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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Paula Jurczak

M.A., RCC
Counseling Services Promoting emotional healing, social development and the formation of healthy relationships.   Virtual Counseling Services Available. Telephone and Video. Please contact Counselor to... 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

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
    • 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

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

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

Barb Baker

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello! My name is Barb.  I have ADHD and I have two neurodiverse kids, one with ADHD and one with autism. I love working with neurodiverse folks! Whether you are medically diagnosed or self-diagnosed, I accept... Read more

Drew Harms

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, my name is Drew and I am a dedicated therapist who works with anxiety, depression, life transitions, grief, couples counselling, women's issues, children's play therapy, teen issues and perinatal mental... Read more

Kathryn Atkinson

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
To all of you who feel weary, frightened, overwhelmed, alone: take refuge here. You are not alone. There is hope. Although the waves seem too rough, they can be calmed. Let’s navigate these storms together. I am... 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

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

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

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

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
    • 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

Kirsten Noack

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
 I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor, located in East Vancouver, on Commerial Drive in Vancouver. I work often with deep feelers, or highly sensitive people and neurodivergent folks,... 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

Sarah Welton

M.Ed., CCC
    • Online booking
When your child isn’t doing well, it hurts you. Children can have big feelings and challenging behaviour. This can be a major life stressor. Behaviours get in the way of family time being playful and fun, and... Read more

Amber Lowdermilk

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that you are the expert of your own story and my role is to provide a comfortable space for you to unpack whatever is getting in the way of your day-to-day functioning. The platform of my approach is based on... 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

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

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

Akeiko Rawn

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Our identities are always in a process of becoming and our circumstances changing. We are here to listen deeply and respectfully cultivate a rich and purposeful way forward with you. Through genuine concern,... Read more