Video Game Addiction Therapy

Video game addiction—also known as gaming disorder—occurs when gaming becomes difficult to control and begins to negatively impact daily life, sleep, relationships, work, study, or emotional wellbeing. For many people, gaming starts as a hobby but gradually becomes a primary coping strategy for stress, boredom, loneliness, or overwhelm.

At Carolan Psychology, we provide non‑judgemental, practical, and evidence‑based support to help clients regain balance, reduce compulsive gaming, and rebuild healthy routines.

You or your child may be experiencing gaming‑related difficulties if you notice:

• Difficulty stopping or reducing gaming
• Irritability, anger, or distress when limits are set
• Staying up late or missing sleep to continue playing
• Declining school or work performance
• Social withdrawal or reduced offline engagement
• Neglecting responsibilities, hygiene, or meals
• Using gaming to escape stress, anxiety, or low mood
• Conflict with parents, partners, or family about gaming time

Gaming itself isn’t harmful—it becomes a problem when it starts to take over.

• Excessive after‑school or late‑night gaming
• Emotional dysregulation when asked to stop
• School refusal or avoidance linked to gaming
• Reduced interest in offline activities
• Parent–child conflict around limits and routines

• Gaming interfering with work, study, or relationships
• Using gaming to cope with stress, burnout, or loneliness
• Difficulty maintaining sleep, self‑care, or daily structure
• Feeling “hooked” or unable to cut back

We use a warm, collaborative, and evidence‑based approach tailored to each client’s needs.

• Identifying triggers, patterns, and emotional drivers
• Exploring the role gaming plays in coping and identity
• Screening for co‑occurring issues such as ADHD, anxiety, or depression

• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• DBT‑informed emotional regulation skills
• Behavioural activation and habit‑building
• Values‑based decision‑making
• Parent coaching and family‑based strategies

• Creating balanced routines and boundaries
• Reducing reliance on gaming for emotional relief
• Strengthening offline interests and social connections
• Developing sustainable, realistic screen‑time plans

• Telehealth Australia‑wide
• Experienced psychologist with expertise in behavioural patterns and digital overuse
• Support for children, teens, and adults
• Practical, non‑judgemental, and collaborative care
• Clear strategies that can be implemented immediately

Professional help may be beneficial if gaming is causing:

• Conflict at home or in relationships
• Declining school or work performance
• Sleep disruption or poor self‑care
• Emotional distress when not gaming
• Loss of interest in offline activities
• Difficulty setting or maintaining limits

Early intervention can prevent patterns from becoming more entrenched and can significantly improve wellbeing and family functioning.

If gaming is starting to take over your life—or your child’s—support is available. Carolan Psychology offers compassionate, evidence‑based therapy to help you regain balance, rebuild routines, and create a healthier relationship with gaming.

Book an appointment or send an enquiry to get started, I can be reached via email, phone or via the Contact form.

Email: Luke@CarolanPsych.au

Phone: 0426 450 902