You’ve probably landed on this page because you’re wondering if you have a problem with video gaming or social media use; or your family thinks that you might have a problem. I’d like to help. CBT for Gaming Disorder or Problem Technology Use can help.
“Problem technology use (PTU) is an umbrella term that refers to the use of digital technology (e.g., gaming, social media use, and viewing of or listening to digital content) in a manner that is associated with biopsychosocial harms to the individual using that technology” (definition by CAMH).
I’m a therapist who specializes in helping youth and adults who are looking for help. I will get to know you, your history, background and interests and listen to what you think about your gaming, technology, or social media use (rather than what family or friends think). I care about helping you make the changes that YOU want.
We can figure out together whether you are using technology normally or overusing it in an unhealthy way. I don’t have any set of rules or expectations – except that I want to be helpful and support you.
P.S. It’s not the amount of time you spend using technology; it’s a problem if it’s getting in the way of other things you need to do, or your relationships, or your work life. Or, it’s a problem because the money you spend affects other people’s finances. Or, if it’s your only coping tool for stress, or only form of entertainment.
We’ve learned a lot about gaming disorder, social media overuse, and problem technology from the research on gambling. Many of the same measurements and ways to help come from that research.
MY APPROACH
I use a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. I work with you to help you notice more about when and why you are using technology – what you are thinking and feeling before, during and after. Working with you, we develop a plan based on your goals – For example, to try decreasing the amount or time or how often you engage in the gaming. Just to see if you can.
I also assess any underlying factors that might be affecting you. For example, depression, anxiety, ADHD, loneliness, social skills, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) etc. If there are, we can work together on those as well.
Here is an anonymous online screener for you to try out to see what it says – https://www.psytoolkit.org/c/3.1.0/survey?s=Xbzs4
RESOURCES for PARENTS
If you are a parent looking for support for a child living in your home with PTU there are organizations you can join and programs you can implement:
- Canadian Pediatric Society’s screen time recommendations: https://www.cps.ca/en/documents/position/screen-time-and-young-children.
- Media Smarts is a Canadian site helping parents figure out technology use with their children – https://mediasmarts.ca/digital-media-literacy/general-information/internet-mobile
- Link to Problem Technology Use website by CAMH with more info and some short videos.
Or book yourself a session using my online scheduler.