Addictions - Online Gaming Narrative 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.

Narrative Therapy, Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Narrative Therapy provides clients the opportunity to regain their ability to develop positive relationships by healing past wounds. It can be used in individual, family, adoption and couples contexts.

This type of therapy offers a respectful and non-blaming approach which acknowledges each person as the author of his or her own life. Narrative therapy assumes that people have a range of inner resources that help them deal with difficulties and problems in their lives.

Narrative therapy can be used with children, adults, in groups, couples and individuals. It can help them cope with traumatic events without the need to discuss it directly.

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

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) deals with depressive symptoms and issues. This short term treatment of up to 20 weeks deals with the client's main symptoms during the initial sessions. During this stage the therapist helps the client to regain a semblance of functionality, which will facilitate healing. IPT allows for variations that can be incorporated into treatment of a range of other co-existing issues.

Depression usually impacts heavily on interpersonal relationships, and  Interpersonal Psychotherapy measures the dynamics of these issues during the initial stages. Strengthened relationships can lend significant support during the process of recovery from depression.

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

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

Crystal Arber

M.S.W., RCC
 Effective Online EMDR Treatment for acute stress response and post- traumatic stress injuries.  Treatment for Post Trauma Injuries for health care workers, first responders, veterans, military, kids and... Read more

Nicole Persall

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Nicole Persall is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and holds a master's degree in Counselling Psychology. Nicole provides online counselling to individuals and... Read more

Nicole Alexander

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
Do you sometimes feel like it is difficult to get through the day? Do you often feel low and like your progress is somehow blocked? Are you at a point in your life where it seems like nothing is changing? I understand... Read more

Miriam Balen

M.S.W., RCSW
My name is Miriam Balen and I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree. I provide counselling to people ages 13 through to adults of all ages. I established my private practice in 2012... Read more

Aliona Sydorenko

M.Ed., RCC
At the heart of my practice is a belief that bringing light to what pains us, with openness, kindness and compassion, helps us connect to our natural healing capacity. As a counsellor, I bring my knowledge, experience... Read more

Linda Williams

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you ready for a change? Linda is a highly skilled therapist, lecturer and writer, with extensive experience working with individuals, couples, families and children. She embraces all clinical issues, and as a... Read more

Youki Kato

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a certified Expressive Arts Therapist. I have expertise in helping people who have experienced Domestic Violence or are... Read more

Brenda Casey

B.A. Hons, RCC
    • Video on profile
PLEASE NOTE: Telephone counselling available, though couples counselling only conducted in person.                    ... Read more

Elizabeth Medina

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Elizabeth Medina, I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, and I hold a master’s degree in Counselling Psychology. I am currently working at Skylark Counselling Clinic in Downtown... Read more

Parinaz Falsafi

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
I have additional training (Sue Johnson, EFT externship, 2018) and experience working with couples to help them resolve marital and relationship issues. I help families learn ways to communicate better, set firm... Read more

Jonathan McVicar

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Jonathan McVicar, MA, PhD (UBC), Registered Psychologist has been working with adults (ages 17+) and couples for over 20 years. During this time, he has focused his practice on relationship / marriage... Read more

Stephanie Slater

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
You're not sure if therapy is the right choice for you. It's sounds like a good idea, but you're just not sure if your 'issues' are important enough for therapy. Maybe its work stress, a relationship... Read more

Sue Diamond

M.A., RCC
Sue Diamond, M.A. is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#178) and the Director/Founder of The Good Life Therapy Centre. She has over 30 years of experience in the counseling field in a multitude of... Read more

Nancy Nigro

M.S.W., RCC
I am a Psychotherapist in private practice with over 30 years of clinical experience. I have specialized training in Relationship issues, Self Esteem, Anxiety/Depression, Grief/Loss, Trauma, Life Transitions. If you... Read more
    • Online booking
Michelle's expertise covers a breadth of issues that everyone is bound to experience at some point in their lives. Her work with individual clients focuses on anxiety, depression, stress and stress management, life... Read more

Ruth Nyman

M.S.W., RSW
Ruth S. Nyman, MSW, RSW      Therapy and Counselling Services From time to time, serious problems come up in life; such as job-related stress, family and child issues, couple and marriage... Read more

Tanya ward

M.A., RCC
About Me: I have a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and am a registered clinical counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have over 15 years of experience and have... Read more

Brooke Peters

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Brooke Peters is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor located in Victoria BC, offering psychotherapy via secure online video and telephone. Brooke is passionate about helping others reconnect... Read more

Heather Webster

M.A., RCC
Heather Webster (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). She holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia... Read more

Avraham Cohen

Ph.D., RCC
    • Blog on profile
Avraham Cohen, Ph. D., RCC-ACS, CCC holds the designations of Registered Clinical Counsellor; Approved Clinical Supervisor (RCC=ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and Canadian Counsellor Certification... Read more

Jordan Dalley

M.Couns., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC#4678424) and a Qualifying Dance and Movement Therapist (DMT) based in Victoria, British Columbia. I work with individuals, children and their families, and groups. I aim to... Read more

Abby Petterson

M.A., RCC
Abby Petterson is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Registered Psychotherapist (RP) offering psychotherapy and counselling services to individuals, couples and families. Abby has specialized training and... Read more

Beverley Anderson

M.S.W., RSW
Beverley Anderson, M.S.W., RSW, CPF (Certified Parenting Facilitator) and Compassionate Bereavement Care Certified Provider I am a therapist who is committed to providing a safe, supportive space for individuals to... Read more

Bronwen Smith

M.Couns., RCC
With a commitment to compassion, I offer holistic, trauma informed, person-centered counselling services to children, youth, young adults, adults, parents and expectant parents. My approach considers the essential role... Read more

Joy Hung

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Is stress getting you down? Would you like to have healthier and more meaningful relationships? Are you tired of being limited by feelings of depression or anxiety? You probably found your way here because you... Read more

Svetlana Vasilyeva

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Counselling Degree from City University of Seattle. My previous education and experience was in medicine (M.D. from Kuban State Medical University in Russia with a... 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

Amelia Wu

M.Ed., CCC
吴偲予是持有心理学学士学位和心理咨询硕士学位的加拿大注册心理咨询师。在工作中,她习惯运用综合疗法以及不同的技巧,例如: 辩证行为法,认知行为疗法,人物中心疗罚,解答聚焦治疗,情感集中治疗, 艺术疗法和觉知训练方法等,来帮助大家达到预期效果。传统的中国文化背景让吴偲予对移民在西方文化环境里面临的挑战,以及父母子女之间潜在的文化差异与代沟有着深刻的了解与体会。因此能够更好的帮助解决因为文化导致的各种问题,促进家庭关系,... 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

Mary Kwan

M.Sc., RCC
Whether you are feeling depressed anxious, wanting to talk to someone, or to work out your inner issues so that you can be a happy person, I am here to help. Feeling stuck in your family relations, you can still live... Read more