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.

Linda Stull

Ph.D., R.Psych
Congratulations on making the decision to reach out to improve your life by enhancing your well-being.  Although reaching out can be difficult, making that decision is the first step towards changing your life in... Read more

Salley-Ann Ross

M.A., RCC
Salley-Ann sees the potential in every person; whether it is working with families through divorce, parenting issues, children, youth, trauma, anger, grief or mental health issues. She believes that the road to... Read more

Kari-Ann Thor

M.Ed., RCC
A Bit About Käri-Ann: I have had a part-time private counselling practice since 2003 and come from a history of Outdoor Education as my first career, followed by over 20 years working in the social service sector... Read more

Tom Foster

M.S.W., RSW
TOM FOSTER, MSW, RSW: Tom has been a therapist for over 40 years and has experience working with clients facing a wide range of concerns. Tom has worked extensively with issues related to sexuality, relationship... Read more

Claire Sutton

M.A., RCC
I help people who feel stuck. I help people who are angry and overwhelmed. I help people who are afraid of change, afraid of making the wrong decision and afraid that they might not be good enough.  I help... Read more

Marilyn Beloff

Ph.D., RCC
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, and in order to protect my clients, as well as our families and community as a whole, I have made the decision to move to a secure on-line fully encrypted format, for video sessions... Read more

Brenda Dineen

M.Ed., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Brenda is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with an office conveniently located in South Vancouver. Brenda has a rich background of professional experience and personal growth. She has worked in the public and private... Read more

Rosalyn Best Clark

M.Couns., RCC
Rosalyn Best, MoC, RCC #8656. Ros Best is passionate about counselling because she has so often witnessed its transformative power. She offers couples counselling, and counselling for life transitions, trauma, cancer... Read more

Lizelle Badenhorst

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I have a passion for exploring and finding the power of our minds to help us heal. I immigrated to Canada in my early thirties and have experienced loss in my life. These experiences have shaped who I am as a person and... Read more
    • Online booking
Dear clients, I am sending you my warmest greetings as you take this incredible step of showing up for yourself here. Life could be unbearable and confusing at times. I believe that the complexity of life is... Read more

Suzanne Kyra

M.A., RCC
With over 30 years of experience, Suzanne Kyra, M.A., Registered Clinical Counsellor, Suzanne Kyra is a highly sought after counsellor in the North Shore, Port Moody, and Coquitlam area. She is also an... Read more

Barbara Crosby

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Barbara has over 35 years of experience in the Mental health field in both the public and private sectors. Her Clinical practice started in Social Work, then changed to Counselling Psychology... Read more

Deborah Braun

M.A., RCC
My experienc Deborah Braun, BLA, MA, RCC welcomes individuals and couples facing challenging issues. Whether it's chronic illness, relationship, career or college satisfaction, anxiety, depression, loss, stress... Read more

Leslie Stewart

M.Couns., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Thank you for choosing to read about me and the services I offer. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC #16706) with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). I have a Master of Counselling... Read more

Ann Downie

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Ann meets people from a position of warmth, compassion, openness and curiosity. She has a deep commitment to connect and work alongside individuals and families to develop an authentic, trusting relationship, and offers... Read more

Anna Schwaiger

B.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Life can be challenging, and you deserve support. Yet, we as women feel guilty for prioritizing ourselves all too often. We are used to putting others’ needs and comfort before our own. Perhaps you notice being... Read more

Heidi Kwok

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
I am an integrative therapist who believes in the power of combining spirituality and psychotherapy to support individuals on their healing journey. I understand that humans are complex beings, and that healing goes... Read more

Sarah Mordell

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Curious about therapy but feeling a bit overwhelmed about where to start? Let's walk through it together. Finding someone who seems like a good fit for you is an important start. But reflecting on what you'... Read more

Douglas Matear

Ed.D., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Douglas Matear is a Canadian Certified Counsellor providing Individual Counselling to adults, teens, and children.  He has a Master in Counselling Psychology and a Doctor of Education in Leadership and Policy.... Read more

Florence Ling

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Online booking
* Languages: Mandarin, Cantonese, English. * Accept ICBC clients. * Helping clients understand their difficulties and inner world. * Discovery of their inherent strengths so as to encourage the development... Read more

Adrienne Johnson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am passionate about helping clients who are facing challenges in transitions, relationships, or who are exploring questions about their life’s meaning and purpose. I also have experience working with anxiety,... Read more