I shouldn't even be on this website

March 11, 2015 10:06 AM

I need a referral to a therapist who has experience getting people addicted to screens (and their contents) to do their damn job. (Chicago area, but will accept remote or even national if worth traveling to see)

I am open to any treatment method so long as it doesn't keep me from work longer than a week. If a professional coach or a turnkey program would be more appropriate, please do recommend that. If it matters, I am in my 30s and have health insurance. My employer does not have a program I can use.

posted by anonymous to Work & Money (2 answers total)

There are studies (sorry on my phone, google) about how the screen entrains your brain and promotes addiction.

In other words, this is not emotional therapy, but more occupational therapy, or something similar that deals the physical & neurological side of things. I would not waste time/money dealing with this as an "addiction" when there is such a strong physical/neurological component.

I would recommend getting your eyes checked, get corrective lenses if necessary, and start reading paper books or other non-screen media content in the meantime.

Screens also effect your eyesight, and reading a screen is easier if you need corrective lenses sometimes, deepening your reliance on screen based input.
posted by jbenben at 2:03 PM on March 11, 2015

I am familiar with Dr. Kimberly Young, who runs The Center for Internet Addiction. I took a class in Organizational Behavior from her several years ago. She offers sessions via Skype and in person, according to her site.
posted by LightMayo at 1:52 PM on March 12, 2015