Understanding Problematic Video Gaming

When gaming interferes with daily life, relationships, or well-being, it may become problematic. While our network of specialists is growing, you can explore therapists who work with behavioural concerns and addiction.

Want help finding the right therapist? Call or text us at 778-486-0068

David Binger
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in ON, AB, BC, SK, YT, NL
David Binger
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers free consultation
$110/session
ADHD, Addiction, Adoption, Anxiety, Attachment trauma, Building Meaningful Connections, Career guidance, Depression, Early childhood, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Giftedness Issues, Imposter syndrome, Men's issues, Perfectionism, Performance anxiety, Problematic video gaming, PTSD, Relationships, Self Destructive Behaviour, Social anxiety, Trauma
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Anh Duffy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Offers in-person (London, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON, AB, SK, MB, NL, NU, YT, NT
Anh Duffy
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$130/session
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), BIPOC, Anxiety, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Attachment trauma, Body Dysmorphia, Children/Teens, Cultural Challenges, Depression, Family Conflict, General Mental Health, Grief and Loss, Intergenerational trauma, LGBTQ2IA+, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Negative thinking and ruminating, Perfectionism, Problematic video gaming, Racism, Relationships, Social anxiety, Stress, Suicidal ideation, Trauma, Women's Health
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Jason Bains
Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Offers in-person (Nanaimo, BC)
- Virtual sessions in BC, ON
Jason Bains
Registered Clinical Counsellor
Offers free consultation
$150/session
Trauma, Men's issues, South Asian Counselling, Anxiety, Anger, Attachment trauma, Couples Therapy, Addiction, Problematic video gaming, Familial and social relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Life transitions, Relationships
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Jordan Kritzinger
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Jordan Kritzinger
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Offers free consultation
$175/session
Trauma, Identity and Self-Exploration, Relationships, ADHD, Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Boundaries and boundary setting, Burnout, Confidence, Depression, Emotional regulation, Grief and Loss, Imposter syndrome, Life transitions, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Men's issues, Meaning and purpose, Mindfulness, Motivation, Pain management, Perfectionism, Problematic video gaming, PTSD, Spirituality
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Joe Gentile
Registered Social Worker
- Offers in-person (Bolton, ON)
- Virtual sessions in ON
Joe Gentile
Registered Social Worker
Offers free consultation
$125/session
Problematic video gaming, Anxiety, Addiction, Anger Management, Attachment, Boundaries and boundary setting, Behavioural Issues, Burnout, Chronic Illness, Competitive anxiety, Couples, Depression, Eating disorders, Familial and social relationships, Imposter syndrome, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Men's issues, Negative body image, OCD, School challenges, Sports Performance, Stress, Grief and Loss
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Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk
Registered Clinical Counsellor
- Waitlist
- Offers in-person (North Vancouver, BC)
- Virtual sessions in BC
Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk
Registered Clinical Counsellor
She/Her
Offers free consultation
$200/session
ADHD, Addiction, Trauma, Aging, Adjusting to a diagnosis, Anger Management, Anxiety, Assertiveness, Attachment wounds, Attachment trauma, Anger, Boundaries and boundary setting, Break-up recovery, Anxiety and Stress Management Skills, Complex Trauma (CPTSD), Depression, Chronic Illness, Early childhood, Family issues, Insomnia, Mindfulness, Navigating challenging relationships, Negative thinking and ruminating, Workplace stress, Relationships, Stress, Attention and Impulsivity, Befriending the Nervous System, Behaviour, Behavioural Issues, Bipolar Disorder, Blocks in Connecting with Self and Others, Building Meaningful Connections, Building Self-Care Routines, Bullying, Burnout, Children/Teens, Chronic and acute illness, College or University Coaching, Coming out and identity, Confidence, Connecting with your Inherent Power, Coping Skills, Couples, Couples Therapy, Creativity, Decision making, Deep connections, Disability, Dreams, Emotional Fluidity, Emotional Numbness, Emotional regulation, Empowerment, Familial and social relationships, Family Conflict, Fears and phobia, Goal Setting, Health anxiety, Imposter syndrome, Infidelity, Abuse (Sexual/Physical/Verbal), Intimacy concerns, LGBTQ2IA+, Low mood, Low Self-Esteem and Self Worth, Managing ADHD symptoms, Meaning and purpose, Mental performance, Mind-body connection, Mindfulness and stress reduction, Mindfulness Practices, Motivation, Negative body image, Nervous system regulation, Neurodiversity, Panic attacks, People pleasing, Perfectionism, Personality & Mood Disorders, Phobias, Power, Problematic video gaming, Productivity, Psychedelic therapy, PTSD, Relationship anxiety, Relationship to self and others, Responsibility, School challenges, Self Destructive Behaviour, Self-Criticism, Self-Development, Self-esteem, Self-Regulation, Separation and divorce, Separation anxiety, Sleeping difficulties, Social anxiety, Somatic Therapy, Specific phobias, Substance Use, Thought Restructuring, Transitioning into Adulthood, Trauma processing, Understanding & Regulating Emotions, Vulnerability, Wellness Counselling, Women's Health, Work-Life Balance
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Video games can be an enjoyable form of entertainment, but for some people, gaming can become problematic when it interferes with work, school, relationships, or overall well-being. Problematic gaming—sometimes called gaming disorder—is characterized by impaired control over gaming, increasing priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation despite negative consequences.

