Internet Addiction

The majority of my clinician background has been in the field of addiction/compulsive behaviors, with a special focus on digital media overuse/addiction for the last three years. This includes various online behaviors like gaming, porn, social media, shopping, and information/entertainment addiction. I have also been fortunate to speak at a number of conferences and schools as an expert in the digital media overuse field, in addition to teaching other therapists how to work with this concern.

In the U.S. 18% of porn users become addicted, while 7% of video gamers, and 3% of online gamblers become addicted. Online addictions are a disease of the brain’s reward system that can be just as destructive as drugs or alcohol. The convenience, immediate gratification, visuals, sounds, access, and wins provided by Internet 24/7 make this a challenging addiction. Our #InternetProofRecovery program uses specialized tools and exercises to counter this unique addiction.

Internet Addiction encompasses the compulsive use of games, pornography, shopping, and media, and also the difficulties of living in hybrid/virtual environments that over-expose our lives in ways we cannot control. Integrating what you do and who you are online is part of my therapeutic technique.

Addiction is defined as "The state of being being given up to some habit or compulsion." Smartphones and the internet are tailored toward keeping your personal interests active. We are in "wild, wild, west" territory here, but while we are in it, we don't have to be of it. There are tools and methods to help regulate this new world. I am in it, of it, and have learned how to help others healthfully modify and recognize and take on compulsive behaviors.

Advanced certification in Sex Addiction

There’s been much confusion over the term sex addiction. Just because someone engages in a fetish or enjoys porn does not mean that he or she is a sex addict. So, what is a sex addiction? All addictions (not just sex addiction) include these three criteria: Intense obsession with the substance/behavior, inability to quit, and negative consequences from the substance/behavior. If you want to watch porn or enjoy sex, that’s your business. If you cannot stop but want to, I can help.

Services available for individuals, couples, and families that are impacted by internet/technology/gaming concerns. These concerns can look like: excessive social media usage, spending more time on the phone than intended, gaming to the point of escape rather than entertainment, difficulties completing daily tasks due to time lost to devices, and/or concerns with maintaining focus on a single task or activity.

I enjoy working with people who are experiencing internet and video game addiction.

As a lifelong gamer myself I have an acute understanding of this lifestyle. For as long as I've been able to pick up a controller I have been playing video games and browsing all the corners of the internet.

As someone who worked in technology for decades prior to being a therapist, I have a keen understanding of too much Internet use and the problems it can create. I have both professional and personal experience helping my clients to use technology in a way that is helpful and aligned with one's values