Charlotte Internet Addiction Counseling

Therapy for Internet Addiction in Charlotte, NC—Counselors

Larry had no desire to go to this appointment, but his wife insisted. She made the appointment with the therapist, and they were going to therapy together. Larry did not see what the big deal was, but his wife was concerned. In the counseling office, she explained that Larry always had his smartphone in his hand. They would get the kids in bed, and then Larry would not speak to her the rest of the evening. Instead, he was either on his phone or laptop. Larry tried to explain that he was just trying to get work done. His wife countered that he does not need to be working until 1 or 2 am. The therapist could see that there was a lot of tension. The therapist had also seen this situation many times before. Many people are like Larry and his wife. The other clients may not be middle-aged and married, but the pattern was the same: an addiction to the Internet. People of all ages, from teens to retirees are struggling with compulsive Internet use. They are losing control over how long the spend online and, at times, what they do online. Internet addiction is a growing mental health problem. More and more, people are recognizing the harm it has caused and they are reaching out for counseling for Internet addiction.

“Turn off your email; turn off your phone; disconnect from the Internet; figure out a way to set limits so you can concentrate when you need to, and disengage when you need to. Technology is a good servant but a bad master.” —Gretchen Rubin

Smartphones, tablets, laptops, and unlimited data often mean that people can be online all the time. Some people regulate their Internet use without any difficulty. Others have trouble. Much like gambling or shopping, Internet use can become addictive. Also like other addiction, Internet addiction can cause significant harm to an individual’s person or professional life. And yet, there are many treatments available.

The counselors at Thriveworks Charlotte see many clients who use the Internet compulsively. Internet addiction can compete for control of an individual’s life, but the mental health professionals at Thriveworks Charlotte has guided many people as they fight back.

What Exactly Is Internet Addiction?

In the mid-1990s, the Internet was not nearly as accessible as it is today, and yet, mental health professionals were starting to show concern about people’s use. In 1995, Dr. Ivan Goldberg suggested that the compulsive use could be an addiction, and many thought this suggestion was a joke. However, it was not long before other mental health professionals saw the seriousness of the situation. Dr. Kimberly Young outline criteria for diagnosing Internet addiction by 1998. According to her diagnostics, if an individual displays at least five of the following, they may be using the Internet compulsively:

  1. Spending increasingly more time on the Internet in order to feel satisfied.
  2. Using the Internet to regulate one’s mood.
  3. Lying about how much one is online and/or what one is doing online.
  4. Being online longer than one expected or planned to be there.
  5. Difficulty curbing or stopping Internet use—wanting to quit but being unable.
  6. Experiencing a preoccupation or obsession with being online.
  7. Feeling depressed, moody, or irritable when not on the Internet.
  8. Risking one’s personal relationships, financial stability, or professional reputation in order to be online.

Internet Compulsion: Symptoms and Signs

People with an Internet addiction may spend a lot of time online, but the addiction can cause significant harm in real life. Early intervention is often a key to treating Internet addiction, and the sooner people recognize the signs and symptoms of Internet addiction, the better. Then, they may be able to seek help sooner rather than later. The signs and symptoms of Internet addiction can be separated into physical and emotional red flags.

The emotional red flags that someone may be struggling with compulsive Internet use include…

  • Mood swings
  • Boredom
  • Feelings of guilt
  • Dishonesty
  • Isolation
  • Feelings of elation when using the Internet
  • Defensiveness
  • Inability to keep to a schedule
  • Agitation
  • Avoidance of work
  • Fear
  • Procrastination
  • Depression
  • Loneliness
  • Losing a sense of time
  • Anxiety

The physical red flags that someone may be struggling with compulsive Internet use include…

  • Neck pain
  • Backache
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
  • Poor nutrition (forgetting to eat or eating excessively)
  • Insomnia
  • Dry eyes and other vision problems
  • Headaches
  • Poor personal hygiene (e.g., not changing clothes, brushing teeth, bathing, and more)
  • Weight loss or gain

Scheduling an Appointment at Thriveworks Charlotte for Internet Addiction

Internet addiction can manifest in a variety of forms. It can look like a business professional will not stop looking at email. It can look like a teen who is always on social media, looking for that next “Like.” It can look like uncontrolled porn use or like an individual’s whose only relationships are online. Each person is unique and has their own particular struggles. That is why Thriveworks Charlotte offers individualized treatment to every client. When people have an Internet addiction, they may benefit from medication or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or group therapy. The mental health professionals at Thriveworks are dedicated to helping each client find the treatment they need.

When you contact our office, know that your first appointment may be the following day. We offer evening and weekend sessions, and we accept a variety of insurance plans. Let’s work together. Call today.

Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 10 5 1 10 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Great Counselor

★★★★★
I've worked with Mrs. Matson for close to a year now and I can say with certainty that she's a great counselor to go to for help with emotional regulation and understanding, grief management, and processing trauma in healthy and beneficial ways. Her use of meditation techniques to get to the root of my emotions and habits have helped me understand so much about myself and why I operate the way I do. I'd definitely recommend her to anyone just starting out looking for a good counselor, or anyone looking for a friendly empathetic professional who listens well and draws from a wealth of information to provide really quality services.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Good therapist

★★★★★
I have seen Dr. Daniel Stillwell for a year for individual and couples counseling and I trust him immensely. He is a skilled, authentic, and highly competent professional. I’ve also referred him to others and they described the same. Thriveworks staff have been very helpful with insurance and appointments.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Caring and personal

★★★★★
Adriana Blanco is wonderful. I never felt any judgement from her during our sessions. She is compassionate, firm and extremely knowledgeable. I could not see myself opening up as much with another counselor, thank you for putting her in my path.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Grandson

★★★★★
Excellent service. Blair Hamel was so wonderful. She truly cares.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Great place for healing

★★★★★
This is a very safe place. The therapists and staff are knowledgeable and patient. I have had a really positive experience and I am learning and growing.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Genuine and Comfortable

★★★★★
Charlotte has a team of Therapists that are skilled and compassionate. Matt and Kim have taken great care to ensure that client care is a priority. The environment is warm and welcoming. This is a group of Counselors who can really relate to the everyday challenges we all experiences.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Great people…great office

★★★★★
I am a big fan of Thriveworks! I have known Matt and Kim for some time now and I feel like I have known them forever. They are approachable, helpful, and just great people. Their office is comfortable and inviting. is a place where anyone can find a little peace. Give them a try :)
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Charlotte

★★★★★
Owners have great experience and are caring individuals.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

Not servicing patients

★☆☆☆☆
A place/facility that isn’t accepting any new patients. You rave about how you are here to help and treat people but really you aren’t at all. How is some one supposed to get help if you aren’t willing to help them. Very disappointed with Thriveworks and their lack of assisting.
Thriveworks Counseling Charlotte

For my son

★★★★☆
The service was fine. We came in for an evaluation for my son Bryant. Mrs. Hamel was professional and seemed to be able to talk with Bryant although his lips sometimes get in the way of being understood by others.
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Thriveworks Counseling

Schedule your first appointment with a Thriveworks Counselor or Life Coach!

  • 4412 Park Rd
    Charlotte, NC 28209

  • Mon-Fri:7AM-9:30PM
    Saturday:7AM-6PM
    Sunday:8AM-5PM

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