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.
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.
Jason Bains
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Jason Bains
Jordan Kritzinger
Jordan Kritzinger
Joe Gentile
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Joe Gentile
Therapy is hard work.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.