TheraGaming

In recent years, online gaming has become increasingly significant not only in leisure activities but also in the social and cultural landscape. As a passionate gamer with over 30 years of experience in the gaming scene, I have witnessed firsthand both the positive and negative aspects of this world. This background led me to develop the psychotherapeutic approach "TheraGaming," which focuses on the needs, ideas, and challenges of gamers.

Benefits of Online Gaming:

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Online gaming offers several benefits that are often overlooked. Research studies have shown that playing video games is not just a form of entertainment but can also have positive effects on the mental health and social lives of players.

1. Social Interaction and Community Building: Many online games encourage interaction with other players. Whether in teams, guilds, or clans, these social structures create a sense of belonging. Shared experiences in games can foster friendships and strengthen social cohesion. Players learn to cooperate, develop strategies, and support each other, significantly enhancing the sense of community.

2. Skill and Competency Development: Online gaming can promote a variety of skills. Players improve their problem-solving abilities, strategic thinking, and multitasking skills. Abilities such as quick decision-making and creative problem-solving are often required to succeed in virtual worlds. These skills are not only beneficial in the game but also in everyday life, be it in school, at work, or in dealing with everyday challenges.

3. Stress Relief and Relaxation: For many people, gaming serves as a valuable way to relieve stress and relax. In the hectic world we live in, immersing oneself in a game often provides an escape from everyday life and allows worries to be left behind for a while. Experiencing adventure and challenges in a virtual environment can be a welcome distraction.

4. Emotional Resilience and Coping Strategies: Players learn to deal with setbacks and overcome failures. This promotes emotional resilience and helps develop patience and perseverance. The ability to learn from mistakes and bounce back in a game can also be transferred to real life and make it easier to deal with personal challenges.

5. Creativity and Expression: Many games offer players the opportunity to be creative, be it through character creation, game world design, or story development. This creative expression can be therapeutically valuable and contribute to strengthening one's identity.

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Challenges and Risks:

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Despite these advantages, it is important to recognize the potential disadvantages and challenges of online gaming. Excessive use can lead to serious problems:

1. Addictive Behavior: Some players develop problematic gaming behavior known as gaming addiction. This can negatively impact social life, academic performance, or career paths. The criteria for gaming disorder include, among others, the failure to meet obligations and the displacement of social activities and relationships in favor of gaming.

2. Neglect of Responsibilities: When gaming behavior gets out of hand, important areas of life can be neglected. Family relationships, friendships, and professional obligations can suffer, leading to isolation and inner turmoil.

3. Negative Impacts on Mental Health: Spending too much time gaming can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and depression. It can also lead to sleep disorders, as many players tend to spend long nights gaming, which negatively impacts overall health.

4. Physical Health: Prolonged sitting and an unhealthy lifestyle that can be promoted by excessive gaming lead to physical ailments such as back pain, obesity, and lack of exercise. These physical problems can, in turn, impair mental well-being.

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My therapeutic approach does not simply view gaming as an addiction but as an opportunity to develop and utilize certain personal strengths. I focus on merging gaming behavior with the everyday life of the individual, exploring their values, beliefs, attitudes, and needs. I utilize cognitive-behavioral therapy with the goal of supporting the individual in reaching their full potential.