Internet Gaming Disorder Treatment in Ohio

Gaming can begin as a way to unwind, connect, or escape. But when it starts to pull someone away from school, work, relationships, and real life, it is no longer just a hobby. Internet Gaming Disorder is a recognized behavioral condition in which gaming takes priority over everything else, often leaving individuals and families feeling powerless and confused. We offer specialized therapy for Internet Gaming Disorder at our Ohio and Pittsburgh locations, with both in-person and telehealth options available for teens, young adults, and adults throughout the state. Whether you are a parent concerned about your child, an adult who recognizes a problem in yourself, or a professional seeking guidance, we are here to help.

WHAT IS INTERNET GAMING DISORDER?

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is a pattern of persistent and recurrent gaming behavior, whether online or offline, that results in significant impairment or distress over a period of at least 12 months. It is listed as a condition for further study in the DSM-5 and is formally recognized as a disorder by the World Health Organization (WHO) under ICD-11. Unlike casual gaming, IGD is characterized by a loss of control over gaming, where the individual continues despite negative consequences to their health, relationships, education, or employment. Research indicates that approximately 3 to 4 percent of gamers worldwide meet the criteria for Internet Gaming Disorder, a figure that rises significantly among adolescent and young adult male populations.

HOW INTERNET GAMING DISORDER DEVELOPS?

Internet Gaming Disorder rarely develops overnight. It typically follows a gradual progression that is easy to miss until the problem becomes severe. Our therapists assess each client’s unique pattern using the nine diagnostic criteria established by the DSM-5:

Preoccupation

The individual thinks about gaming constantly even when not playing, they are planning the next session or replaying past ones.

Assessment

Together you identify the specific memory or experience to target, along with associated beliefs, emotions, and physical sensations.

Reevaluation

Your therapist reviews progress at each session, ensuring healing is occurring and that your treatment goals remain on track.

History Taking and Treatment Planning

Your therapist gathers a thorough understanding of your background, symptoms, and goals to create a personalized treatment map.

Desensitization and Reprocessing

Bilateral stimulation guides your brain in reprocessing the targeted memory, reducing its emotional intensity and replacing negative beliefs with adaptive ones.

Conditions EMDR Treatment in Ohio Can Help

Our Ohio EMDR therapists work with individuals navigating a wide range of trauma-related and emotional difficulties:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and complex PTSD (C-PTSD)
Childhood abuse, neglect, and developmental trauma
Sexual assault, domestic violence, and intimate partner violence
Anxiety disorders, panic attacks, and specific phobias
Depression connected to unresolved or adverse life experiences
First responder and military veteran trauma
Grief, loss, and major life transitions
Religious or spiritual trauma
Birth trauma and perinatal mental health concerns
Chronic self-criticism, perfectionism, and low self-worth

If you are unsure whether EMDR therapy is right for your situation, our free consultation gives us the opportunity to understand your needs and recommend the most appropriate treatment path.

EMDR Training and Certification in Ohio

Are you a licensed mental health professional in Ohio looking to add EMDR to your clinical practice? We offer EMDRIA-approved EMDR training and support the complete pathway to EMDR certification in Ohio.

EMDR Basic Training: Part I and Part II

Our foundational training follows the EMDRIA-approved curriculum and qualifies for Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board (OCSWMFT) continuing education credits. Training covers the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model.

Consultation Hours for Certificate Completion

Completing 10 hours of EMDRIA-approved consultation is required before receiving your Certificate of Completion in EMDR Therapy Training. We offer both individual and group consultation in Central Ohio and remotely via telehealth for professionals across the state.

Full Pathway to EMDRIA Certified Therapist

After completing basic training and consultation, Ohio therapists can pursue the EMDRIA Certified Therapist designation through additional supervised clinical hours. We guide you through each step of this process from initial training through full certification so you can offer EMDR therapy with complete confidence.

Why Choose Our EMDR Services in Ohio?

EMDRIA-Approved Standards: Every therapist and trainer meets or exceeds EMDRIA requirements, ensuring you receive treatment and training grounded in current research and best practices.

Central Ohio Expertise: We are deeply connected to the Ohio mental health community and understand the needs of individuals and professionals throughout Central Ohio, Columbus, and the broader state.

In-Person and Telehealth: Whether you prefer face-to-face sessions or virtual therapy from anywhere in Ohio, we accommodate your preference without compromising on quality or clinical depth.

Trauma-Informed at Every Stage: We never rush the healing process. EMDR therapy and training are delivered with a trauma-informed approach that prioritizes your nervous system’s readiness and safety.

Therapy and Training in One Practice: Whether you are seeking personal healing or professional development, we serve both — making us one of the most comprehensive EMDR resources available in Ohio.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does EMDR treatment in Ohio typically take?

Treatment length depends on the complexity of your history and the number of experiences being addressed. Many clients experience meaningful relief within 6 to 12 sessions, while those with complex or developmental trauma often benefit from a longer course. Your therapist will discuss a realistic timeline during your first consultation.

Is EMDR therapy available via telehealth in Ohio?

Yes. We offer fully virtual EMDR therapy sessions to clients throughout Ohio, including areas where in-person trauma specialists are difficult to access. All telehealth sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform.

How is EMDR different from talk therapy?

Traditional talk therapy primarily engages the brain's prefrontal cortex through verbal processing. EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to access the deeper brain regions where traumatic memories are stored, facilitating reprocessing at a neurological level. This often produces faster and more lasting trauma resolution than talk therapy alone.

Can I complete EMDR training and certification in Ohio through your practice?

Yes. We offer EMDRIA-approved EMDR basic training (Part I and Part II) with CE credits recognized by the Ohio CSWMFT Board, plus consultation hours required for your Certificate of Completion and ongoing support toward your EMDRIA Certified Therapist designation.

Does EMDR work for conditions beyond PTSD?

Absolutely. While EMDR was developed for PTSD, it is now widely used for anxiety, depression, phobias, grief, attachment trauma, religious trauma, performance anxiety, chronic pain, and any distress rooted in overwhelming or adverse life experiences.

Serving Clients and Professionals Across Ohio

We provide EMDR therapy and EMDR training throughout Ohio, with particular focus on Central Ohio and the Columbus metro area. Through our telehealth services, CEC Therapy extends its reach to Cleveland, Cincinnati, Dayton, Toledo, Athens, Zanesville, Chillicothe, and every region of the state. No matter where you are located in Ohio, you deserve access to evidence-based trauma care delivered by a trained, credentialed EMDR therapist. Distance should never be a barrier to healing.