Counselling Vancouver - Addictions - Online Gaming Online / Virtual / Telehealth Counselling, Psychologists, Therapists in Vancouver, Downtown

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.

Kathleen Beaton

M.Couns., RCC
Sometimes dealing with life’s difficulties can leave you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, alone, or unable to cope. You may notice patterns in your life that continuously leave you stranded in the same stuck places,... Read more

Rochelle Chapman

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
Counselling can be a way to grow while facing difficult circumstances. It can also be about building resources or heading in a new direction. In each case, you have the opportunity to become more yourself. Whatever... Read more

Karina Rampal

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I grew up in a culture where mental health was not given a priority and there was, and still is, a lot of stigma surrounding it. My passion for counselling came from wanting to give people a space to feel heard,... Read more

Tasha Johal

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
How connected do you feel? To others? To yourself? As a therapist, I emphasize the relationship and connection to one's body and mind through a trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, holistic lens.... Read more

Emily Macdonell

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
You can connect with me for in-person/online sessions through Providence Therapy and Neurofeedback (Vancouver, BC) as well as through Aster Wellness Centre (Port Coquitlam, BC).  At both practices, you can... Read more

Abby Wong

M.A., RCC
Hi there, my name is Abby! I hold a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and have experience working with a diverse range of client populations, including children, adolescents, and adults. My background... Read more

Cookie Bain

M.C., RCC
What I most love in this world is to see people thriving as they live their most authentic life. I understand that may of us us have grown up in a way hasn't supported us to be our authentic self.... Read more
    • Online booking
When explaining my approach, I often ask the question, “Who are you”? It’s a tricky one, isn’t it? No matter how hard we try, our stories rarely can sum it all up. Inevitably, something is... Read more

Delyse Ledgard

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Article(s) on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
To be understood, seen, feel the comfort of another’s presence is the heart of therapy.  With over 30 years of experience, I have encountered and worked with people from all walks of life helping... Read more

Gayane Ghazaryan

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC) and a Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP). I am also the founder of Luminaire Therapy which offers... 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

Danielle Holtjer

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi I’m Dani and I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Clinical Director at Skylark Counselling! I have worked in the counselling field for over a decade and have had the pleasure of gaining hands-on... Read more

Joachim Sehrbrock

Ph.D., R.Psych
    NOTE: We currently provide online and in-person therapy services When we feel overwhelmed, stressed, or bogged down by difficult situations or circumstances, it can be tough to see where to go,... 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

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

Annu Dha

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
  About Me I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor born and raised in Vancouver. I have a Masters Degree in Counselling (MA) and over a decade of related experience. I've worked in diverse... Read more
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
With over a decade of experience as a clinical counsellor, I am dedicated to helping clients navigate life’s challenges and transitions. My commitment lies in creating a secure, non-judgmental, and confidential... 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
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

Kaitlin Harvey

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Kaitlin and I’m an RCC with the BCACC with a Master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counselling from the University of Nebraska-Omaha. I’m a former middle school teacher who pivoted... Read more

Alyssa Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Do you feel like you are having trouble moving past a specific event or feel like you are engaging in destructive thinking patterns or behaviors? Therapy is a safe and confidential place where you can share your... Read more

Kate Malone

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Maybe you are struggling with anxiety and depression, working on building self-confidence, looking to heal past trauma, facing challenges in your relationships, or just needing a space to talk. I welcome individuals who... 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

Virlyn Collantes

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
About Me I offer individual and couples therapy whether in-person or virtual sessions. I am a fervent advocate for addressing the root causes of individuals' and couples' issues and firmly believe that every... Read more

Zahra Sartipi

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    My legal name is Zahra, but you can call me Shima. I hold both undergraduate and graduate degrees in Psychology, and my professional journey of over a decade has been dedicated to working with young... Read more

Sarah Erwin

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you ambitious and driven, but doubting every step that you take? Are you struggling to feel worthy and fulfilled? It might not feel like it, but you're not alone. We live in a culture of "hustle and grind... Read more

Mafe Boucher

MCP, RCC
Hello! My name is Mafe Boucher, and I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor who sees clients at the Skylark office located in Vancouver, BC.  My past experience has focused primarily on working with emerging... Read more

Lisa Woolgar

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
If you're suffering through a loss, or feeling emotionally overwhelmed or stuck, I'm an Registered Clinical Counsellor who specializes in helping people navigate even their most challenging emotions, felt... Read more

Joseph Tse

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am Registered Psychologist (#2491) in British Columbia. I enjoy working with adults on a variety of psychological concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress management, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).... Read more

Agata Burdziuk

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
COUNSELLING ~ PSYCHOTHERAPY ~ SOUL WORK Agata holds a Master of Arts in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors and a past member of the... Read more