Addictions - Online Gaming Online / Virtual / Telehealth Counselling

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.

Online / Virtual / Telehealth Counselling

Online Counselling or Online Internet Psychotherapy uses common technology to create major shifts in clients' emotional health. It is suitable to clients who wish to enjoy therapy from the comfort of their own homes, and therapists have noticed an increase in patients seeking help using this medium.

In order to attend online counselling sessions, clients and the therapist need access to fast internet connections and webcams. Online counselling is particularly useful for clients who can't leave home, or live far away from a therapist.

While online counselling is effective for helping with anxiety and other emotional conditions, it does not replace medical assistance in emergencies.

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

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

Kristen Bailey

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
People come to therapy for a variety if reasons, but ultimately there is something you are experiencing in your life that is causing you pain and suffering that you want to address. We all experience pain that stems... Read more

Lola OpacicLunot

M.S.W., RSW
If you're contemplating counselling, see it  a positive step towards addressing any challenges or issues you might be facing. Counselling can offer numerous benefits, regardless of whether you're dealing... Read more

Colette Mrazek

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
My counselling career began over 20 years ago and since then, I have worked in a variety of settings with many different populations, such as youth at risk, children who have been orphaned, young parents,... Read more

Gary Hayre

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Many clients may not know what effective change looks like or how to achieve it. They are stuck in old patterns and bad habits, which makes relationships difficult and restricts living their best life. I accompany my... Read more
As a Psychotherapist, Leadership / Peak Performance Coach, and Facilitator, I’m here to support you.   I have a Master’s Certificate in Values-Based Leadership from Royal Roads University and a... Read more

Ryan Leiderman

M.A., RCC
Congratulations on having the courage to work towards a better you.  As someone that has walked a similar path of self-improvement, I empathize with your struggle and truly appreciate the spark within you that... Read more

Jordan Penner

M.A., RCC
Jordan has been helping people access their strengths and overcome challenges for the past 15 yearsl; with a focus on building skills that create lasting solutions.  True change comes from... Read more

Harjeet Sahota

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Addiction is often stigmatized and kept secret despite the painful effects it has on sufferers and their families. If you or someone you care for is struggling any form of addiction be it substance or behavioural,... 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

Mark Choi

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I am an individual and family therapist who works with youth, adults and families who are feeling overwhelmed. Common struggles include social and emotional challenges, mental health and/or substance use concerns. I... Read more

Heather Mitchell

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I'm glad you are here! I provide individual and relationship counselling in Vancouver and virtually all over British Columbia. Therapy can be vulnerable, scary, and hard. I want to help people feel supported,... 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

Suzana Dujmic

M.C., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
My name is Suzana Dujmic and I am Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counselling from City University of Seattle (Vancouver campus) and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Child and Youth... Read more

Pam Vickram

M.S.W., RSW
If you are struggling with mental health, family issues, trauma, self-esteem or simply wanting to engage in the therapeutic process, I look forward to working with you. I support individuals and couples to navigate a... Read more

Christopher Ashforth

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Weekend & Evening Availability. In-Person or Online. You might be facing a setback, and it can be hard to stay positive and not lose faith in your dreams. I know how you feel, I have been there too. I can help... Read more

Natalie Tiojanco

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Natalie. I am a trauma-informed narrative therapist offering individual counselling to my community, which includes you! I welcome the privilege of hearing your story and supporting you in your path... Read more

Tiffany Brown

M.A., CCC
  Tiffany Brown, MA, CCC is honoured to work with folks who've experienced or have been affected by abuse from a partner, other forms of gender-based violence including sexual assault, or any form... Read more

Ian Bond

M.A., RCC
Ian has over 25 years of education, training, and experience in counselling and therapy.  He works together with clients to help them explore relationships, thoughts, feelings, or behaviours, which... 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

Tara Chotem

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, and a Certified Group Therapist. I received my B.A. in Psychology from Concordia University, Montreal (1980) and my M.A. in Counselling Psychology from the... Read more
    • Online booking
Hi I’m Laurie, and I understand how lonely it can be to feel that there are things you can’t talk about with anyone in your life. I have experience working with folks who have dual diagnoses of mental health... Read more

Amanda MacIntyre

M.C., RCC
Your current circumstances don't dictate where you'll end up. They serve as a starting point for change. We all have the potential to move forward, sometimes having support is the key to getting there. My... Read more

Mark Holland

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
A Registered Clinical Counsellor serving Vancouver since 2015, Mark helps clients uncover realistic, pragmatic solutions to their problems. Identified as a leader in his field, Mark works with clients to leverage... Read more

Kevin Kraussler

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
My name is Kevin (he/him) and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients in Vancouver. I hold a Master's of Counselling Psychology degree and have extensive experience in treating individuals dealing... Read more

Ariel Dumais

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor. I provide in-person counselling in Chilliwack and secure online counselling to people throughout BC. I have completed a Master’s degree in Counselling Psychology and am... Read more

Matty Devenish

M.S.W., RSW
Many people express feeling stuck with the issue or problem they are facing. In fact, many people's lives are completely consumed by the issue they are facing. Having worked in the counselling field since 2006, I... Read more

Cory Arthurs

M.Couns., RCC
We all face challenges, obstacles, and the pain of our inner wounds- and you deserve a safe space to explore and heal from these experiences. I am here to support you in discovering what 'safe' means for you,... Read more

Mark Ring

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology. With over fifteen years of experience and a commitment to ongoing education/training I can help you.  Whether you need a... Read more

Naomi Kolinsky

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Are you finding it hard to get past events that happened to you long ago? Do you find yourself turning to food, alcohol, drugs, or relationships to escape painful feelings and cope with your life? Do you find... Read more

Debra Seeley

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello! I’m Debbie, from Inner Harmony Counselling Registered Social Worker (MSW & RSW), Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) I am currently offering both remote, and or in person counselling... Read more