Grand Rapids Internet Addiction Therapy

Treatment for Internet Addiction in Grand Rapids, MI—Therapy and Counseling

Grayson would have gotten out of this appointment if that were possible, but his parents insisted. They had scheduled this time with a therapist because they were worried. As they sat on the counselor’s couch, they explained why. Grayson had stopped going to all his after-school activities and was often late to school because he was so tired from being online most of the night. He had also lost a lot of weight. They were not upset, but they wanted Grayson to get help if he needed it. His parents were concerned, but Grayson was annoyed. He saw things differently, and the therapist invited him to explain what he saw. Grayson took a deep breath and worked up his courage. He was online a lot because that is where all his friends were. His friends at school had been ignoring him and had stopped inviting him to hang out. That first session did not solve all their problems, but Grayson and his parents took a big step in the right direction. As the sessions progressed, Grayson and his therapist formulated a treatment plan for his Internet addiction. They worked on forming a healthy mindset about himself, other people, and life’s challenges. Grayson is not so different than many other people. More and more, Internet addiction is causing personal and professional problems, but more and more, people are reaching out and getting the help they need.

“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

Thriveworks Grand Rapids provides therapy for Internet addiction, and we have worked with a number of clients who have struggled to control the amount of time they are online or what they do when they are online. Many of the treatment options that are available for behavioral addictions (like gambling or shopping) are also effective for Internet addiction.

Internet Addiction’s Diagnostics

Today, almost anyone can be online whenever and wherever they want to be. Smartphones are always in the hand; laptops and tablets can travel anywhere; data is often unlimited. However, long before the Internet was so accessible, mental health professionals were expressing their concern. Some people can handle that access easily. Others have trouble with so much Internet access. In the mid-1990s, Dr. Ivan Goldberg proposed the thought that someone could become addicted to being online, and that thought was received with as a joke. However, within a few years, many realized this was no laughing matter. By the late 1990s, diagnostics and subcategories of Internet addiction had been developed by Dr. Kimberly S. Young.

When an individual displays a minimum of five of the following symptoms, they may be addicted to the Internet:

  1. Stabilizing one’s mood with Internet use.
  2. Difficulty stopping or curbing Internet use.
  3. Lying about how much one is online or what one does online.
  4. Staying online longer than one intended to be there.
  5. Experiencing a preoccupation with the Internet.
  6. Feeling depressed, irritable or moody when unable to go online.
  7. Escalating the amount of time spent online to feel the same level of satisfaction.
  8. Taking personal or professional risks in order to go on the Internet.

Internet addiction can come in many different forms. A few include:

  • Cybersex addiction: Obsessively going to adult websites for porn and sex.
  • Computer addiction: Playing online video games.
  • Cyber-relationship addiction: Over involvement with relationships that are online.
  • Net compulsions: Losing control over how much one is gambling, shopping, or day-trading online.
  • Information addiction: Scrolling through social media, databases, and the web compulsively.

Internet Addiction’s Effects

Compulsively being online can have harmful effects in real life. Like any addiction, Internet addiction can be highly disruptive to both an individual’s person and professional life. Also, like other addictions, Internet addiction has treatments that may bypass many of its effects—especially if people reach out for help when they begin to see signs that they are struggling with their Internet use.

The emotional signs that an individual may be using the Internet compulsively include:

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

The physical signs that an individual may be using the Internet compulsively include:

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

Setting Up an Appointment for Internet Addiction at Thriveworks Grand Rapids

As you read about compulsive Internet use, did you recognize anything? If so, you are not alone. There are many people who struggling to regulate when they are online and what they do online. If you are ready to help, the counselors at Thriveworks Grand Rapids are ready to help you. When you call our office, know that a real person will answer and help you schedule an appointment. New clients often meet their counselor within 24 hours of their first call. We do not put our clients on a waitlist, but we do offer weekend and evening appointments. We also accept many insurance plans. Call today.

Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 23 5 1 23 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Angel

★★★★★
Angel was the sweetest person! I’m so glad I chose this place for help! I felt like a crazy person at first but she made me feel like I was just normal and just going through a lot! I really appreciate angel!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

So Thankful

★★★★★
Thriveworks is a blessing. I got an appointment with a counselor within a week. Margaret Rose was wonderful. She was kind and insightful and I felt safe with her. I highly recommend Thriveworks Grand Rapids
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Denise-NP

★★★★★
My son saw Denise for the first time recently and she was great. She seemed very well informed in every area and so willing to help my son with his anxiety. She actually spent time with us and seemed to care. I'm so glad we found her.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Denise Skonieczny NP

★★★★★
I was in need of a psychiatrist for chronic depression and anxiety. I came across thrive having only a 4 month wait instead 9 to 12 month wait with any other psychiatrist. This was wonderful news. I met Denise as my clinician. She is very empathetic very knowledgeable. She has helped me alot sine my first vist. She is very dedicated to her patients which I truly appreciate. I would highly recommend her for any psychiatric needs. I think she goes above and beyond her role. She is a caring individual. There should be more people like Denise. She needs to be recognized for her work.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Wonderful

