CBT for ADULT GAMING DISORDER

You’ve probably landed on this page because you’re wondering if you have a problem with video gaming. I’m a therapist who specializes in treating adults who are looking for help with gaming disorder.

Clinical Expertise

I have an Addictions Certificate from WLU School of Social Work. Within that certificate I specialized in Behavioral Addictions – Shopping, Gambling, Sex, Gaming, Tech Use etc. The certificate is an addition to a Master’s Degree in Social Work,

I have read books on behavioral addiction and addiction in general. I have taken webinars, seminars and courses on addictions, behavioral addictions and in particular Gaming Disorder. And, I have successfully treated many adults for Video Gaming Disorder.

My Approach

I will get to know you, your history, background and interests and listen to what you think about your gaming use.

We can figure out together whether you are using video gaming in a healthy way or an unhealthy way. Sometimes I end up reassuring clients that they do not have an addiction problem. 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 gaming; 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 or sociaizing.

We’ve learned a lot about gaming disorder from the research on gambling. Many of the same measurements and ways to help come from that research.

I use a Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach. I work with you to help you notice more about when and why you are gaming – 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 gaming. Just to see if you can.

I also clinically assess any underlying factors that might be affecting you. For example, depression, anxiety, ADHD, loneliness, social skills, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) etc. may play into overuse of video games. If there are, we can work together on those as well.

Here is an anonymous online screener for you to try – https://www.psytoolkit.org/c/3.1.0/survey?s=Xbzs4