Addictions - Online Gaming, Sleep Difficulties-Children Counsellors

Addictions - Online Gaming, Sleep Difficulties-Children

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.

Sleep difficulties are common, as most people experience it from time to time. Parents who are concerned that their children might have sleep issues should start finding answers by speaking to their pediatricians, who can diagnose any problems.

There are a wide range of issues that can contribute to sleep difficulties and it is important to address those issues to ensure that children can avoid the side effects of poor sleep. A lack of sleep can contribute to behavioural issues, poor concentration at school, hyperactivity, impulse control issues and irritability. A child or teenager who is experiencing sleep difficulties can be cranky, sleepy and poor-performing at school and unhappy, irritable and moody at home. It can cause a lot of problems in the home and also at school. It is important to get help for you child's sleep difficulties as soon as possible, as it could be serious.

Some of the most common issues that contribute to sleep difficulties in children include night terrors, sleep walking, bedwetting, sleep-onset anxiety, obstructive sleep apnea, narcolepsy, and delayed sleep-phase syndrome. Some of these conditions are serious and require urgent treatment. The newest of the issues to affect sleep include difficulties disengaging for smartphone or computer communications.

After having excluded medical issues, a child psychologist who offers sleep difficulties can help your child to work with any emotional and psychological issues that stops him or her from enjoying a good night's rest. Many different approaches can be used during individual counselling sessions, while family therapy can help the whole family gain insight into the problem. The psychologist or counsellor can help each family member to help the child who is experiencing sleep difficulties.

If you are looking for a counsellor or psychologist who offers counselling approaches to address your child's sleep difficulties and issues, you may want to search the directory to find a professional whose approach will suit you best.

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

Valerie Caldeira

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a Registered Psychologist providing therapy to children, adolescents, and adults in Vancouver, BC. I provide evidence-based treatment for clients with a range of difficulties including anxiety, depression, stress,... 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

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

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
Vernon Playroom Now Open! At Pathways Play Therapy Services, my mission is to support children’s mental and emotional wellbeing, strengthen their attachments, and increase their connection to self. As a play... 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

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

Heather Bach

M.A., CCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
For over 20 years, Heather Bach of Bach Counselling Group brings clinical expertise to working with those who wish to make a positive change in relationships, intimacy, depression, anxiety, trauma, grief, ADHD... 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