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 Virginia Beach, 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.
Interventions for Internet Addiction in Virginia Beach, VA—Counselors and Therapists
The therapists at Thriveworks Virginia Beach are working with more and more clients who need help with their Internet use. They may be spending too much time online or they may be taking too many risks online. In either case, help is available. Internet addiction has effective treatments. If you think you are experiencing an internet addiction or problem, and you’d like some help, reach out to Thriveworks Virginia Beach today.
Internet Addiction: Diagnostics
Even before high-speed Internet, mental health professionals were concerned about how people were using the Internet. In 1995, when people were still using dial-up, Dr. Ivan Goldberg suggested that the behavior he was observing was indicative of an addiction. By 1998, another mental health professional, Dr. Kimberly Young developed diagnostics for recognizing compulsive Internet use:
- Using the Internet for increasingly longer amounts of time or taking more and more risks online in order to feel content with one’s use
- Managing one’s mood—particularly difficult emotions—with the Internet.
- Deceiving others about being online—how much, when, where, and what one does online, et cetera.
- Losing track of time while online and staying there longer than intended.
- Failed attempts to limit or quit using the Internet—often there is a desire to curb use but the inability to do so.
- Experiencing obsessive thoughts about the Internet.
- Being irritable, depressed, or moody when unable to go online.
- Taking risks in order to be online or do certain things online—jeopardizing one’s finances, relationships, job, and more.
Compulsive Internet Use: Symptoms and Signs
When people have difficulty regulating what they do online, they often experience side-effects in real life. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Internet addiction is important because early intervention often helps people heal and recover from Internet addiction. When people see the red flags of addiction and take action immediately, they may have an advantage in recovery.
Emotional signs that an Individual is struggling with Internet addiction may include…
- Losing a sense of time
- Depression
- Fear
- Inability to keep to a schedule
- Feelings of elation when using the Internet
- Mood swings
- Boredom
- Dishonesty
- Feelings of guilt
- Isolation
- Defensiveness
- Agitation
- Avoidance of work
- Procrastination
- Loneliness
- Anxiety
Physical signs that an Individual is struggling with Internet addiction may include…
- Neck pain
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Insomnia
- Headaches
- Weight loss or gain
- Backache
- Poor nutrition (forgetting to eat or eating excessively)
- Dry eyes and other vision problems
- Poor personal hygiene (e.g., not bathing, changing clothes, brushing teeth, and more)
Scheduling a Session at Thriveworks Virginia Beach for Internet Addiction
Compulsive Internet use can look like a professional who never puts their phone down. It can look like a teen (or anyone for that matter) who incessantly scrolls through social media. It can be out-of-control pornography use or over-involvement in online relationships. If the Internet feels like it is controlling you, it may be time to reach out for help, and help is available.
When you reach out to Thriveworks Virginia Beach, know that you may be meeting with your therapist the same week. We accept many different insurance plans, and we also offer weekend and evening appointments. When you call, one of our scheduling specialists will answer and help you find an appointment. Let’s get started. Call today.
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