FITS-IA® APPROACH FOR TREATMENT OF DIGITAL MEDIA OVERUSE

FITS-IA® stands for Family engagement, Integrated Treatment, Social connection, for treating Internet Addiction. It’s a systemic treatment approach that prioritizes involvement from both the individual and the family. After a thorough assessment to understand the impact of digital media overuse (DMO) and co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse and trauma, a multidisciplinary, integrated treatment team provides individual, family, and 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.

The FITS-IA approach works to treat children, adolescents, and adults. It requires parent and/or family involvement. In therapy, clients 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

Therapists trained in the FITS-IA model understand the bio-psycho-social influence on digital media overuse and 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 FITS-IA model uses a strengths based approach in individual therapy. Practitioners value the importance of building and establishing a trusting relationship with their clients and realize this connection is vital when it comes to taking the courageous step to face 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 clients seeking to treat digital media overuse or addiction, family involvement is essential and is a cornerstone of the FITS-IA® model. FITS-IA practicitioners 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.

When gaming, social media, pornography and digital media overuse (DMO) impact primary relationships, therapists trained in the FITS-IA approach can offer guidance and support. They understand how to work collaboratively with clients and their partners to gain insight into problem areas and understand how their relationships have been affected. They support couples to identify their boundaries, improve communication skills, and create agreements regarding when to use digital devices and media and when to set them aside in order to finding meaningful connections with each other. 

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 of the FITS-IA approach. 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. Examples of group topics are:

  • Social Skills and Exposure Group –  A social anxiety skills and exposure group is a cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) informed group that uses mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness skills to support group members in building their confidence to challenge socially avoidant behaviors through personalized and therapeutic “exposure” exercises in the community with coaching support. They are common in FITS-IA recovery programs because clients struggling with digital media overuse are often isolated and find it difficult to connect with others in face-to-face interactions. Many identify as socially anxious and worry about being judged, embarrassed or rejected by others.
  • Men’s Wellness Recovery Group – A process group for those who identify as male and are in recovery from or seeking to be in recovery from digital media overuse (DMO) or addiction and associated problematic areas. Members with DMO issues utilize the group to discuss underlying issues which influence their screen use. They also share with one another the impact DMO has on their social challenges, academic struggles, poor self-esteem, mental health, and more. Through face-to-face connection, members collaborate and support one another in their self care.
  • Social Activity Groups – Social connection is a pillar of the FITS-IA approach and social activity groups give clients an opportunity to engage in activities designed to stimulate the mind and body and build social skills. Social groups often meet for fitness classes, community meals, movie nights, cookouts, and holiday parties. Clients can participate in a yoga group, engage “old school” skills and strategies in a board game group, or explore natural wonders in a hiking group.

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. 

internet addiction test

dMOS ™ The Digital Media Overuse Scale