Virginia Beach Internet Addiction Counseling

Interventions for Internet Addiction in Virginia Beach, VA—Counselors and Therapists

Christopher did not want to meet with a therapist, but he did not have a choice. His wife made the appointment and insisted. Last week, their daughter made a comment that made them both think twice. After her volleyball game, Christopher’s daughter was angry. Every time she looked at her dad, she said he was on his phone. His daughter said he is always on his phone. When Christopher asked his wife to defend him, she said that their daughter had a point—Christopher spends most of his evenings on his laptop or with his smartphone in his hand. Christopher was upset, so his wife suggested he talk about it with a professional. At the appointment, Christopher explained that his Internet use is not a big deal, and that he is here so that his wife and daughter would be satisfied. To help him gain perspective, the therapist gave Christopher and asked him to write down when he was online, either on his laptop or phone, during his evenings and days off this week. At his next appointment, Christopher felt differently. He was beginning to see what his wife and daughter were saying. His therapist explained that he is not the only one. Many people are struggling to regulate how much they use the Internet and what they do online. Many people are struggling with an Internet addiction.

“Tech isn’t morally good or bad until it’s wielded by the corporations that fashion it for mass consumption. Apps and platforms can be designed to promote rich social connections; or, like cigarettes, they can be designed to addict. Today, unfortunately, many tech developments do promote addiction.”
― Adam Alter, Irresistible: The Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked

The therapists at Thriveworks Virginia Beach are working with more and more clients who need help with their Internet use. They may be spending too much time online or they may be taking too many risks online. In either case, help is available. Internet addiction has effective treatments.

Internet Addiction: Diagnostics

High-speed Wifi is long been available in coffee shops and restaurants, but now, people can log in on airplanes and in their cars. Unlimited data plans mean that people are glued to their phones even more. For some, unplugging is not a challenge at all. They can sit down at a meal with friends and not reach for their phone. Others, however, have difficulty with their Internet use. Much in the same way that gambling or shopping can become addictive and compulsive, so can Internet use.

Even before high-speed Internet, mental health professionals were concerned about how people were using the Internet. In 1995, when people were still using dial-up, Dr. Ivan Goldberg suggested that the behavior he was observing was indicative of an addiction. By 1998, another mental health professional, Dr. Kimberly Young developed diagnostics for recognizing compulsive Internet use:

  1. Using the Internet for increasingly longer amounts of time or taking more and more risks online in order to feel content with one’s use
  2. Managing one’s mood—particularly difficult emotions—with the Internet.
  3. Deceiving others about being online—how much, when, where, and what one does online, et cetera.
  4. Losing track of time while online and staying there longer than intended.
  5. Failed attempts to limit or quit using the Internet—often there is a desire to curb use but the inability to do so.
  6. Experiencing obsessive thoughts about the Internet.
  7. Being irritable, depressed, or moody when unable to go online.
  8. Taking risks in order to be online or do certain things online—jeopardizing one’s finances, relationships, job, and more.

Compulsive Internet Use: Symptoms and Signs

When people have difficulty regulating what they do online, they often experience side-effects in real life. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of Internet addiction is important because early intervention often helps people heal and recover from Internet addiction. When people see the red flags of addiction and take action immediately, they may have an advantage in recovery.

Emotional signs that an Individual is struggling with Internet addiction may include…

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

Physical signs that an Individual is struggling with Internet addiction may include…

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

Scheduling a Session at Thriveworks Virginia Beach for Internet Addiction

Compulsive Internet use can look like a professional who never puts their phone down. It can look like a teen (or anyone for that matter) who incessantly scrolls through social media. It can be out-of-control pornography use or over-involvement in online relationships. If the Internet feels like it is controlling you, it may be time to reach out for help, and help is available. When you reach out to Thriveworks Virginia Beach, know that you may be meeting with your therapist the following day. We accept many different insurance plans, and we also offer weekend and evening appointments. When you call, one of our scheduling specialists will answer and help you find an appointment. Let’s get started. Call today.

Thriveworks Counseling Virginia Beach

People Love Our Providers!

Overall Rating: 5★★★★★ based on 32 5 1 32 reviews. See all reviews
Thriveworks Counseling Virginia Beach

Don Costigan – Highly recommend!

★★★★★
Don is an incredible human being who is right where he needs to be helping people regain balance in their lives. I lost mine. My husband lost his. We lost our marital balance. Don helped us face hard truths and taught us how to acknowledge our negative communications and replace it with the knowledge of how to break the cycle. We learned how to healthfully detach, accept & grow. We are forever thankful to Don for his guidance.
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Thriveworks review

★★★★★
Great session,fair priced and mr. Costigan is very friendly and knowledgable. Great help
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Review for Mandy Donnelly

★★★★★
This is a review for Mandy Donnelly at the Virginia Beach location. I worked with Mandy for more than one year in community mental health and she is the real deal. Mandy was able to build strong relationships with her clients and had a great impact with with children, adolescents, and adults. Mandy is also highly ethical and respectful. I would strongly recommend Mandy and would take my own children to her.
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Don Costigan

