Internet addiction counseling is a specialized therapeutic approach designed to address and alleviate problematic or compulsive internet usage. It offers individuals a structured and supportive setting to delve into the root causes of their excessive online behaviors, which may encompass activities like social media and gaming.
Internet addiction therapists at Thriveworks in Chesterfield, VA collaborate with you to identify and alter thought patterns and behaviors that drive your dependence, often employing cognitive behavioral techniques. The primary objective of this counseling is to assist you in regaining control over your internet use, establishing healthier online habits, and addressing any underlying emotional or psychological issues, ultimately fostering a more balanced relationship with the digital world and enhancing overall well-being.
The length of internet addiction counseling can differ depending on the person’s particular requirements and the seriousness of their addiction. Typically, this form of counseling includes multiple sessions spanning from several weeks to several months. The precise number of sessions and overall therapy duration are determined through discussions with the counselor.
Internet Addiction Therapy in Chesterfield, VA
When internet use is controlling an individual’s life instead of an individual controlling how much they use the internet, they may have an addiction. Much like a gambling or shopping addiction, internet use can become compulsive.
Therapists at Thriveworks Chesterfield offer counseling for internet addiction. Compulsive online use can cause serious problems in an individual’s life, but there are also ways to fight those compulsions. Schedule your appointment online or give us a call to begin.
Internet Addiction: What Is It?
Dr. Young broke down compulsive internet into different categories, including:
- Cybersex addiction: Compulsively going online for sex and porn.
- Net compulsions: Day-trading, gambling, or shopping online obsessively.
- Computer addiction: Playing online games compulsively.
- Cyber-relationship addiction: Being overly connected to online relationships.
- Information addiction: Obsessively searching the web or databases.
If an individual displays five of these diagnostics, they may be struggling with an internet addiction:
- Being engrossed in the internet.
- Failed and repeated attempts to curb or stop internet use.
- Using the internet longer than intended.
- Deceiving others about one’s internet use.
- Spending an increasing amount of time online to feel the same level of satisfaction.
- Using the internet to regulate one’s mood.
- Experiencing depression, moodiness, or irritability when not online.
- Taking risks in one’s personal and/or professional life to be online.
Internet Addiction’s Red Flags
Internet addiction is not so different from other addictions in that there are red flags that may signal that someone is struggling with compulsive internet use.
These red flags can be both physical and emotional. Emotional red flags that an individual may be using the internet compulsively include:
- Feelings of guilt
- Dishonesty
- Feelings of elation when using the internet
- Defensiveness
- Agitation
- Fear
- Loneliness
- Procrastination
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Isolation
- Losing a sense of time
- Inability to keep to a schedule
- Mood swings
- Avoidance of work
- Boredom
Physical red flags that an individual may be using the internet compulsively include:
- Backache
- Insomnia
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Poor personal hygiene (e.g., not bathing)
- Neck pain
- Weight gain or loss
- Headaches
- Poor nutrition (forgetting to eat or eating excessively)
- Dry eyes and other vision problems
Seeking Help for Internet Addiction at Thriveworks Chesterfield
Thriveworks Chesterfield offers treatment and works with each client as a unique individual. Our mental health professionals seek to empower their clients to explore and heal past wounds as well as develop coping mechanisms that are healthier than internet use.
Internet addiction can cause several problems, but treatments are available. If you are using losing control over how much you use the internet or how many risks you take online, it may be time to reach out for help.
When you contact Thriveworks Chesterfield, one of our scheduling specialists will answer your call and help you make an appointment. We accept many different forms of insurance, and we offer evening and weekend appointments.
Let’s work toward healing together. Call today or book online to begin.
