives. Are you living the life of your dreams, but still suffer? Or feel that you... Read more