Therapy can help you understand the role gaming plays in your life, identify underlying needs it may be meeting, and develop healthier patterns. Whether gaming has become a way to escape difficult emotions, avoid responsibilities, or cope with social challenges, a therapist can work with you to address the root causes and build more balanced habits. On First Session, you can explore therapists who work with behavioural issues, addiction, and related concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is problematic video gaming?

Problematic video gaming occurs when gaming significantly impairs functioning in personal, family, social, educational, or occupational areas. Signs include difficulty controlling gaming time, prioritizing gaming over other important activities, and continuing to game despite negative consequences. It differs from simply enjoying games as a hobby.

What causes problematic gaming?

Various factors can contribute, including using gaming to escape stress or difficult emotions, social connection found in online games, reward systems built into games, underlying mental health concerns like depression or anxiety, or difficulty with real-world social situations. Understanding personal triggers is an important part of addressing the issue.

How can therapy help with problematic gaming?

Therapy can help you explore why gaming has become problematic, address underlying issues like anxiety or depression, develop healthier coping strategies, and create more balanced life patterns. Therapists may use cognitive-behavioural approaches to address thoughts and behaviours around gaming and help build motivation for change.

How do I find a therapist for gaming concerns?

On First Session, you can browse therapist profiles and look for those who work with addiction, behavioural issues, or related concerns. While our network of gaming specialists is growing, many therapists can support behavioural challenges and underlying mental health concerns. Watch intro videos to find someone whose approach resonates.

Are there related areas of support I could explore?

Yes—if you're concerned about gaming, you might explore therapists who work with addiction, behavioural issues, anxiety, depression, or social challenges. These areas often connect to problematic gaming and addressing them can support healthier patterns.

How can First Session help me find support?

First Session connects you with licensed therapists across Canada. Browse profiles, watch intro videos, and filter by specialty or availability. All therapists have their credentials verified during onboarding, making it easier to find qualified support.

You deserve more from therapy.

You made the courageous decision to reach your full potential. Find the right therapist to help get you there, and make the most of the time and money you’re investing in yourself.

Find your therapist

Understanding Problematic Video Gaming

Therapists

David Binger

David Binger

Anh Duffy

Anh Duffy

Jason Bains

Jason Bains

Jordan Kritzinger

Jordan Kritzinger

Joe Gentile

Joe Gentile

Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk

Dr. Chasidy Karpiuk

Frequently Asked Questions

You deserve more from therapy.