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.

Barb Rogers

M.A., RCC
Barb Rogers has a Masters Degree in Counselling Psychology and is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the B.C. Association of Clinical Counsellors. She serves clients living in many areas of the Lower Mainland from... Read more

Grant McMahon

M.C., RCC
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC # 11135) and psychotherapist working in Vancouver.  I can help you if you are struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety/panic, or problems in your marriage or intimate... Read more

Rana Hakami

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am Registered Clinical Counsellor and educator supporting individuals navigate planned and unexpected educational, career, and life transitions. Everyone approaches change with a unique set of values, beliefs, and... Read more

Rob Roy

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered clinical psychologist working exclusively by video.  Therefore, I am available to see clients who live anywhere in British Columbia.  I provide treatment services for people with... Read more

Lisa Bylsma

M.Ed., RCC
Currently accepting new clients. Available for in-person sessions in Nanaimo or virtual sessions anywhere in BC. After over 12 years working as a counsellor within government and non-profit organizations, I have... Read more

Katie Falck

M.S.W., RSW
I want to help you find the best way to connect with your surroundings and build on your strengths so you can face your fears and survive your struggles. This is called strengthening your resilience. We may not be able... Read more

Kara Bezuko

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking a gentler path to happiness and well-being. You may be grasped by anxiety, lost in the heavy darkness of depression, or caught in a turmoil of confusion and distraction. You might find... Read more

Gabriel Patrich

M.Couns., RCC
Before becoming a psychotherapist, I was a practicing physician for 15 years. My Clinical counselling services include Individual, Couples, Family, Parenting, Addictions, and Immigration issues. I have counselled and... Read more

Emily Coughlin

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi - I’m Emily (she/her), a Registered Clinical Counsellor in BC. I provide counselling for individuals with a focus on infertility, perinatal mental health, parenting, relationships, and meaning making. Many 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

Debbie Day

M.A., RCC
Debbie Day has a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology from the Adler School of Professional Psychology. Debbie is a Registered Clinical counselor (1519) with BC Association of Clinical Counselors. She has... Read more

Rewa Grewal

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor offering online and in-person counselling for adults, young adults, and couples. If you are feeling frustrated, overwhelmed, unsettled, or unbalanced in relationships, in life or... Read more

Jeff Ross

M.A., RCC
 Feel good about the possibilities that life has to offer. Are you seeing life clearly? Do you tell your family and friends “I’m fine” even though you know you are not? Do you feel... Read more

Sherri Calder

M.A., RCC
    • In-Person Sessions
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Sherri works collaboratively with her clients on wellness and resource building by listening, setting goals and working towards meaningful change. She knows it can be difficult to face challenges in life so... Read more

Paul Griggs

M.C., RCC
Working with a counsellor can help support you through the challenges of life and can help reveal opportunities for making positive changes. It's a collaborative process that can often lead to improved moods, better... Read more

Sophia Mivasair

MCP, RCC
    • Online booking
I work with people seeking to build confidence, clarity, and calm in their lives. You might struggle to express yourself, and be understood in important relationships. You might be stuck on a treadmill of tired patterns... Read more

Suvi Teigen

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Suvi. I have a Master’s Degree in Social Work and am a RSW (Registered Social Worker) with the BC College of Social Workers. I am also human and at times I have been where you may find yourself now... Read more

Meagan Maddocks

M.Couns., RCC
Meagan is a registered clinical counsellor who has over 20 years of expertise in working with clients who live with chronic illnesses. Balancing life’s stressors and joys can be a difficult task. When... Read more

Andrea Yeo

M.Ed., RCC
Andrea Yeo is a Registered Clinical Counsellor with the BCACC, a Child Interviewer for BC Hear the Child Society, a Secondary School Teacher with North Vancouver School District, a Certified Parenting Facilitator and... Read more

Lindsay Bhuller

M.Ed., RCC
    • Online booking
Do you find yourself getting triggered for reasons you can't explain? Are you having trouble turning your brain off from racing thoughts? Maybe you are overwhelmed by emotion, or the opposite- not... Read more

Gwen Bevan

M.S.W., RSW
Gwen Bevan has been counselling individuals, couples and families for over 25 years. In addition to providing counselling, Gwen provides clinical supervision for private therapists (see below for more information... Read more

Dana Millar

M.Couns., CCC
Hello and Welcome! I'm Dana. I support individuals to overcome anxiety and depression, low self-esteem and poor body image and relationship/intimacy issues. I also have specialized training in PTSD and... Read more
    • Online booking
As you take the step towards finding a therapist, it’s important to find someone with whom you resonate,  as well as someone whose approach seems to fit for you.   Married, mom of 3 young... Read more
I believe that we are all born with an innate drive to be the best we can be in life. There are, however, obstacles along the way and some of us run into more than do others. Our parents, siblings and extended families... 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

Aleesa Sutton

M.A., RCC
    • Video on profile
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Hi, I’m Aleesa. I provide counselling for individuals and couples who want to understand themselves better and improve their relationships. If you’re unhappy with your life; unsure about where you’re... Read more

Bob Bircher

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Bob is a very experienced counsellor and has spent his working life helping people solve problems, make good decisions, set necessary boundaries, and improve communication. His counselling philosophy is very practical,... Read more

Donna Vidas

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Some issues I regularly work with in therapy include: Overcoming recent or life-long patterns that may be interfering with your enjoyment of life resolving traumatic experiences managing life transitions... Read more

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

Rebecca Berman

B.S.W., RSW
Trauma impacts how we see the world, navigate through our experiences and connect in our relationships.  The lives we live are built upon the lessons we learn in our families, cultures, peer groups, and in the... Read more