Social Media Overuse (Problematic Use)
Social media can be helpful—but when checking turns compulsive, it can crowd out sleep, focus, and real-life connection. Problematic use shows up as an urge to scroll despite clear downsides at work, school, or home.
Common signs:
- Spending far more time online than intended; falling behind on responsibilities
- Feeling anxious, irritable, or “itchy” when you can’t check your feeds
- Compulsively opening apps in unsafe or inappropriate situations
- Using social media as the main way to cope with stress or loneliness
- Avoiding in-person time; feeling less interested in offline activities
- Repeatedly failing to cut back even when mood or sleep suffers
How we help:
At EMDR Therapy Solutions & Wellness, we use CBT and habit retraining to break the loop, motivational work to set realistic goals, and EMDR-informed care when shame, stress, or past experiences keep patterns stuck via telehealth statewide in Massachusetts and in person in the Plymouth area.
Gambling Disorder (Problem Gambling)
Gambling disorder involves an ongoing, hard-to-control urge to gamble that disrupts daily life—often leading to emotional strain, financial trouble, and conflict at home or work.
Common signs:
- Constantly thinking about gambling—past wins/losses or the next bet
- Needing to wager larger amounts to feel the same rush
- Repeated attempts to cut back or stop without success
- Irritability or restlessness when trying to reduce gambling
- Gambling to cope with stress, anxiety, or low mood
- Hiding gambling from loved ones or minimizing its impact
- Debt, financial crises, or relationship problems tied to gambling
How we help:
At EMDR Therapy Solutions & Wellness, care may include CBT and habit retraining, motivational work to strengthen change, EMDR-informed therapy when shame or trauma fuels the cycle, and practical money-safety plans available via secure telehealth across Massachusetts and in person in the Plymouth area.
Problematic Internet Use (Compulsive Online Activity)
Problematic internet use happens when online time becomes hard to control and starts crowding out sleep, health, responsibilities, and real-life connection. The result can be rising stress, conflict, and a drop in overall well-being.
Common signs:
- Choosing screen time over work, school, or in-person plans
- Needing more and more time online to feel satisfied
- Irritability or distress when you can’t get online
- Skipping sleep, meals, or movement because you’re still scrolling
- Going online to avoid difficult feelings or situations
- Strained relationships due to preoccupation with online activities
Behavioral Addiction Care at EMDR Therapy Solutions & Wellness
We provide evidence-based, personalized treatment for gambling, social media overuse, and compulsive internet use—via secure telehealth statewide in Massachusetts and in person in the Plymouth area. Plans are practical, paced, and tailored to your life.
What your plan may include:
- CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy): Spot triggers, interrupt unhelpful thought loops, and build replacement habits that stick.
- Motivational Interviewing: Clarify what you want to change and strengthen commitment with doable, stepwise goals.
- Mindfulness & Nervous-System Regulation: Brief, repeatable practices to reduce urges, stress, and impulsivity.
- Behavior Change & Habit Retraining: Structured routines, time design, and environmental tweaks (notifications, app limits, money-safety plans).
- EMDR-Informed Work (as indicated): Address shame, stress, or past experiences that keep the cycle going.
- Relapse-Prevention & Skills Coaching: Early-warning signs, coping menus, accountability tools, and weekly micro-actions.
- Peer/skills options (when available): Optional small-group skill practice to reinforce progress.
Our licensed clinicians pair compassion with proven methods to help you regain control, rebuild confidence, and restore balance without judgment.
