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

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..

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

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

Jennifer Allen

M.S.W., RSW
IN-Sight Mind Body Wellness is home to a dedicated team of counsellors, social workers, and psychologists committed to supporting individuals through everyday challenges or mental health struggles, like anxiety,... Read more

Megan Hughes

M.A., Registered Psychology Assistant
*Now offering video and phone sessions.* *My practice is currently accepting new clients, to book please email/call: info@stillwatercounselling.com / 604-734-2779.* Megan Hughes has been counselling in... Read more

Jennifer Scott

M.A., RCC
    • Article(s) on profile
Please note I am now offering virtual counselling by phone or video as well as in-person counselling. Many clients have found virtual counselling just as effective as in-person counselling. I welcome you to give it... Read more

Amanda MacIntyre

M.C., RCC
Your current circumstances don't dictate where you'll end up. They serve as a starting point for change. We all have the potential to move forward, sometimes having support is the key to getting there. My... Read more

Gerry Bock

M.A., RCC
    • Blog on profile
Gerry Bock earned his Masters degree in 1990. He has been practicing as a Registered Clinical Counsellor for over 30 years (since 1991).  The practice environment and philosophy offers committed, accountable,... Read more
    • Online booking
Bronwyn is a caring and compassionate psychotherapist in private practice in Vernon, BC. She offers an approach which is uniquely tailored to each client and their therapeutic goals.  Ranging from Eastern... Read more

kristina sohal

M.Couns., RCC
EMDR, Exposure, and CBT -Trauma Therapy for Car Accidents, Work Injuries,  Domestic Abuse, and Childhood Trauma Do you feel lost and isolated after a Traumatic event, or it is the past Trauma that just won... 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

Martha Isabel

M.A., RCC
You have important work to do in therapy, so a good fit is essential! I come to this meaningful work through my own emotional challenges. I know how it feels to be lost, depressed, anxious and in need of support as I... Read more

Sara Place

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
It is my honour to deeply listen and support your personal journey through whatever life circumstance brings you to counselling.  We can work through difficult life circumstances, relationship challenges (including... Read more

Salley-Ann Ross

M.A., RCC
Salley-Ann sees the potential in every person; whether it is working with families through divorce, parenting issues, children, youth, trauma, anger, grief or mental health issues. She believes that the road to... Read more

Scott Arner

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Scott! I have worked in the counselling field for 20+ years. I have assisted children, youth, families, and adults struggling with mental health issues, substance use, trauma, anger, and grief. I use a... Read more