Addictions - Online Gaming Somatic Approaches

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.

Somatic Approaches, Interpersonal Psychotherapy

Somatic approaches to therapy recognize the mind-body connection and focus on addressing psychological issues through bodily experiences. By incorporating techniques such as body awareness, breathwork, and sometines movement, these approaches help individuals access and process stored emotions and trauma. This value lies in their ability to foster self-awareness, emotional regulation, and healing.  Some therapies like "somatic experiencing" require specialized training and certification.  Please ask your therapist whether he/she has sprecialize training and in which approaches.

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

Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT) deals with depressive symptoms and issues. This short term treatment of up to 20 weeks deals with the client's main symptoms during the initial sessions. During this stage the therapist helps the client to regain a semblance of functionality, which will facilitate healing. IPT allows for variations that can be incorporated into treatment of a range of other co-existing issues.

Depression usually impacts heavily on interpersonal relationships, and  Interpersonal Psychotherapy measures the dynamics of these issues during the initial stages. Strengthened relationships can lend significant support during the process of recovery from depression.

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

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

Eryn Wicker

M.A., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors, and the founder and clinical director of Bliss Therapeutic Services. I am dedicated to providing professional, confidential and... Read more

Jonathan McVicar

Ph.D., R.Psych
Dr. Jonathan McVicar, MA, PhD (UBC), Registered Psychologist has been working with adults (ages 17+) and couples for over 20 years. During this time, he has focused his practice on relationship / marriage... Read more

Bronwen Smith

M.Couns., RCC
With a commitment to compassion, I offer holistic, trauma informed, person-centered counselling services to children, youth, young adults, adults, parents and expectant parents. My approach considers the essential role... Read more

Alex Abdel-Malek

M.S.W., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Online booking
*** Please note that in response to the COVID-19 situation, I have moved my therapy practice to a fully online service, meaning we can connect via secure video call for our sessions for individual and couple therapy... Read more

Chris Walker

M.A., CCC
“At some time or other, we all find ourselves unable to cope with life’s difficulties. The aim of counseling is to help you deal with these or other issues, so that you can get on with a meaningful and... Read more

Kate Gustin

Ph.D., R.Psych
As a registered psychologist, I have helped hundreds of people over the past 25 years heal emotional wounds and recover peace of mind. If you're finding that your daily mood and quality of life are being... Read more

Ned Baess

Psy.D., R.Psych
Dr. Ned Baess was awarded his doctoral degree in clinical psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology, Chicago, in 2003.  He was clinically trained at the Royal Jubilee Hospital (RJH) and... Read more

Amelia Wu

M.Ed., CCC
吴偲予是持有心理学学士学位和心理咨询硕士学位的加拿大注册心理咨询师。在工作中,她习惯运用综合疗法以及不同的技巧,例如: 辩证行为法,认知行为疗法,人物中心疗罚,解答聚焦治疗,情感集中治疗, 艺术疗法和觉知训练方法等,来帮助大家达到预期效果。传统的中国文化背景让吴偲予对移民在西方文化环境里面临的挑战,以及父母子女之间潜在的文化差异与代沟有着深刻的了解与体会。因此能够更好的帮助解决因为文化导致的各种问题,促进家庭关系,... Read more

Danielle Kingdon

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
I provide psychological services (i.e. assessment and therapy) to children, adolescents, and their families. I offer services to youth experiencing a range of difficulties, including: anxiety, depression, ADHD, ... Read more

Bonnie Zargari

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
Bonnie Zargari is a Canadian Certified Clinical Counselor who sees clients in person, online or via telephone.  Her main clinical focus is working with adolescents and adults with depression, anxiety and/or... Read more

Tanya Switucka

M.Ed., RCC
Are you struggling to be the best version of yourself?   Are you seeking tools to manage life in a way that allows more enjoyment and contentment?  I offer a direct and action-oriented approach utilizing... Read more

