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.

Joanne Schwartz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
I can help you achieve: Relief from negative thinking, anxiety and depression. Better coping mechanisms to help you overcome addictive or destructive behaviours. Balance in your day-to-day life. I aim to... Read more

Sky Lee

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
When a loved one is unwell, it can be hard to find your bearings.  With experience stemming from 2008, my area of expertise is providing intensive family and caregiver support services.  If you are... Read more

Joanna Nicholson

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Since 2017, I have been working in an oncology setting within the health care system. I understand that navigating illness can be incredibly lonely. Feelings of grief and depression are common reactions to health-... 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

MaryClare Bovard

M.Couns., RCC
Mary Clare Bovard, BScOT, Master of Counselling, RCC, is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a private practice in North Vancouver.  She welcomes individuals who are facing concerns that are impacting their daily... Read more

Myriame Lyons

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
By cultivating a sense of togetherness, Myriame works with individuals living with chronic illnesses, and those experiencing anxiety, depression, grief & loss, burnout, trauma, and life transitions.  As... Read more

Elaine Zbitniff

M.A., RCC
Elaine is a registered clinical counsellor and has former experience as a registered nurse in the specialties burns and plastic surgery unit and in a hospice. Her knowledge as a nurse has been informative to... Read more
    • Online booking
Hello, I am Autumn (RCC#19849)! I have been working in the mental health field since 2010. My goal is to bring community together through healing children, teens, families and adults while providing connection with... Read more

Youki Kato

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master's degree in Counselling Psychology and a certified Expressive Arts Therapist. I have expertise in helping people who have experienced Domestic Violence or are... Read more

Susanne Leach

M.S.W., RSW
Do you want to build a life that is worth living, filled with healthy balanced relationships with friends, family and important people in your life?  Do you want to build a stronger understanding of yourself and... Read more

Khadija Hammuda

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello and welcome.  As an individual and family counsellor/therapist, I offer counselling/therapy services in English and/or Arabic for youth and adult clients to explore neurodivergence, mental... Read more

Norma Hoeppner

M.S.W., RSW
In private practice since 2007, Norma has been a dynamic clinical therapist across diverse health settings since 1989. Currently she practices with Clear Counselling Inc. in Vancouver, as well as an office through... Read more

Clara Morgan

M.S.W., RSW
Clara is an RSW and an RCC.  She is a therapist who provides a safe, non-judgmental, and LGBTQIA2S+ affirming space for all of her clients to share and explore their stories. She is compassionate and... 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

Jo-Ann Majcher

Ph.D., R.Psych
Jo-Ann Majcher works with adults and children to help them cope with life challenges.  Her practice with adults focuses on enhancing clients’ well-being while helping them cope with life stressors... Read more

Adele Berry

MC, RCC
    • Online booking
I believe that sometimes we all need a little help to tangle with life’s dilemmas. My role as a therapist is to walk alongside clients and help in navigating the pathway to change and work towards goals in a safe... 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

Sylvia Dai

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Are you concerning about your child or struggling with how to support them? ? Here is the right place for you and your child! My name is Sylvia and I am a Registered Play Therapist (RPT-USA) and a Registered Social... Read more

Ira Yakubovitz

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Helping people to find their way through mid-life’s challenges and transitions. Life can be a wonderful mix of challenges and opportunities. Lately it may feel like mostly demands and responsibilities have been... Read more

David Holmes

M.A., RCC
David provides Individual and Couples Counselling. He is an Adlerian Psychotherapist, Registered Clinical Counsellor, and a Canadian Certified Counsellor at Clear Counselling private practice in downtown Vancouver.... Read more

Jennifer Mussell

M.Sc., RCC
    • Online booking
Jennifer is a compassionate and engaged therapist who will help clients imagine desired outcomes and create a roadmap to achieve their goals. She balances offering a safe space to process emotions, explore and... Read more

Moira Haagen

M.Ed., RCC
Welcoming You...Thank you for taking a moment to learn about me and how I work.  For what seems to be most of my life, I've been centered in a strong and heartfelt motivation to really contribute in this... Read more

Denise Carter

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Life can be complicated no matter what your age is. Managing life transitions such as becoming a teenager or young adult, a parent, or change in any life routine can be difficult. You may be experiencing stress, anxiety... Read more

Mary Wilkerson

MCP, RCC
Step into a nurturing space for your transformative journey. As someone who's lived the roles of wife, mother, and teacher, I deeply understand life's challenges. My focus is on supporting individuals through... Read more

Heike Dumke

Ph.D. (cand), RCC
    • Online booking
Individual as well as caregiver counselling to help you regain your footing in life: Depression Anxiety Stress Management Acquired Brain Injury Cognitive Wellness Brain Health & Aging Caregiver... 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