★★★★★
I am so pleased with my therapist, Lori. She does an outstanding job. When I read her specialties online I knew I had the right person, but when I met her for the first time I was convinced. I’ve raved about her to numerous people and have recommended Thriveworks a few times to people I know - everyone could use a Lori in their lives to help sort things out. The old adage comes to mind: “if you give a man a fish, he will eat for a day, if you teach a man to fish he will eat for a lifetime.” I am learning the skills to live and navigate life circumstances. I am calmer, happier and better off than I was when I first walked through the door. I’ve been given a gift and I am most grateful for all her help.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

No compassion

★☆☆☆☆
I saw Nancy. I specifically asked for someone who SPECIALIZES in domestic abuse. I am in an abusive relationship and she kept telling me "it's your choice to stay." She always questioned why I felt things or did things, like I should have this all figured out. I'm seeking therapy because I feel like I cannot leave and I know that's not a good thing. She had no compassion for what I have been through and just said it's my choice. No addressing the pain I've been through and how I have been affected by this. I feel like I can't leave because I feel like I would fall apart if I left, but I feel like I'm dying inside the relationship. This is a whole process that occurs over a long period of time. I have no self esteem, I have tried to leave and there are so many threats and manipulation, etc. I get shit from everyone about leaving, like its as simple as that for me. I wanted compassion from a counselor. I needed validation of my feelings, not another person telling me that I choose to live like this, like I want my life to be a living hell. I realize that I do make this choice ultimately, but there is so much more to this situation and I needed to process it. I am a doormat to everyone and she just asks why I do this. I NEED TO FIGURE OUT WHY and how to change! Her tone and questioning made me feel like she was being judgemental. She is a nice person, but she is not therapeutic. I couldn't move on with her after this. It felt like she was invalidating my feelings just like the rest of the world, like nothing I feel is real and I'm crazy. I shut down. I got a letter about being non compliant, that's why. It was no longer a priority for me to go and get treated like that. She never tried to help me process my feelings, just to say positive phrases to myself and eat healthy and exercise. This stuff is good, but doesn't help me deal with the things I have been through.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Awesome!

★★★★★
I have nothing but good things to say about my therapy with Lori. I was hesitant to begin a therapy regimine without knowing anything about the therapist. After the first session I knew I had found the right person. Lori is so adept at pinpointing the problems and gives very useful ideas of how to handle them. She is very personable and easy to talk with. I will miss these sessions but I have the confidence to know I have the tools to deal with whatever comes my way. I am a much happier person!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

All is well!

★★★★★
All is well!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Fantastic. Look forward to future sessions

★★★★★
Fantastic. Look forward to future sessions with my son!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

My therapist is amazing

★★★★★
My therapist is amazing she listens to everything I say she is very nice and kind I would recommend her to anybody that needs help i am so blessed to have her
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Good grasp of my problem.

★★★★★
Good grasp of my problem.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Very professional

★★★★★
Very professional. Counselor is engaging and helpful.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

I actually did not get to

★★★★★
I actually did not get to bring in my daughters due to a personal issue, but when I spoke with their therapist over the phone she was very helpful and although she isn’t my therapist she talked to me about my issue and helped me calm down preventing a panic attack that was starting. I am very thankful to her and will be rescheduling my daughters to see her.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Everything was great.

★★★★★
Everything was great. Alot of information given
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

I look forward to

★★★★★
I look forward to working with Jason.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Lori is amazing.

★★★★★
Lori is amazing. Relatable, fluid conversation. Going back next week!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Amazing availability

★★★★★
The therapists availability is amazing. The scheduling was smooth as well as paperwork. Thank you!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Work Wonders

★★★★★
I've had one lesson so far and I can already tell that this place is going to work wonders.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Enjoyed

★★★★★
I enjoyed having my visit at your location.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Highly Satisfied

★★★★★
My meetings with my therapist were thought provoking but humorous. We clicked together the first time I met her ten years ago. As she moves on, I know that I am able to move forward also.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Integrity!

★★★★★
Grand Rapids is an awesome place, filled with caring employees and overflowing with integrity. You can be sure that you are in good hands, and will see great changes in your life after a few sessions with these counselors.
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Wonderful

★★★★★
is wonderful - the office is beautiful, the therapists are amazing and everyone makes you feel so comfortable. Thank you, thank you!
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids

Great Therapy!

★★★★★
You won't find a better therapist than Olja Haglund! She moved here recently from another practice where I originally was her patient and I "moved" here with her. If you are looking for a therapist who will give you what you need, not what you want, look no further....I highly recommend and the professionals who work here!
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Thriveworks Counseling

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  • 710 Kenmoor Ave SE Suite 100
    Grand Rapids Charter Township, MI 49546

  • Mon-Fri:8AM-9PM
    Sat-Sun:8AM-5PM

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