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.

Lindi Dale

M.A., CCC
    • Online booking
As a therapist, I strive for you to feel held: to feel cared for and understood, with the assurance that I am fiercely present and always in your corner. Above all, my goal is for you to cultivate a grounding sense of... Read more

Victor Wakarchuk

M.S.W., RCC
    • Online booking
Hi, I'm Victor. I’m a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Registered Social Worker (BC, Alberta and Ontario) who primarily works with gay men through online video counselling. I help gay men find freedom... Read more
    • Online booking
Michelle's expertise covers a breadth of issues that everyone is bound to experience at some point in their lives. Her work with individual clients focuses on anxiety, depression, stress and stress management, life... Read more

Tara Azimi

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with over 12 years of experience. I’m also completing a PhD where I collaborate on research projects on diabetes, domestic abuse... Read more

Mehran Seyed Emami

M.A., RCC
I am a BC Registered Clinical Counsellor (No. 18736) and Canadian Certified Counsellor (No. 10007447). I'm also a Certified Practitioner of Compassionate Inquiry (a model developed by Dr. Gabor Maté), and... Read more

Colin Evans

M.A., RCC
Evans-Carlson Counselling believes in supporting individuals and couples in the growth that will help them take the next step towards health and wholeness.   Special Issues In-Focus: Each person coming to... Read more

Susan Higgs

MCP, RCC
Susan is a Registered Clinical Counsellor (RCC) and a Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) with a Master of Counselling Psychology (MCP) from Adler University.  Susan brings a diversity of... Read more

Jagdeep Chahal

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
If you are struggling with your mental health, it can seem almost impossible to imagine that something can be done to help. However, through counselling you can better identify negative beliefs and behaviors, 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

Jason Lehmann

M.A., RCC
*NOW ACCEPTING CREDIT CARDS, CASH, CHEQUE, OR E-TRANSFER *Over 11 years of clinical practice.  Some Information about the work  Clients present a number of problem areas, or life issues. Jason... Read more

Marilyn Beloff

Ph.D., RCC
Due to the current COVID-19 outbreak, and in order to protect my clients, as well as our families and community as a whole, I have made the decision to move to a secure on-line fully encrypted format, for video sessions... Read more

Trisha Miciano

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
It's a common instinct to try and avoid situations that bring us pain. Emotional pain, in particular, may be a type of discomfort you have been conditioned to avoid.  You may have become skilled at pushing away... Read more

Geoff Williams

M.S.W., RCC
It takes courage to engage with therapy and self improvement. So please, let me commend you, and express that it is my privilege to work with you.   My name is Geoff Williams and I am of English, Scottish,... Read more

Kim Leduc

Ph.D., R.Psych
I am a registered psychologist and have been practicing since 2003. I do individual therapy with adults primarily from a psychodynamic perspective, although I incorporate other approaches such as cognitive-behavioural... Read more

Rachel London

M.Ed., RCC
You may be looking for a therapist for several reasons.  Perhaps you are feeling: lonely, disconnected, and longing for a better relationships with your partner. betrayed and hopeless after infidelity in... Read more

Katie Johnson

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I believe that each person is capable of healing and producing growth and transformation in their life. People continually overcome difficult experiences in life and are able to accomplish more than they can imagine. I... Read more

Bradley Murray

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Dr. Murray is a psychoanalyst and Registered Clinical Counsellor based in North Vancouver who has been in private practice for 11 years. He offers consultations and therapy for individuals living on the North Shore and... Read more

Chi Hung

M.Couns., RCC
You don’t have to struggle alone Living with anxiety, fear, and helplessness is difficult. Relationship can be confusing and disappointing. Dealing with your parents or your children can be frustrating. You are... 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

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

Jill Culver

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
I am a career counsellor who believes that career guidance is not just about finding the right job, but also about fostering personal growth and fulfillment. I am committed to supporting individuals in their career... 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

Leanne Atkinson

M.C., RCC
    • Online booking
I am currently offering online therapy at Leanne Atkinson Counselling.  I have been working in the field of social services for over 20 years with at-risk young people and their families ... Read more

Laurel Tien

Ph.D., RCC
    • Online booking
Laurel Tien, PhD, RCC (she/hers/Dr) I am impassioned about working with people who are awakening to their own potential and find having someone walk this journey with them to be helpful. I believe that holding space... Read more

Priscilla Amaral

MCP:AT, RCC
    • Blog on profile
    • Online booking
Are you experiencing challenging life events that have left you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, and in need of balance? Do you find yourself struggling with anxiety, relationships, transitions, depression, grief,... Read more

Pam Hirakata

Ph.D., R.Psych
**EXPANDING PRACTICE; ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS** Pam received her Ph.D. in Counselling Psychology at the University of British Columbia and has over 20 years of experience supporting individuals through a variety... Read more

Lisa Robic

M.S.W., RSW
    • Online booking
Hello, I'm Lisa and I'm a Registered Social Work Therapist in Princeton, Tulameen, and the surrounding rural areas. My goal is to contribute to my local communities by providing flexible and low-barrier... Read more

Esther Oh

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
I’m Esther (she/her). I am a Registered Clinical Counsellor and Canadian Certified Counsellor based in Vancouver, BC. Prior to becoming a counsellor, I was a tax and estates lawyer at one of Canada’s leading... Read more

Will Bratt

M.A., RCC
    • Online booking
Looking for a counsellor whose approach is concrete and accessible? My approach to therapy is conversational, laid back, and client-directed. That means you only talk about what's important to you, and work... Read more

Barbara Mulski

M.Couns., RCC
    • Online booking
Hello there! 10 basic facts about me: ·        I show up, pay attention, listen and tell you the truth ·        You... Read more