Psychotherapy for Internet, Video game & Screen Overuse and Addiction

FITS-IA® APPROACH and TREATMENT

Treatment

FITS-IA® is a systemic treatment approach that prioritizes involvement from both the individual and the family. After a thorough assessment to understand the impact of DMO and co-occurring issues, such as, anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and trauma, our multidisciplinary, integrated dTEC® treatment team provides individual, family, group therapy, social skills training and personalized coaching to reduce family conflict, teach effective self-care skills and support interpersonal relationships through face-to-face social connections and community engagement.

dTEC® treats children, adolescents, and adults. We require parent and/or family involvement. In therapy, dTEC® clients will work with their therapist, when indicated, to prepare for a digital detox and develop a Digital Media Abstinence Plan and support their understanding, contribution, and participation in the Family Agreement^©.

Treatment begins with an assessment to gather pertinent background information, history of digital media use and co-existing mental health issues in order to recommend an appropriate course of treatment for you and/or your family. When appropriate dTEC® may be able to offer reduced fee services to those who qualify. Please contact us to make an appointment or to inquire about our reduced fee services.

Individual Therapy

Our experienced and knowledgeable therapists understand the bio-psycho-social influence in DMO and on mental health issues. They implement research based strategies and approaches, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Internet Addiction (CBT-IA), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Motivational Interviewing, family systems therapy, and exposure therapy, specifically for social anxiety, and more.

The dTEC® team uses a strengths based approach in individual therapy. We value the importance of building and establishing a trusting relationship with our clients and realize this connection is vital when it comes to taking the courageous step to face our personal challenges, commence a Digital Media Abstinence Plan, change behaviors, and prioritize self-care.

After “resting” the brain and body from digital media, and completing a period of abstinence and behavioral change, the Digital Media and Technology Reintegration Plan^© is introduced to reintegrate necessary digital media utilizing a harm reduction approach and practice learned skills and behaviors for supporting ongoing recovery from DMO.

Family Therapy

Family therapy is a critical component of a successful treatment outcome for DMO, substance abuse, mental health issues and family conflict. Exploring family dynamics, improving communication, confronting resentments, and supporting healthy attachment and connection is what families can experience when working together in therapy.

For our dTEC® clients family involvement is essential and is a cornerstone of the FITS-IA® model. We respect the challenges of parenting in the digital age and know the pain for parents when their child is struggling with compulsive behaviors, mental health issues, or academic challenges.

Developing a Family Agreement^© is a key step towards intervening in and stabilizing DMO issues and family conflict. We support families to develop an agreement around technology use and abuse that is strength based and developed to reduce distress in the family and develop effective communication skills. With clear expectations, boundaries, and consequences regarding digital media use, change occurs. The Family Agreement^© is evaluated and updated as goals are met and expectations change and Parent Coaching between sessions, supports stability and the change that is desired

Couples Therapy

According to the Pew Research Center 66% of individuals who are married or in committed relationships report that social media, general internet use, and cell phones have been a key factor in contributing to conflict and disagreements in their relationships. With digital media being so prevalent in today’s society and virtually unavoidable, the way couples connect is evolving, at times in a negative and positive direction.

dTEC^® understands that gaming, social media, pornography and digital media overuse (DMO) may be impacting your relationship with your partner and we are here to offer guidance and support. We work collaboratively with you and your partner to gain insight into the problem area and to understand how your relationship has been affected. We support couples to identify their boundaries, improve communication skills, and create agreements regarding when to use digital devices and media and when to set it aside in order to support you and your partner in finding meaningful connections in today’s seemingly disconnected society.

Group Therapy

“We human beings are social beings. We come into the world as a result of others’ actions. We survive here in dependence on others…..Most of our happiness arises in the context of our relationships with others.” Dalai Lama XIV

Group therapy and peer support groups are an essential component in FITS-IA®. Groups offer the opportunity to relate to others through interpersonal process, to learn and develop effective coping skills through psychoeducation, and to receive and provide support in recovery.

Social Skills and Exposure Group
Men’s Wellness and Recovery Group
Social Activity Groups

Consultation Services

dTEC® offers a 60-90 minute consultation session to parents who do not live in the state of Colorado. The consultation will provide parents with psychoeducation on the impact of digital media overuse (DMO), introduction to the Family Agreement^©resource, and tools for effective communication in order to support family members to engage in the healthy use of technology and digital media.