Gaming Addiction Help UK - Professional Family Support

Key warning signs include: playing 4+ hours on school days, aggressive behaviour when asked to stop, declining academic performance specifically tied to gaming, choosing gaming over friends and activities consistently, sleep deprivation affecting daily function, lying about gaming time, and continuing to game despite negative consequences. If 5+ signs are present for 3+ months, professional assessment is recommended.

Gaming addiction coaching costs £79 for an initial 60-minute diagnostic session and £69 for 45-minute follow-up sessions. This is significantly more affordable than clinical gaming addiction therapy (£150-£300 per session) while providing specialised, practical strategies for families. No long-term commitments required—book sessions as needed.

The key difference is impact on life functioning. Healthy gaming enthusiasm doesn't interfere with sleep, schoolwork, family relationships, or personal hygiene. Gaming addiction shows distress when unable to play, prioritisation of gaming over essential activities, and continued gaming despite negative consequences. In the first session, we'll assess whether you're dealing with healthy enthusiasm or problematic patterns needing intervention.

Yes, many families successfully address gaming concerns through structured coaching, parental controls, and behaviour modification strategies before needing clinical therapy. Coaching focuses on practical implementation of boundaries, understanding root causes, and building alternative activities. Clinical therapy is recommended for severe cases with co-occurring mental health conditions like depression or anxiety.

Yes! While I'm based in London, all coaching is conducted via video call, so I support families worldwide. Gaming addiction strategies work regardless of location. I've successfully helped families across Europe, North America, Australia, and Asia. Flexible scheduling includes evenings and weekends to accommodate different time zones.

No. Complete gaming bans rarely work and often damage trust. Instead, I help families create sustainable boundaries where gaming becomes a managed part of life rather than the centre of it. The goal is healthy balance, not prohibition. For severe cases, we may recommend temporary breaks, but always with your child's understanding and cooperation.

I've worked extensively with families struggling with Fortnite, Roblox, Minecraft, Call of Duty, FIFA/FC, League of Legends, Valorant, Rocket League, and many others. I understand the specific addictive mechanisms of each platform—from Battle Passes to loot boxes to ranking systems—and tailor strategies accordingly.

It varies significantly based on severity and family circumstances. Some families see improvement within 2-4 weeks with consistent implementation. More severe cases may need ongoing support over several months. The important thing is that sustainable change happens gradually—quick fixes rarely last. Most families need 3-6 sessions over 2-3 months.

It depends on age and situation. For younger children (under 13), I typically work primarily with parents. For teens (13+), I strongly recommend involving them in at least some sessions—gaming addiction recovery works best with buy-in, not force. I can coach both parents and teens together, or separately, depending on what will be most effective for your family.

This is completely normal and something I address extensively in coaching. I teach de-escalation techniques, conversation scripts that reduce defensiveness, and strategies for implementing boundaries even when your child is initially resistant. Often, the problem isn't the child—it's how the limits are being communicated and enforced. We'll work on that together.

Yes. The World Health Organisation recognised Gaming Disorder in 2018. Diagnostic criteria require impaired control over gaming, priority given to gaming over other activities, and continuation despite negative consequences for 12+ months. However, many gaming concerns don't meet clinical criteria but still need intervention and support.

Simply removing gaming devices creates conflict and doesn't address underlying needs. My approach focuses on understanding what the child gets from gaming (social connection, achievement, escape), addressing those needs through alternative activities, and creating sustainable boundaries with the child's cooperation rather than enforcement through power. This builds trust and creates lasting change.