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

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

Rob Roy

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered clinical psychologist working exclusively by video.  Therefore, I am available to see clients who live anywhere in British Columbia.  I provide treatment services for people with... Read more

Jim Browning

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Browning has been a registered psychologist in the Vancouver area since 1980. He has worked extensively in the areas of mental health, family violence, addictions, men's issues, trauma recovery and employee... Read more

Shawna Bot

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Taking that first step towards healing takes courage! I want to honour that and walk alongside of you while we work towards your wellness goals. The reality is that not many people are taught the skills to deal... Read more

Will Bratt

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Looking for a counsellor whose approach is concrete and accessible? My approach to therapy is conversational, laid back, and client-directed. That means you only talk about what's important to you, and work... Read more

Katy Strachan

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Katy Strachan has been a Registered Psychologist in the Vancouver area since 1994. She has specific interests in women’s counselling, relationship issues, parenting issues, victim’s assistance,... Read more

Mary Smyth

M.Sc., CCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am a Certified Canadian Counsellor and I trained as an Integrative Counsellor and Psychotherapist which enables me to work with clients drawing from  many modalities according to the individual client and what he... Read more

Brenda Adams

M.D., RCC
    • Video on profile
Dr. Brenda Adams is a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients at her office in Duncan. Her main interests are working with people who have experienced violence and abuse, traumatic responses to other forms of... Read more

Harry Stefanakis

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Video on profile
Dr. Harry Stefanakis holds a doctorate degree in psychology and is registered with College of Psychologists of BC (#1489). He is an experienced counselor and educator who communicates effectively with both humour and... Read more

Tricia Antoniuk

M.S.W., RSW
Imagine finding Hope & Passion in your Life... If you feel stuck or frustrated, in emotional pain or a struggling relationship, counselling can help. With respect and patience we will discover how you can meet... Read more

Huda Sajjad

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
About Me My practice is grounded in an approach that is holistic and collaborative. I believe that all people have the ability to heal and grow. I offer my clients support and guidance to access and trust their inner... Read more

Meghan Hodgson

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hello - I'm Meghan, a Registered Clinical Counsellor living and practicing in Vancouver, BC, also known as the unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-... Read more

Lisa Robic

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello, I'm Lisa and I'm a Registered Social Work Therapist in Princeton, Tulameen, and the surrounding rural areas. My goal is to contribute to my local communities by providing flexible and low-barrier... Read more

Mandy Rai

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who uses a collaborative and person-centred approach to support clients in their journey toward self-discovery and healing. I offer a range of treatment options from a trauma-... Read more

Helen Ritchie

M.Ed., CCC
Helen Ritchie is  a Canadian Certified Counsellor, Certified Synergetic Play Therapist Supervisor,  and EMDR Therapist who sees children, youth,adults and parents in Vancouver.  Play Therapy... Read more

Tara McCaffery

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Tara McCaffery Counsellor, MA, RCC, CCTP Tara received her Master’s in Counselling Psychology at Athabasca University and has over 8 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety of life... Read more

Rebecca Berman

B.S.W., RSW
Trauma impacts how we see the world, navigate through our experiences and connect in our relationships.  The lives we live are built upon the lessons we learn in our families, cultures, peer groups, and in the... Read more

Lyne Piche

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Article(s) on profile
Dr. Lyne Piché is a Registered Psychologist working in South Surre, BC. Her services are offered in both French and English. She has many years experience working with people who have sexual difficulties, sexual... Read more