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

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..

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

Suzy Davis

M.A., RCC
I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to all prospective clients. I am currently accepting new clients for virtual sessions only, sliding fee scale available upon inquiry.  My approach to counselling is... 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

Ferma Ravn

M.S.W., RSW
Are you a parent who is concerned about your child or adolecent's mental and/or emotional health?  I am able to provide both in-person and online play therapy for children, as well as in person and and... Read more

Rae Morris

Ph.D. (cand), RCSW
About me: I am a cisgender woman (she/her pronouns) and settler on the traditional, unceded, and ancestral territories of the Coast Salish Peoples. I am a Registered Clinical Social Worker who provides private... Read more

Dominique Sorace

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Dominique and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC. I have worked with a diverse range of presenting issues within the school system, MCFD, and non-profit organizations, some of which... Read more

Jill Sweetable

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My goals as a therapist are to provide an inclusive and safe environment during an individual’s most trying times. As an empathic and compassionate person, I aim to walk with clients, not lead them on their... Read more

Mickey Stein

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered clinical psychologist in Vancouver B.C. My mission is to provide professional psychotherapy and psychological assessments to assist and treat adolescents and adults of all ages, and their families.... Read more

Desiree D'Silva

M.Couns., CCC
    • Online booking
I am an EMDR and Play base therapist who works with children, youth and adults. I am deeply committed to providing a safe and non-judgmental space where my clients can explore their emotions, gain insight into their... Read more

Staci Illsley

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
For over 25 years, Dr. Illsley has continued to hone her therapy skills and weaves cognitive-behavioral, developmental, attachment-based, neurological, mindfulness and somatic approaches into her therapy. She prefers to... Read more

Faye Shedletzky

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
Are you a highly sensitive person or empath struggling with anxiety, overwhelm or grief as you navigate your days?  These are complicated times and you are not alone in this struggle.  It is possible to find... Read more

Melissa Brienza

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi there! Do you struggle with anxiety, motivation and being a part of a world that doesn't seem like it was designed for you? Have you been considering counselling for some time now? Are you feeling... Read more

Ellen Ivity

Ph.D., R.Psych
Hello, I am currently accepting new clients for counseling, as well as for ASD and ADHD assessments.  I offer an individualized approach to therapy to support you in achieving your goals. I integrate several... Read more

Christopher Conley

M.A., RCC
Sessions are available by phone or Zoom Pro online/video.  Grove Centre's mission as a respectful member of the community, is to support children and families within home, school and community... Read more

Danielle Kingdon

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I provide psychological services (i.e. assessment and therapy) to children, adolescents, and their families. I offer services to youth experiencing a range of difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, ADHD, ... Read more

Shiva Sherkat

M.A., RCC
Shiva is a remarkable counselor with a unique blend of skills, deeply rooted in her dual-cultural background. Armed with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology and a decade of professional experience as a Child... Read more

Yuka Oshimi

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Yuka (She/Her) and I am glad that you are here. I hold a Master of Counselling degree from Monash University, a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of British Columbia with a major in psychology and a... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Lisa Moore

M.A., RCC
Lisa Moore, ma MA Counselling Psychology, RCC, CCC Clinical Counsellor (RCC) & Certified Play Therapy Supervisor Languages: English & French It’s my goal to help people heal and grow through... Read more

Michele Maurer

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Appointments Available In-office and Virtually You invest yourself in your relationships. Individuals, couples and parents have done their best to cope throughout the pandemic, and it's taken a ... 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

Tosh Gordey

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
My name is Tosh, and I am a queer therapist who finds my passion in working with individuals and couples on their healing journeys.  Whether you are experiencing relationship challenges or changes, anxiety,... Read more

Fred West

B.A., RCC
As humans, we possess complicated emotions.  Our behavior, thoughts and feelings can sometimes be overwhelming, even to ourselves! If you have been feeling lost, having depressed thoughts or going... Read more
    • Online booking
I work alongside youth and adult clients to support and explore challenges related to neurodivergence, trauma, mental health, identity, sexual orientation, gender identity, well-being, relationships, and confidence.... Read more

Jay Hails

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
My strength lies in helping you identify and celebrate your own unique strengths. The fact that you're looking here for help already tells me you're strong. If you’re overwhelmed or stuck, or you’... Read more

Jess Holtslander

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
We are all human and, as humans, we all experience loss and change. With any loss or life change comes conflicting emotions. Grief, or conflicting emotions, can result from losing a loved one, losing a pet, changing... Read more

Caroline Miege

M.A., CCC
I am able to bring my years of experience with counselling to you, offering culturally safe, trauma informed and evidence based treatments. We will build on your skills and strengths, working together and drawing from... Read more

Ben Frizzo

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I'm here to guide, support, and maybe even share a laugh or two along the way. Let's be honest, if I'm doing my job well, we won't be seeing each other for long! But in the meantime, I consider it a... Read more

Claudette Alain

M.A., RCC
My approach to psychotherapy is based on many years of training in both psychology and education. My passion for psychology led me to private practice after 20 years in the education sector as a teacher, counsellor,... Read more

Lindi Dale

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
As a therapist, I strive for you to feel held: to feel cared for and understood, with the assurance that I am fiercely present and always in your corner. Above all, my goal is for you to cultivate a grounding sense of... Read more

Krista Blatchford

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Krista (she/her) has many years experience working with children (6+), adolescents, adults, parents and families. Before completing her Masters in Counselling Psychology and becoming a therapist, she was a youth worker... Read more