Using Motivational Interviewing to Address Internet Gaming Disorder

Abstract

Given the prevalence of internet gaming disorder (IGD) and official diagnostic criteria, counselors should be prepared to address gaming-related issues in counseling. One clinical modality that could be particularly effective with this presenting concern is motivational interviewing (MI). MI can be used in combination with other established clinical approaches and has empirical support for its utility with addictive behaviors. Although the use of MI has been previously proposed with IGD, this article presents a detailed description of the use of MI in conjunction with the Center for Internet and Technology Addiction (CITA) treatment model in a hypothetical adolescent case example.