Gaming Addiction
Hypnosis For Internet Gaming Addiction
Hypnosis is becoming increasingly popular for treating gaming addiction. The internet is a big part of our lives and allows us to stay connected with the outside world.
But it’s also a double-edged sword and has resulted in the serious and growing global phenomenon of internet addiction.
What Is Internet Gaming Disorder?
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), is now recognised as a mental health condition that can have major negative impact on a person’s wellbeing.
Here are some warning signs:
- Preoccupation or obsession with gaming;
- Using gaming to soothe negative feelings or moods;
- Negative impact on significant relationships;
- Inability to cut down or stop gaming
As with any addiction, if the activity is having a negative impact on your life or on the lives of those around you, then it’s a fair bet to say that you have a problem.
Studies have shown that male adolescents between the ages of 16 and 18 are most at risk for developing IGD.
What Feeds Online Gaming Addictions
People get addicted to online games because they get to socialize with other gamers online. It’s often referred to as ‘internet paradox’ because the very thing that has been designed to advance communication between people, ends up making them more isolated in real life.
In fact, many gamers may substitute or compensate for the lack of real-life relationships by developing online relationships, which are often more convenient and allow for some degree of anonymity.
Most addictions are self-soothing mechanisms and Internet Gaming Addiction is no exception.
The habit serves as a way to cope with uncomfortable feelings and sensations, including boredom; or it may be used to procrastinate and avoid other unwanted tasks such as study and homework.
Then, there is usually a turning point where the individual knew on some level that the behaviour was not really helping and in fact was probably hindering their happiness, they couldn’t change things because it felt like an automatic subconscious response.
Need for Internet Gaming Disorder Treatment
When a person gets lost in gaming, it can be an escape or a way to feel good; therefore, the more they do it, the more they want to do it.
The urge to play the game takes over to the degree that they believe they must satisfy that urge immediately. Sometimes, they may even believe that urge will go on forever and the only solution is to satisfy it.
This becomes a vicious cycle which, if left untreated can turn into a deeply conditioned subconscious response.
How My Hypnosis Treats Online Gaming Addiction
Here’s how I treat Internet Gaming Disorder:
- I gather information from the client by asking lots of questions so I can get an understanding of which factors have caused or are exacerbating the addiction;
- Each appointment with me involves a powerful hypnosis session designed to address the conditions and beliefs that keep the addiction alive.;
- The client agrees to make changes to their behaviour. I work with each client to desensitise them to any fear they may be experiencing at the thought of breaking the gaming addiction.
This involves meeting the client where they are and setting goals with them that will allow them to actively challenge their perceived fears of breaking the addiction.
Habits can be broken and so can addictions…
…but you have to treat the problem holistically. In other words, you must treat the symptom (gaming) as well as the cause (unresolved emotions).
As a qualified hypnotherapist in Melbourne, I can help you stop feeding your addiction to online gaming and find more positive ways to live your life.
If you’re looking for support to overcome internet gaming disorder or gaming addiction, hypnosis could be a helpful approach. Feel free to reach out to me directly or visit the Contact Us page for more details.