★★★★★
I started seeing Don in Feb. of this year. I have several behaviors I am currently dealing with. Don is compassionate, knowledgeable, sympathetic and easy to talk to. He is like a friend and has helped me with so many things I'm currently dealing with.
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Amazing

★★★★★
Dr. Turon's passion for working with couples and families is far-reaching! Having worked with him in many capacities, I can say with all clarity, Dr. Turon is genuine and presents his most authentic self, in and out of the therapy room.
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Felt complete

★★★★★
I had the pleasure of meeting Juan 7 years ago during a very difficult time in my life as well as my kids . Very professional made us feel very comfortable,he helped my kids and myself. I couldn’t be more thankful .
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NG

★★★★★
I've worked with J Turon for several years and can account for the positive impact he has had with so many of our clients. Mr. Turon has a natural way of relating to others, ensuring they understand what he is sharing and then implementing changes that are reflected in behavior, attitude and approach. I would recommend Mr. Turon to anyone or any family seeking answers as well as a guide to a well balanced and healthy approach to mental health.
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It was a great experience

★★★★★
It was a great experience
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I love everything about Thriveworks!

★★★★★
I love everything about thriveworks! The first time I called I was able to get an appointment the same day with a great therapist, Shuan Salzman. I was diagnosed with FND and on of the treatments is cognitive behavioral therapy. My daughter also goes here and sees Jeanie. She is workingwonderful with teenagers. My daughter was very hesitant in going but she has open up. Both therapists are perfect very professional. I would recommend thriveworks to any of my family members, friends, and coworkers.
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Very helpful

★★★★★
Very helpful
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I love Donna

★★★★★
Pretty good i love donna
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My sessions have been very helpful

★★★★★
My sessions have been very helpful.
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Digusted

★☆☆☆☆
I cancelled my daughter's appointment due to illness (she was throwing up) and was charged a $99 fee! The fact that you would rather me bring my child throwing up to your office instead of allowing me to cancel is disgusting. It is bad enough having a sick child at home, now I have to incur a $99 fee for having a sick child and doing the right thing by keeping her home. Gross. Shame on you.
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Personable and professional.

★★★★★
Personable and professional.
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Look Forward to our next

★★★★★
Only had one appointment so far but we liked the session and look forward to our next
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You’re doing well!

★★★★★
You’re doing well!
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I would like to continue with Donna

★★★★★
I felt it was good, donna listened, understood our feeling ,even those which i could not put words to. I would like to continue with her.
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Pete is great

★★★★★
Going great so far. Pete is great, knowledgeable and relatable.
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Pete was amazing and answered my questions

★★★★★
Pete was amazing and answered my questions
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So far therapy is great

★★★★★
So far therapy is great, this is going on my 3rd session in my entire life! and im starting to notice some changes already
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I really look forward to my visits.

★★★★★
I really look forward to my visits. I feel comfortable and I love the office set up down town.
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The staff are very professional and punctual

★★★★★
The staff are very professional and punctual and my therapist is extremely knowledgeable, hands on, relatable, and exudes genuine interest in helping me overcome my issues.
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My 1st session was interesting

★★★★★
My 1st session was interesting looking forward to my next session
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The session was good.

★★★★★
The session was good. I feel like I got a lot accomplished and obtained a lot of tools.
Thriveworks Counseling Virginia Beach

My first session and I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel.

★★★★★
My first session and I can already see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’m as hard headed as they come and I have to admit, therapy works!
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We’re both looking forward to our next session.

★★★★★
We’ve only had one session but I felt Dr. Love really understood what I was trying to relay to my partner. We’re both looking forward to our next session.
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Dr. Love is going to save our relationship!

★★★★★
Dr. Love is going to save our relationship! Thank you for listening and giving advice !
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Appointment went well

★★★★★
Very please with how easy to set up appointment & first Appointment went well. I left feeling very comfortable which is the first to learning how to deal with some challenges that I am having to deal with and more to come.
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Donna immediately made me feel comfortable

★★★★★
Donna immediately made me feel comfortable about her being my daughter’s therapist. She has a true understanding of what she is going through. When I call to make appointments, I am met with a friendly voice.
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Monthly Administrators Fee

★☆☆☆☆
It is unfortunate that my therapist of many years Dr. Amanda Trent started working for Thrive. Thrive charges a MONTHLY Administration plus your copay which is ridiculous. To my knowledge noone charges a monthly fee other than Thrive. In my opinion their goal is to gain money not assist patients in need.. If you need help , i recommend locating a facility that does not charge a monthly fee.
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No appt available

★☆☆☆☆
Your website advertises appointments available within 24 hours, but I just called to schedule with a NP and was told you have no new patient availability.
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Impressed

★★★★★
I'm repeatedly impressed by Ebonie's insights and knowledge. She is a great counselor
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Thriveworks Counseling

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  • 516 S Independence Blvd Suite 104,
    Virginia Beach, VA 23452

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

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