Gambling and Gaming Addiction

Concerned for yourself or someone you care about?
Ask these questions:

Gambling

  • Am I spending more time and money on gambling than I intended?
  • Am I spending a lot of time thinking about gambling?
  • Have I tried to cut back or stop, but I can't?
  • Do I gamble to escape the troubles of life?
  • Do I go back to gambling to win back money I've already lost?
  • Have I tried to hide my gambling?
  • Has my gambling led to complicated relationships, financial situations, or legal issues?
  • Do I feel guilt or shame around my gambling?

If this sounds like you, you may have a gambling addiction. 

Gaming

  • Am I spending more time and money on gaming than I intended?
  • Am I spending a lot of time thinking about gaming?
  • Have I tried to cut back or stop, but I can't?
  • Do I get angry when interrupted while gaming?
  • Do I skip or neglect self-care when gaming, including hygiene, eating, sleeping?
  • Have I ever used sick days or skipped work or class to game?
  • Has my gambling led to complicated relationships, financial situations, or legal issues?
  • Do I feel guilt or shame around my gaming?

If this sounds like you, you may have a gaming addiction. 

How do you know when you're ready for help?

The Stages of Change

If you're reading this, you're probably already at least in the contemplation phase. That's great! Reach out to schedule a free consultation. Even if you're not ready for action yet, we can work on exploring your experience and any ambivalence you may have towards change. 
Schedule a Consultation

Why work with Megan?

Work with someone who already has a deep well of knowledge about games and gambling.

On Gambling...

Gambling is something I've found myself drawn to in different forms. The flashing lights, the dopamine rushes - it's almost weirder that someone wouldn't be hooked by the spectacle of gambling in different forms. 

Once gambling started to become incorporated into video games, things started to feel more insidious than they had in the past. I've caught myself getting sucked into the whirlpool of gambling on cosmetics, upgrades, and even real-world valuables. I know I'm not the only one. 

On Gaming...

I believe what sets me apart from other gaming  counselors is that I truly have lived experience with games. You won't need to explain the themes, mechanics, progression, or other characteristics of most games to me.

I play MMORPGs, MOBAs, FPSs, Battle Royales, roguelikes, platformers, metroidvanias, strategy games, life simulators, rhythm games, VR games, AR games, mobile games, gacha games, and more. We can skip a lot of explaining the basics of games when we start talking about your game(s) of choice.

Modalities

Tailoring therapy to fit your needs and goals

Harm Reduction & Abstinence

My first question will always be what do you want to work towards?

I support your choice, autonomy, and agency in setting your goals because they mean more when they come from yourself. This is the first step in empowering you to become intentionally involved in your treatment. You define success.

I will support you in whichever path you choose, and if you choose to change paths. 

Theories of Therapy

This is not an exhaustive list, but it is a good snapshot of what I will bring to your therapy experience.

MI is a method that encourages clients to explore the ambivalence, obstacles, reasons, values, and beliefs about taking a specific action they may feel stuckness with.

Sometimes referred to as "Parts Work," IFS can be used to conceptualize the many different parts of us that may be in conflict with each other. A core goal of IFS is to create a harmonious system between all parts and the core Self. 

ACT (read as the word "act" rather than A. C. T.) is an action oriented approach that aims to help clients move towards acceptance of their reality and commit to actions aligned with their values. 

This issue means a lot to me personally and professionally. For me, it started with loot boxes and moved into gacha games. I can see the rise of sports betting and selling predictions happening in real-time, and I know it's going to become a huge issue that plagues people predisposed to the hooks of gambling, especially in games.

These addictions are often hidden until their consequences have become dire. I don't want it to get that far for you. If you're already there, that's alright. The best day to plant a tree was 100 years ago. The second best time is today. 

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I am currently working towards my official ICGC (International Certified Gambling Counselor) and IGDC (International Gaming Disorder Certificate) credentials.