Ronald Ma

Psy.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
There are many different reasons people might seek counselling. You may be looking for support for something specific or you might feel something’s just been off and want help figuring it out. In either case, it... Read more

Annette Kasahara

M.Ed., RCC
As a Coach and Therapist Annette Kasahara provides a safe environment of acceptance and encouragement to allow clients to achieve their goals at a pace they determine. Her commitment is to assist clients to recognize... Read more

Heather Webster

M.A., RCC
Heather Webster (she/her) is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors (BCACC). She holds a Master of Education in Counselling Psychology from the University of British Columbia... Read more

Brooke Peters

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Brooke Peters is a Registered Social Worker and Registered Clinical Counsellor located in Victoria BC, offering psychotherapy via secure online video and telephone. Brooke is passionate about helping others reconnect... Read more

Svetlana Vasilyeva

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor with a Master of Counselling Degree from City University of Seattle. My previous education and experience was in medicine (M.D. from Kuban State Medical University in Russia with a... Read more

Sara Kammerzell

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
For over twenty years, Sara has helped people grow through turbulent times in their lives so that they can reclaim their full vitality and live the life they were born to live.  She strives to connect with... Read more

Mary Kwan

M.Sc., RCC
Whether you are feeling depressed anxious, wanting to talk to someone, or to work out your inner issues so that you can be a happy person, I am here to help. Feeling stuck in your family relations, you can still live... Read more

Chantal Bernard

M.C., RCC
Taking the step to seek the support of a counsellor for yourself or for your loved one is a step toward positive change. Counselling is an opportunity to express yourself and share your experiences in confidence and... Read more

Christopher Cardoso

Ph.D., R.Psych
    • Online booking
If you’re tired of suffering alone and feeling misunderstood, finding the right therapist is a great place to start. I have spent nearly a decade helping people face overwhelming challenges and beat the odds. You... Read more

Tanya ward

M.A., RCC
About Me: I have a Master’s Degree in Counselling Psychology and am a registered clinical counsellor with the British Columbia Association of Clinical Counsellors. I have over 15 years of experience and have... Read more

Chris Nicol

M.A., RCC
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Talk Therapist with over 12 years of lived experience in addiction, over 20 years of professional experience, and I offer telephone-based and online individual therapy... Read more

Joel Brass

M.A.Sc., RCC
Joel Brass, M.A.Sc., R.C.C. has been an individual, relationship and family therapist for the past 38 years. His areas of expertise and personal passion are the healing and growth of individuals and love... Read more

Ryan Yellowlees

M.C., RCC
Do you feel stuck? Are you feeling like your life is going nowhere? It can be an uncomfortable and overwhelming place to be. I offer a supportive, safe space to help you get unstuck and guide your life in a new... Read more

Sue Diamond

M.A., RCC
Sue Diamond, M.A. is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#178) and the Director/Founder of The Good Life Therapy Centre. She has over 30 years of experience in the counseling field in a multitude of... Read more

Stephanie Slater

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
You're not sure if therapy is the right choice for you. It's sounds like a good idea, but you're just not sure if your 'issues' are important enough for therapy. Maybe its work stress, a relationship... Read more

Joy Hung

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Is stress getting you down? Would you like to have healthier and more meaningful relationships? Are you tired of being limited by feelings of depression or anxiety? You probably found your way here because you... Read more

Avraham Cohen

Ph.D., RCC
    • Blog on profile
Avraham Cohen, Ph. D., RCC-ACS, CCC holds the designations of Registered Clinical Counsellor; Approved Clinical Supervisor (RCC=ACS) with the BC Association of Clinical Counsellors, and Canadian Counsellor Certification... Read more
Jane, a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#0828), is a Certified EMDR therapist and a Cognitive Behaviorial therapist. Since 1989 she has worked with individuals and couples experiencing distressing life events such as... Read more

Mike Johnston

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor (#18241) who works with young adults, adults, and elders. Those I work with may be seeking help to address grief and loss, anxiety, depression, traumatic and overwhelming... Read more