Addictions - Online Gaming Group Therapy

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.

Group Therapy, Emotion Focused Therapy

Group Therapy is generally offered in a setting with a single therapist and a group of up to around twelve participants who share a common or related issue. Therapists sometimes suggest group therapy if a group format suits the person or the issue better, or if the treatment type has a group therapy aspect, such as art therapy or dialectical behaviour therapy.

By observing other people in group therapy, a person can receive helpful feedback from other group members. These varied perspectives can help to promote change and growth. Group therapy helps people to develop better coping methods by learning from others. By seeing how other group therapy members handle situations, people can follow their examples and grow from that.

Group therapy is generally more affordable and at the same time, it allows people to learn better social skills.

If you are looking for a therapist who offers Group Therapy, please browse our list of practitioners below..

Note:  Some practitioners practice Emotionally Focused Therapy rather than Emotional Focused therapy.  You will want to confirm that it is indeed Emotion Focused Therapy that the counsellor/psychologist practices.  

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

Dawna Silver

M.A., RCC
Hello, and thank you for taking the time to read my profile. If you are like many people who seek therapy, you are struggling. Maybe you are in a time of crisis in your life. Something has happened out of the blue that... Read more

Rotem Regev

Ph.D., R.Psych
Hello! I am a Registered Psychologist (PhD in Clinical Psychology).  I am the author of multiple journal articles and book chapters, an invited speaker in the areas of attachment, family transitions, and trauma,... Read more

Wendy Li

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I work with adults who may seem fine on the outside, but are struggling in some way on the inside. Your struggles may be with stress or anxiety, low mood or motivation, lack of satisfaction and interest in what you... Read more

Alistair Gordon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
As a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Director of Wellspring Counselling Inc., as well as an Adjunct Professor of Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia, my mission is to help you navigate the... Read more

Alisa Farina

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Let's start with a conversation about who you are, what matters most to you, and what brought you here today. On the surface you might be getting through the day-to-day but underneath you are finding it harder and... Read more

Alyssa Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviors? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your... Read more

Adrienne Wiebe

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a masters degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Trinity Western University. It is my pleasure and passion to walk alongside my clients on their journeys towards healing... Read more

Julia Hewko

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello, my name is Julia, and I am a Counsellor helping clients with a variety of challenges, such as anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, life transitions, parenting support, postnatal mental health,... Read more

Gillian Curtis

MCP, RCC
Hi there, I'm Gillian! I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#22672) and hold a Master’s in Counselling Psychology from Adler University. If you’re here, know that you’ve taken a huge step... Read more

Manmeet Chhina

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Manmeet, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Abbotsford, BC. I have devoted my counselling journey to work in a variety of professional backgrounds, including non-profit organizations... Read more

Elaine Zbitniff

M.A., RCC
Elaine is a registered clinical counsellor and has former experience as a registered nurse in the specialties burns and plastic surgery unit and in a hospice. Her knowledge as a nurse has been informative to... Read more

Emma Wilson

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
It is in the darkest times that we can discover incredible strength within ourselves. I hold a passion for helping clients navigate challenges in their life, while supporting a sense of safety in the therapy environment... Read more

Luciano Somerville

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
As a counsellor, I strive to be kind, respectful, and supportive. I hope to establish a welcoming and warm environment, help clients cultivate self-awareness, and to approach challenges and distress with curiosity and... Read more

Michael Mandrusiak

Psy.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Dr. Michael Mandrusiak is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1803) and holds a Doctor of Psychology degree.  As a psychologist in B.C. since 2008, Michael has had extensive clinical ... Read more

Derian Julihn

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Derian Julihn (he/him/his). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Clinical Counsellor (CCC) practicing in Langley. I have almost 20 years of experience supporting vulnerable youth and... Read more

Bryan Milonja

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
*Offering virtual sessions only. In my practice I work with adults (individuals, couples, families). My specialty areas include complex trauma & PTSD (with a focus on the impact of emotional/physical/sexual abuse... Read more

Eryn Wicker

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the founder and clinical director of Bliss Therapeutic Services. I am dedicated to providing professional, confidential and... Read more
    • Online booking
Hello, :) and Wecome :)  I am the Clinical Director of Conscious Mind Counselling & Consulting. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Counselling from Adler University and I am... Read more

April Griffin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you finding it difficult to deal with the pressures of life, and find yourself having emotional reactions that blindside you and come out of nowhere?   I have worked with people just... Read more

Jenna Mitchell

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Jenna! As a Registered Clinical Counsellor, I have experience supporting people with anxiety, depression, trauma, sexual issues, and self-esteem. My research background and clinical expertise centres... Read more

Lisa Bylsma

M.Ed., RCC
Currently accepting new clients. Available for in-person sessions in Nanaimo or virtual sessions anywhere in BC. After over 12 years working as a counsellor within government and non-profit organizations, I have... Read more

Sarah Erwin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you ambitious and driven, but doubting every step that you take? Are you struggling to feel worthy and fulfilled? It might not feel like it, but you're not alone. We live in a culture of "hustle and grind... Read more

Leanne Atkinson

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I am currently offering online therapy at Leanne Atkinson Counselling.  I have been working in the field of social services for over 20 years with at-risk young people and their families ... Read more

Anna Richards

M.Couns., RCC
Anna Richards Counselling & Consulting I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and a certified mediator in downtown Vancouver. I am also on faculty at the Justice Institute of British Columbia... Read more

Andee Dale

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am accepting new referrals for both in person counselling (office located in Duncan, BC) or virtual counselling.  I've been a counsellor for over 15 years and have worked in a number of counselling... Read more

Jonathan Fong

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
On the surface you put on a brave face, but you’re exhausted and can’t ignore the pressure of your built-up emotions.  You’re tired of falling back into your old patterns of behaviour and you... Read more

Heather Deans

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Heather and I bring many years of experience with me as both a counsellor and clinical supervisor for other mental health professionals. I work with people to help figure out what is at the root of their... Read more

Adrienne Wang

Ph.D., R.Psych
We all have the potential to make meaningful changes to lead the lives we desire.  I specialize in helping adults with various concerns such as obsessions and/or compulsions, chronic worrying, social anxiety,... Read more

Avneer Dhillon

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I believe we are constantly changing, and each of us are capable of directing that change toward becoming the person we want to be. How we arrive there, of course, is the difficult part. i’m here to walk alongside... Read more

Pavan Goraya

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Pavan, and I am a clinical counselor located in Abbotsford, BC. I am deeply committed to supporting individuals through their emotional challenges, including trauma, anxiety, depression, and... Read more