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.

I obtained my BSc majoring in psychology from the University of Victoria and continued on to complete my MCP at Adler University in Vancouver, before becoming a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC). I have a private... Read more

Alisa Farina

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Let's start with a conversation about who you are, what matters most to you, and what brought you here today. On the surface you might be getting through the day-to-day but underneath you are finding it harder and... Read more

Jenna Reed-Cote

M.S.W., RSW
“It could be worse,” “At least this isn’t as bad as what (fill in the blank) is going through,” “You’re not tired, you’re lazy,” “I’ve been in... Read more

Colter Long

M.Ed., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
“Only in the darkness can you see the stars.” – Martin Luther King JR. Are you looking for an alternative to traditional talk therapy?  If you are interested in learning psychological tools or... Read more

Rachel Moxham

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
My relational and feminist approach to counselling emphasizes the mutual formation of people through their relationships. With it, I support you in finding your own self in the tangle of relations with friends, family,... Read more

Michael Mandrusiak

Psy.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
Dr. Michael Mandrusiak is a Registered Psychologist (CPBC #1803) and holds a Doctor of Psychology degree.  As a psychologist in B.C. since 2008, Michael has had extensive clinical ... Read more

Anthony Cave

M.A., R.Psych
    • In-Person Sessions
About me My private practice consists of psychotherapy services for youth, adults and elders. An appointment usually lasts an hour and takes place in a confidential office setting. I also provide clinical consulting... Read more

Joe Ramirez

M.Couns., CCC
    • In-Person Sessions
Joe Ramirez, owner of ClearCounselling.ca, is a Canadian Certified Counsellor and an Adlerian psychotherapist with a Master of Counselling Psychology, providing Individual Counselling, Couples Counselling, and Sex... Read more

Elise Durante

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
  Hi there! My name is Elise, and I am taking on new clients for virtual/online counselling. With two decades of counselling experience, I’m committed to delivering compassionate and impactful... Read more

Andrea Zimmering

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I come to this line of work passionate about providing support to individuals seeking change and growth. I strive to show up with integrity in my work and ensure that my clients feel seen, heard, and safe to show up... 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

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

John Wagner

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Wagner is a registered psychologist in British Columbia and Director of the DBT Centre of Vancouver. Dr. Wagner assists adolescent and adult client's struggling with a variety of problems including depression... Read more

Julia Tallentire

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Support for teens and adults overcoming anxiety, people-pleasing, building self-esteem. We may be a good fit if you can relate to one or more of these: You were told growing up that you're "mature for... Read more

Lisa Yeates

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you feel hooked by painful thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that pull you away from the person you want to be? Work with me to explore how to live life with meaning, to move on from the past and build skills to... Read more

Stephanie Gillingham

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Stephanie (she/her) is a Registered Social Worker who lives and works as an uninvited guest on the stolen territory of xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) people. Stephanie... Read more

Alita Dommann

M.D., RCC
Alita is an Adlerian Psychotherapist providing Individual and Couples Counselling. She is a Registered Clinical Counsellor, Canadian Certified Counsellor, and Adler University Alumni. After working as a medical... Read more

Jefferson Smith

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Life is really hard and often painful. We all need support to find our way through this confusing and challenging existence. Most of us think we are broken and aren’t certain how to help ourselves through... Read more

Manmeet Chhina

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Manmeet, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor practicing in Abbotsford, BC. I have devoted my counselling journey to work in a variety of professional backgrounds, including non-profit organizations... Read more
    • Online booking
Hello, :) and Wecome :)  I am the Clinical Director of Conscious Mind Counselling & Consulting. I have a Masters degree in Clinical Counselling from Adler University and I am... Read more

Aaron Chin

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aaron Chin. I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC# 21391) practicing online, and in person for clients in Surrey BC on some days of the week. I strongly believe in the power of therapy to... Read more

Kimberly Stringer

Psy.D., R.Psych
Life is inherently complex and challenging. Sometimes these challenges feel overwhelming and this is where psychology can help. In an environment of understanding and acceptance, psychologists can help you better... Read more

Chelsea Reid

M.A., CCC
At SOAR, I provide counselling services to children and teens under the age of 20. I work with individuals who are experiencing personal, social, academic, and behavioural difficulties, including bullying, body... 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

chelsea mcgowan

MCP, RCC
I am a passionate therapist, teacher, and dancer. I bring these elements into the work I do, and the love I have to see people develop a deeper relationship to self and in turn others. I am not a “blank slate... Read more

David Zhang

M.C., RCC
MC, R.C.C. (#19056). ICBC Direct billing. Sometimes we’ve been wounded. We are bitter and end up in hard places. We are in relationships that have grown painful, disappointing, even hopeless. It seems... Read more

Lydia Hamilton

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
In 2000, Lydia left the film industry to pursue her passion of helping people help themselves. Now, over 20 years later, she brings her wealth of experience and education to her private practice based in the Cowichan... Read more

Ayesha Omar

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Healing is one of the bravest choices we can make for ourselves. My experience in working with clients who have lived through trauma has afforded me a deeper understanding of the mind-body connection, and how we can... Read more

Laura Lansdell

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
I am currently accepting new client and have availability for in-person, virtual or telephone appointments Are you feeling overwhelmed? Do you need more support or access to new resources? Whatever you are going... Read more
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and I have a Masters degree in Counselling Psychology from Adler University.  I work in the field of healing because I... Read more