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Screen Addiction / Digital Compulsivity Counselling

Screen addiction and digital compulsivity can affect mood, sleep, productivity, relationships, and emotional well-being. At iflow Psychology in Gladesville, we offer confidential, evidence-based support for individuals struggling with gaming addiction, compulsive scrolling, social media overuse, digital overwhelm, or difficulty managing online habits. Sessions available in person and via secure telehealth across NSW.

What We Help With

  • Gaming addiction / compulsive gaming

  • Online dependency and digital compulsivity

  • Excessive phone, tablet or computer use

  • Compulsive scrolling, binge-watching, or late-night digital use

  • Social media addiction (TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube)

  • Emotional reliance on online platforms

  • Withdrawal, irritability or mood changes when offline

  • Sleep disruption and circadian rhythm issues

  • Academic, workplace or relationship impacts

  • Co-occurring anxiety, depression, boredom or loneliness

  • Emerging screen overuse in adolescents and young adults

What’s Included

  • Comprehensive assessment of digital habits and behavioural patterns

  • Identification of emotional, cognitive and lifestyle triggers

  • CBT, ACT and behaviour-change strategies for impulse control

  • Screen-time restructuring and habit-replacement planning

  • Sleep and lifestyle interventions for digital balance

  • Support for parents managing adolescent gaming or screen overuse

  • Relapse-prevention strategies for high-risk periods

  • Optional family/couple sessions if conflict or communication issues are present

  • In-person or telehealth sessions across NSW

What to Expect

Therapy focuses on understanding the emotional and neurological drivers of compulsive digital behaviour—reward cycles, avoidance patterns, boredom sensitivity, and stress coping. You will learn strategies to regulate impulses, break escalation cycles, create healthier routines, reduce digital dependency, and strengthen your wellbeing. For adolescents and families, we provide structured plans for boundaries, communication and stepwise reduction.

Benefits

  • Reduced compulsive use and stronger impulse control

  • Better sleep and improved daily functioning

  • Improved mood, concentration and emotional regulation

  • Healthier relationships and social balance

  • Reduced anxiety, guilt and stress around device use

  • Sustainable screen-time boundaries

  • Restored motivation, productivity and wellbeing

  • Tools to prevent digital relapse

Why Choose iflow Psychology?

Our psychologists have extensive experience treating behavioural addictions, compulsive digital use, and the psychological impacts of online environments. We provide warm, practical and evidence-based strategies that reduce distress, improve functioning, and restore a healthier digital–life balance. All treatment is confidential, trauma-informed, and tailored to your goals.

Fees / Funding

  • Medicare rebates with a Mental Health Treatment Plan

  • NDIS (self-managed or plan-managed) where emotional regulation / behaviour support is relevant

  • Private health insurance rebates (depending on policy)

  • Telehealth and in-person options available

  • Standard consultation fees vary by clinician

How to Access Support

You can book directly—no referral is required.



For Medicare rebates, ask your GP for a Mental Health Treatment Plan.

Practical Tools Used in Therapy


  • Digital detox principles discussed and applied in sessions

  • Sleep hygiene and circadian rhythm reset strategies

  • Family screen-time agreements developed collaboratively

  • Behaviour tracking approaches introduced and reviewed

  • Relapse planning for high-risk periods

Finding iflow Psychology in Gladesville

iflow Psychology is located on Victoria Road in the heart of Gladesville, close to The Guitar Factory and easily accessible by public transport. Free and timed parking options are available in the surrounding streets, and major bus routes stop only a short walk from the clinic.

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We also offer secure telehealth appointments for employees across NSW.

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📍 Get directions on Google Maps — Suite 2, 260–274 Victoria Road, Gladesville NSW 2111

Frequently Asked Questions

What if screen use is linked to anxiety, low mood or stress?

Counselling addresses both behaviour and underlying psychological factors.

Screen use often functions as a way to:
• escape discomfort
• avoid tasks
• reduce boredom
• regulate mood


Supporting these drivers improves long-term outcomes.

Are parents involved?

Parents may be involved in setting goals, especially for younger clients.

This often helps with:
✓ consistent boundaries
✓ realistic expectations
✓ understanding triggers
✓ improved communication


Parent involvement varies by age and preference.

Is this suitable for children or teenagers?

Yes. Counselling commonly supports:
✓ loss of interest in activities other than screens
✓ conflict with parents over device use
✓ gaming-related disruption to sleep or schooling
✓ comparison-based distress on social media
✓ difficulties transitioning off devices


Sessions are conducted in a developmentally appropriate and supportive manner.

How long does counselling take?

Duration depends on severity of concerns and readiness for change.
Typically:
• 4–6 sessions for routine behavioural concerns
• 8–12 sessions when there are emotional, social or family impacts
• short-term review sessions may follow as needed


Progress is monitored over time.

What evidence-based approaches are used?

Treatment may include:
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Habit-reversal strategies
• Motivational Interviewing
• Behaviour change planning
• Emotional regulation skills
• Family-focused goal setting when relevant


These methods aim to increase control and reduce reliance on screens as a coping mechanism.

Does counselling require stopping all screen use?

No. Screen use is part of everyday life.
Goals may include:
✓ reducing time on specific platforms
✓ limiting use during certain hours
✓ improving balance with offline activities
✓ developing self-management strategies
✓ establishing boundaries that reduce conflict


Counselling supports realistic, sustainable change.

What happens in counselling?

Counselling focuses on understanding:
• emotional triggers
• habits and routines
• avoidance cycles
• reward-driven usage
• impact on functioning


The psychologist works collaboratively to create healthier boundaries and develop alternative coping strategies.

Do I need a referral?

No referral is required. Individuals or parents can book directly.

If co-existing mental health issues are present, a GP referral may provide Medicare rebates for eligible psychological services.

What types of screen-related issues do you support?

Common examples include counselling for:
• excessive gaming
• compulsive scrolling
• prolonged use of social media
• difficulty disengaging from devices
• avoidance of responsibilities
• online spending or engagement patterns
• conflict arising from device use


Support is tailored to age, goals, and personal circumstances.

How do I know if screen use has become a problem?

Counselling may be helpful when screen use is affecting:
✓ sleep
✓ school or work performance
✓ emotional regulation
✓ motivation or concentration
✓ social interaction
✓ physical activity
✓ mood when access is limited


People often seek support when reducing usage feels difficult or when devices are used primarily to cope with stress or boredom.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

If screen addiction, gaming dependency or digital overwhelm is affecting your life, work or relationships, early support can make a significant difference. We provide confidential, practical help tailored to your lifestyle and goals.


Book an appointment today or contact us for guidance.

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